"Flawless diamonds sound great, but unless you carry a loupe around, a VS2 looks identical—and saves you thousands!"
The Diamond Clarity Scale
Clarity refers to the tiny natural imperfections (inclusions) inside the diamond. The GIA grades clarity from Flawless (FL) down to Included (I3).
When you buy a standard engagement ring, you do not need a flawless diamond. What you need is an "Eye-Clean" diamond.
What "Eye-Clean" Means
Eye-clean means that when you look at the diamond with your naked eye, you cannot see any imperfections. You would only see them under 10x magnification.
Since humans don't have microscope eyes, an eye-clean VS2 (Very Slightly Included) diamond looks exactly the same as a Flawless diamond from the top down. But the VS2 diamond costs significantly less.
Where to Find the Sweet Spot
To get the most diamond for your money, you must find the lowest clarity grade that is still eye-clean.
1. The VS Range (The Safe Bet)
VS1 and VS2 diamonds are almost always eye-clean. This is the sweet spot for 90% of buyers. You are guaranteed a diamond that looks flawless to the naked eye without paying the massive premium for VVS or Flawless.
2. The SI Range (The Advanced Strategy)
SI1 diamonds are where you find the best values, but they require hunting. Some SI1 diamonds are completely eye-clean, while others have noticeable black specks right in the center.
- Pro Tip: Look for SI1 diamonds where the inclusions are white/transparent, or located near the outer edges where a prong can cover them up!
3. Step Cuts (The Exception)
If you are buying an Emerald or Asscher cut diamond, you cannot drop to an SI1. Because these cuts have large, open facets (like looking into a clear pool of water), you can see straight to the bottom. For these shapes, you must buy VS1 or better.
The Lumi Verdict
Never overpay for clarity. Drop down to a VS2 or SI1 to maximize your budget, and put that saved money into getting a better Cut or a larger Carat weight!