Eye Clean Diamonds Explained, What You Need to Know
When shopping for an engagement ring or diamond, clarity can be one of the most confusing parts of the buying process. Many shoppers assume that the higher the clarity grade, the better the diamond will look, and that a higher grade is always worth the difference in diamond prices. In reality, once a diamond reaches an eye-clean appearance, paying for additional clarity may not create a noticeable difference.
This is where the term eye-clean diamond becomes important. An eye-clean diamond may contain inclusions when examined under magnification, but those characteristics are not visible to the naked eye during normal viewing. For many buyers, finding an eye-clean diamond can be a smart way to balance appearance and budget without paying for a level of clarity that cannot be seen.
What Is an Eye-Clean Diamond?
An eye-clean diamond may contain inclusions when examined with a loupe or microscope, but those characteristics are not visible to the unaided eye during normal viewing. This distinction is important because a diamond can have inclusions under magnification while still appearing completely clean when worn.
Eye-clean is a term used by jewelers and diamond professionals to describe a diamond that appears free of visible inclusions when viewed with the naked eye.
Most diamonds contain some internal or surface characteristics. These are called inclusions and can include crystals, clouds, feathers, needles and other natural characteristics. A diamond's clarity grade reflects the size, number, position and visibility of these characteristics when examined under 10x magnification.
Photo by GIA showing inclusions
An eye-clean diamond may therefore have inclusions under magnification but still look completely clean when you look at it in a ring or from a normal viewing distance.
Eye-Clean vs. Diamond Clarity Grade
The GIA clarity scale ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3). Between these grades are Internally Flawless (IF), Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2), Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2), and Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2).
A higher clarity grade generally means fewer or less noticeable inclusions under magnification. However, clarity grades do not tell the entire visual story. Two diamonds with the same clarity grade can have very different blemishes and inclusion patterns and may not look the same to the naked eye.
For example, diamonds can vary considerably in appearance. One VS2 diamond with a small inclusion near the edge may appear completely clean, while another VS2 diamond with a more noticeable inclusion beneath the center of the table may not. This is why looking at the individual diamond and not just its grading report is so important. Shown are G/VS2, a H/VS2 and E/VS2 engagement rings.
Why a Higher Clarity Grade Doesn't Always Mean a Better-Looking Diamond
It is easy to assume that a VVS diamond will automatically look better than a VS or SI diamond. In reality, once a diamond reaches the point where inclusions are no longer visible to the naked eye, moving to a higher clarity grade may make little or no visible difference.
You may be able to see the difference under 10x magnification, but you won't necessarily see it across a jewelry counter or while wearing the diamond.
For this reason, many buyers can get better value by choosing a diamond that is eye-clean rather than simply choosing the highest clarity grade they can afford. The money saved on clarity can potentially be directed toward other characteristics that have a greater visual impact.
Clarity chart by AGS
Can an SI1 or SI2 Diamond Be Eye-Clean?
Yes. Diamonds in the SI range, particularly SI1, can sometimes be eye-clean.
The visibility of an inclusion depends on several factors, including its size, color, type and location. A small inclusion near the edge of a diamond may be difficult to notice, while a dark inclusion near the center can be much more apparent. Featured is a SI1, clarity I diamond ring.
SI2 diamonds are more likely to have visible inclusions, so they require more careful evaluation. Some may still appear eye-clean, while others will have characteristics that are readily visible without magnification. Below is a SI2, clarity G diamond ring.
The key is not to assume that every SI1 or SI2 diamond will look the same. Clarity grade is a starting point, not the final answer.
How Diamond Shape Affects an Eye-Clean Appearance
The shape of a diamond can make a significant difference in how easily inclusions are seen.
Round brilliant diamonds are often good candidates for an eye-clean appearance because their numerous facets and strong sparkle can help disguise minor inclusions. Princess cuts can also conceal certain inclusions because of their faceting pattern. Featured are a round brilliant diamond and a princess cut diamond ring and diamond necklace.
By contrast, emerald cut diamonds have large, open step cut facets that create broad transparent areas across the stone. Because there is less facet scintillation to disguise inclusions, they can make clarity characteristics easier to see, so you may want to choose a higher clarity grade with the emerald cut.
Likewise, Asscher cuts have large, open step facets that create broad areas across the stone. These facets can make inclusions easier to see, meaning buyers may also want to consider a higher clarity grade when choosing these shapes. Below is an emerald cut ring and Asscher cut ring and diamond band.
A radiant cut combines the rectangular or square outline of a step cut with brilliant style faceting, giving it more sparkle that can help disguise certain inclusions. Other fancy shapes, including oval, pear, marquise and cushion cuts, can vary depending on their facet patterns and the location of inclusions.
This is one reason it is important to evaluate clarity in combination with the diamond's shape, size and cut, rather than considering the clarity grade by itself.
Where the Inclusion Is Located Matters
An inclusion's location can be just as important as its size, particularly when you're selecting a center stone for an engagement ring.
A small inclusion positioned near the edge of a diamond ring may be difficult to notice, especially once the gemstone is set. An inclusion directly beneath the table, on the other hand, may be much easier to see because it is located in one of the most visible areas of the diamond.
The type of inclusion matters, too. Some inclusions blend into the diamond and are difficult to see, while darker or more contrasting inclusions may stand out.
This is why two diamonds with identical clarity grades can have completely different appearances.
Carat Weight: Size Affects Visibility
Carat weight can also influence how noticeable an inclusion appears. As a diamond gets larger, its facets and surface area provide more opportunity for inclusions to be seen. An inclusion that is barely noticeable in a smaller diamond may be easier to spot in a larger gemstone. This doesn't mean larger diamonds need exceptionally high clarity, but it does make evaluating the individual diamond more important. Shown are E/VVS2 1.26 ct. and F/VVS2 3 ct. diamond rings.
Does an Eye-Clean Diamond Have Less Fire or Sparkle?
No. Being eye-clean does not mean a diamond will have less fire, brilliance or scintillation.
Clarity and cut are separate characteristics. While significant inclusions can affect a diamond's transparency and appearance, a diamond with minor inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye can still be extremely bright and lively.
Cut quality has a particularly important influence on how a diamond handles light. A well-cut eye-clean diamond can display beautiful brilliance, flashes of fire and scintillation.
In other words, you don't have to choose between an eye-clean appearance and a sparkling diamond. In many cases, you can have both.
Do Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds Have Inclusions?
Both natural and lab-grown diamonds can contain inclusions.
Natural diamonds develop deep within the Earth under extreme heat and pressure, and their inclusions can provide information about their formation. Lab-grown diamonds are created using advanced technology, but they can also develop internal characteristics during the growth process.
Both types can have characteristics such as clouds, feathers and crystal-like inclusions, although the types and patterns can differ depending on how the diamond formed.
Just as with natural diamonds, a lab-grown diamond's clarity grade does not necessarily tell you whether it will appear eye-clean. The individual stone still needs to be evaluated.
How to Shop for an Eye-Clean Diamond
When shopping for an eye-clean diamond, don't focus exclusively on the clarity grade listed on the grading report. Instead, look at the diamond itself.
Ask whether the diamond has visible inclusions when viewed face-up with the naked eye. Pay attention to where the inclusions are located and whether they contrast against the rest of the gemstone. Consider the diamond's shape and size as well, since these can influence how noticeable inclusions are.
This is where working with an experienced jeweler can make a difference. A knowledgeable jeweler can help you compare diamonds and identify gemstones that offer the clean appearance you want without spending unnecessarily on a higher clarity grade.
The Bottom Line: Eye-Clean Can Be a Smart Choice
When it comes to diamond clarity, the goal isn't necessarily to buy the highest grade you can afford. The goal is to find a diamond that looks beautiful to you.
An eye-clean diamond can offer an excellent balance between appearance and value. If inclusions aren't visible without magnification, paying significantly more for a higher clarity grade may not provide a noticeable difference in the finished ring.
Understanding the relationship between clarity, cut, color, carat, diamond shape and inclusion placement allows you to shop more strategically. Rather than paying for a clarity grade you may never be able to see, you can focus your budget on the characteristics that matter most to you, and choose a diamond that looks exceptional both on paper and on your hand.
Let Us Help You Find the Right Diamond
Choosing a diamond can feel overwhelming when you're comparing clarity grades, carat weight, cut, color and diamond prices. That's where our experienced team at E.D. Marshall Jewelers can make the process easier. We can help you look beyond the grading report and evaluate the individual diamond, including its inclusions, blemishes, proportions, cut quality and overall appearance.
Whether you're searching for an eye-clean diamond for an engagement ring, a diamond ring, or a special piece of fine jewelry, we'll help you understand your options and find a gemstone that fits both your preferences and your budget. Our goal is not simply to sell you a diamond, but to help you make a confident, informed decision and choose a diamond you'll love for years to come.