Diamond Clarity

Is your diamond “eye-clean”? Diamond clarity has a huge impact on the rarity, beauty, and value of your diamond. With or without a magnifying glass, read on to be equipped in finding the clarity that suits you best!

The diamond-clear vision

From blemishes on the surface to internal inclusions, clarity assesses a diamond’s natural imperfections. When considering clarity, it’s important to remember that mined diamonds are formed organically within the earth, so imperfections are completely natural and extremely common. Moreover, imperfections are, more often than not, undetectable to the naked eye. But just like each one of us, a diamond’s imperfections are what make a diamond unique. That’s why diamond clarity is graded along a spectrum, from flawless (no inclusions) to included.

Higher clarity grades such as Flawless (FL), Internally Flawless (IF), and Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) represent diamonds with minimal or no visible inclusions, and are rarer — and priced accordingly. Meanwhile, Slightly Included (SI) or Very Slightly Included (VS) diamonds often offer exceptional beauty at a more accessible price point, making them a popular choice for those seeking both value and visual brilliance.

A chart of the diamond clarity scale, from Flawless (FL) to Included (I), to help choose a diamond engagement ring.

Slightly Included Diamonds (SI)

Ecksand prides itself on impeccable craftsmanship with our eye-clean diamonds, including the Slightly Included (SI) category. These inclusions, nearly undetectable to the naked eye, can be concealed by prongs once set. Experience the elegance and ethical promise Ecksand delivers with every piece.

Slightly Included diamonds often have inclusions near the diamond’s center, but our expert gemologists curate only those with inclusions that can be easily hidden within the setting, preserving the diamond’s natural brilliance.
Choosing an SI diamond is a thoughtful way to maximize both beauty and budget without compromising the overall appearance of your piece.

The Beauty of our Slightly Included Diamonds

At Ecksand, our expert gemologists meticulously curate both our Slightly Included and Very Slightly Included diamonds. We strategically select SI grade diamonds with inclusions on one side, ensuring they are almost invisible to the naked eye and can be concealed by ring prongs. Every diamond is handpicked to deliver exceptional brilliance without the premium price of higher clarity grades.

Explainer image showing inclusions on a Canadian-made 18K white gold diamond engagement ring.

Very Slightly Included Diamonds (VS)

Like the rest of our diamonds, our expert gemologists carefully curate our selection of Very Slightly Included diamonds so that you get the most exquisite, eye-clean diamond at the best value.

Ecksand VSI Diamonds

Our Very Slightly Included (VSI) diamonds feature inclusions that are invisible to the naked eye. Strategically hand-selected, our diamonds hide their inclusions within their facets. Once your diamond is set, these inclusions can also be strategically hidden by the prongs of your ring.

Unlike Ecksand, Standard Very Slightly Included (VSI) diamonds on the market can feature inclusions near the diamond’s center. While these inclusions are hard to spot with the naked eye, they can still affect your diamond’s brilliance. At Ecksand, our careful curation ensures that every diamond’s fire, brilliance, and beauty shine through effortlessly.

An Ecksand jeweler crafting a Canadian-made white gold and diamond ring at our Montreal atelier.

Very Very Slightly Included (VVS) Diamonds

VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds offer extraordinary clarity, with inclusions so minute that they are difficult to detect even under 10x magnification.
At Ecksand, our curated selection of VVS diamonds embodies brilliance, rarity, and refinement, perfect for those who want a diamond that appears virtually flawless to the naked eye.

VVS clarity is especially popular with our customers seeking lab-grown diamonds, allowing them to achieve exceptional clarity at a more accessible price point compared to natural diamonds of the same grade.

Internally Flawless (IF) Diamonds

Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds contain no internal inclusions, only minor surface blemishes that can usually be polished away.
They represent the pinnacle of clarity: rare, breathtaking, and timeless. At Ecksand, we curate select IF diamonds for those seeking a truly exceptional piece, whether natural or lab-grown.
An IF diamond is a statement of rarity and perfection, ideal for those who wish to invest in an heirloom piece with unparalleled purity.

How Clarity Impacts Your Budget

Clarity is one of the biggest factors influencing a diamond’s price. Higher clarity grades — such as IF and VVS — are rarer and therefore command higher prices. However, when expertly selected, Slightly Included and Very Slightly Included diamonds can offer stunning, eye-clean brilliance at a fraction of the cost.
Choosing the right clarity grade for you depends on your personal preferences, priorities, and budget. And Ecksand’s experts are here to guide you every step of the way.

Eye-clean diamonds? Ecksand’s only choice

At Ecksand, we only curate eye-clean diamonds to ensure no visible imperfections compromise your diamond’s beauty or brilliance. Whether you’re drawn to the rarity of a VVS diamond or the value of an expertly curated SI stone, every Ecksand diamond is chosen with the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.

Ready to learn more? Explore the rest of the 4C’s, Cut, Colour, Carat, and discover how Ecksand makes selecting your dream diamond a truly extraordinary experience.