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What Diamond Clarity Is Best

When selecting a diamond, clarity is one of the most misunderstood aspects—yet it plays a pivotal role in beauty, value, and long-term satisfaction. The best diamond clarity is not necessarily the highest grade, but the one that balances visual perfection with intelligent value.

At Mervis Diamond Importers, we guide clients through this nuance every day. With direct access to the world’s finest diamonds and decades of expertise, we know exactly how to help you choose a clarity grade that aligns with your aesthetic preferences, budget, and expectations for brilliance.

Here’s what you need to know to make a confident, informed decision.

What Is Diamond Clarity?

Clarity refers to the absence of inclusions (internal characteristics) and blemishes (surface imperfections) in a diamond. These natural features form during the stone’s growth process and are assessed under 10x magnification.

The fewer—and less visible—these features are, the higher the clarity grade.

Understanding the GIA Clarity Scale

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) developed the industry standard for diamond clarity grading. Each diamond is carefully examined by trained gemologists to assign one of the following grades:

At Mervis, we specialize in helping you determine which grades offer true “eye-clean” beauty without unnecessary cost.

What Clarity Grade Is Best?

The short answer: the best diamond clarity is the one where imperfections are not visible to the naked eye and do not detract from brilliance.

Let’s explore what that means in practice.

Ideal for Timeless Brilliance: VS1 – VS2

  • These diamonds are typically eye-clean—meaning you won’t notice inclusions without magnification.

  • Inclusions, if present, are small and positioned in a way that does not impact light performance.

  • Best for: Engagement rings, solitaires, and designs that highlight the center stone.

Why it’s preferred:

You’ll enjoy the visual purity of a high-grade diamond without the steep premiums of VVS or IF grades.

Value-Conscious Brilliance: SI1 – SI2 (Select Stones)

  • Some SI1 diamonds are still eye-clean, particularly when inclusions are white, near the edge, or masked by prongs.

  • Offers excellent value when evaluated carefully.

  • Best for: Clients seeking a larger diamond without compromising appearance.

Why it works:

If chosen with professional guidance, an SI1 diamond can look identical to a VS1 to the naked eye—at a significantly better price point.

Luxury-Level Perfection: VVS1 – IF – FL

  • These diamonds are exceptionally rare and prized for their perfection.

  • Inclusions are microscopic or entirely absent.

  • Best for: Collectors, investment pieces, or clients who simply want the best of the best.

Why it’s exceptional:

These clarity grades offer the ultimate in rarity—but may offer diminishing returns if your priority is beauty visible to the eye rather than under a microscope.

What You Should Know About “Eye-Clean” Diamonds

The term eye-clean refers to diamonds that appear flawless when viewed without magnification.

Many diamonds in the VS and SI ranges fall into this category. What matters most is the type, size, location, and color of the inclusions—not just the letter on the certificate.

At Mervis, we evaluate every diamond by hand. If a diamond is technically SI1 but looks flawless in person, we’ll show it to you.

Does Clarity Affect Sparkle?

Not directly. Cut has a much greater impact on brilliance than clarity.

  • Minor inclusions, especially those far from the table (the flat top), usually do not affect sparkle.

  • However, large or poorly placed inclusions can interfere with light flow and reduce beauty.

  • For step-cut shapes like emerald or Asscher, clarity becomes more important, as these shapes are less forgiving.

We’ll guide you toward the clarity grade that complements your diamond’s cut and shape for optimal performance.

Clarity by Shape and Setting Style

Different diamond shapes and settings either hide or reveal clarity characteristics more prominently.

The setting also matters—halos, bezels, and side stones can all be used strategically to conceal or draw attention to the center stone.

Our Expert Approach at Mervis

At Mervis Diamond Importers, clarity is never about upselling—it’s about precision. We help you:

  • Compare certified diamonds side-by-side under magnification

  • Evaluate which stones are truly eye-clean

  • Match clarity with cut, shape, and setting style

  • Optimize your budget by focusing on visible quality, not technical grading alone

Because we are direct importers, we maintain a discerning inventory with only the finest clarity-to-value ratios available.

Final Thoughts: So, What Diamond Clarity Is Best?

The best clarity grade is one that looks flawless to the eye, performs brilliantly, and aligns with your priorities.

For most clients, VS1 to SI1 offers the perfect balance of beauty and value. For those who prioritize rarity or investment, VVS1 and higher may be ideal. And for savvy shoppers working within a budget, select SI1–SI2 stones—handpicked with guidance—can offer stunning results.

The clarity grade is a tool—not a rule. What matters most is what you see, and how the diamond makes you feel.

Discover Diamond Clarity at Mervis Diamond Importers

  • Schedule a Private Appointment

  • Browse Our Certified Diamond Collection

  • Contact a Diamond Specialist

At Mervis Diamond Importers, we help you look beyond the grade—to find a diamond that’s truly flawless where it counts.

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