Diamond Clarity Value Calculator
See how clarity grade affects diamond price and find the best clarity value for your budget.
Clarity Price Comparison
Compare prices across clarity grades for a specific diamond.
Savings by Choosing Lower Clarity
See how much you save by choosing VS2 or SI1 over higher grades.
Eye-Clean Clarity Recommendation
Get the recommended minimum eye-clean clarity for your diamond size.
Formula
Best value is typically VS2 or SI1 (eye-clean at 30-50% savings vs VVS)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does clarity affect diamond price?
What is the best clarity to buy?
What does eye-clean mean?
Understanding Diamond Clarity Value
Diamond clarity is graded on a scale from FL (Flawless) to I3 (Included). Each grade step represents a significant price change, but the visual difference is often imperceptible without 10x magnification. This creates excellent value opportunities for informed buyers willing to choose "eye-clean" diamonds at lower clarity grades.
The "sweet spot" for clarity value is VS2 and SI1. These grades are nearly always eye-clean in diamonds under 2 carats, yet cost 30-50% less than VVS grades. The money saved can be redirected toward better color, larger carat weight, or a superior cut -- factors that have much more visible impact on a diamond's beauty.
Step-cut diamonds like emerald and Asscher cuts require higher clarity grades because their large, open facets act as windows into the stone, making inclusions more visible. Brilliant cuts like round, oval, and cushion are more forgiving because their complex facet patterns help mask inclusions through light dispersion.