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IF and FL Diamond Clarity Grades

Why Flawless and Internally Flawless diamonds are not your best choice

By Michael Fried,

Flawless and internally flawless diamonds represent less than half a percent of all diamonds in the world. Without any visible inclusions even under 10x magnification, these diamonds are pristine, incredibly rare—and incredibly expensive. Take a look at this stunning one carat diamond from Blue Nile that is graded flawless. The flawless diamond commands a 40% premium even over a gorgeous diamond like this VVS1 clarity diamond also from Blue Nile.

When you see a diamond labeled as Flawless (FL) or Internally Flawless (IF), you might think it’s the best diamond clarity to buy. The truth is, buying a diamond with such a high Clarity grade won’t be noticed. Diamonds with lower clarity grades, such as VS2 and SI1 diamonds, appear eye-clean just like a flawless diamond but cost thousands of dollars less. So while FL and IF represent the peak of the Clarity grade, they’re not a smart buy, since they’ll appear the same as lower graded diamonds.

FL Radiant Diamond from James Allen
FL Radiant Diamond

Throughout our site, we talk about how diamonds shouldn’t be considered an investment, but you should still choose a diamond that gets you the most beauty and value for your money. By buying an FL or IF diamond, you’re spending money on something you won’t reap any return on.

What is an FL diamond?

An FL (flawless) clarity diamond like this one from Blue Nile shows no inclusions or blemishes even under 10x magnification. It’s the highest clarity grade and the rarest type of diamond clarity. Flawless diamonds represent less than a half percent of all diamonds on the market.

As the GIA laboratory puts it, “Evaluating diamond clarity involves determining the number, size, relief, nature, and position of these characteristics, as well as how these affect the overall appearance of the stone”. FL/IF stones have a complete absence of those characteristics.

Because diamonds undergo extreme conditions during formation over billions of years, diamonds are bound to have imperfections, even small ones. A flawless diamond still isn’t 100% pure and will have inclusions, but you need 60X or even 100X magnification to see them. A professional gemologist looks at the diamond under 60X magnification to determine if it’s flawless.

FL diamond to show against IF diamond
FL Clarity Diamond

What is an IF diamond?

An IF (Internally flawless) diamond like this one from Blue Nile has no visible internal inclusions but might have slight blemishes on the stone’s surface. IF diamonds fall right below Flawless diamonds on the GIA Clarity scale. They’re extremely rare, just like flawless diamonds, and represent less than 1% of all diamonds. Only a professional gemologist can give an IF diamond its grading while looking at the stone under 60X magnification.

IF diamond to show against FL diamond
IF Clarity Diamond

FL vs IF Diamonds – What’s the Difference?

FL and IF diamonds are next to each other on the Clarity scale, with FL being the highest grading. When FL and IF diamonds are viewed under 10x magnification, no imperfections are noticeable. The biggest difference is that unlike flawless diamonds, internally flawless diamonds have slight surface blemishes. An IF diamond, for instance, might have surface graining, extra facets or minor polish marks.

Without the help of magnification and a professional gemologist’s eye, no one can tell the difference between FL and IF diamonds. Even trained professionals can have a difficult time distinguishing the two.

FL & IF Diamond Prices

Because of their rarity, FL diamonds cost anywhere from 25-35% more than IF diamonds. For instance, this 1.00 Carat Round Cut FL diamond, F color from Blue Nile costs $9,791 while this 1.01 Carat Round Cut IF diamond, F color diamond also from Blue Nile costs $7,833. The price difference is $1,958—a whopping 25% more.

Overall, both IF and FL diamonds are incredibly rare, and their prices reflect that. As you increase in carat weight, the price increases exponentially because larger FL and IF diamonds are even more rare. For example, this 1.30 Carat FL Round diamond from James Allen costs $16,020 and this 2.09 Carat IF Round diamond also from James Allen is priced at $22,020.

How much is a 1 carat flawless diamond?

Because flawless diamonds are so rare, the cost of a well-cut 1 carat round cut with a G-H Color ranges from $6,100 to $9,000. Larger flawless diamonds are even more rare, and their prices match that level of rarity.

Are IF & FL diamonds worth it?

While buying a top-tier clarity grading might seem like the best way to guarantee a beautiful stone, paying for an FL or IF grading is money poorly spent. Here’s why: no one will be able to tell that it’s an IF or FL diamond. You can find eye-clean stones at lower grades, like VS2 and SI1 graded diamonds.

Eye-clean VS Diamond Ring from James Allen
Eye-clean VS Diamond Ring

From a clarity standpoint, lower graded eye-clean diamonds will look identical to flawless diamonds but costs thousands of dollars less. For example, this 1.06 Carat Round Cut H/VS2 diamond from Blue Nile costs $5,804, while this 1.09 Carat IF diamond in H color also from Blue Nile costs $7,003. With all other qualities being the same, the IF diamond costs $1,199 more. That’s a 17% difference!

IF and FL diamonds can only be identified under 60X or 100X magnification by an expert. Is that how you’ll be looking at your diamond? Probably not, so it’s simply not worth the price tag.

You’re far better off spending more of your budget on Cut quality. The quality of the diamond’s cut impacts the beauty and brilliance of your diamond more than any other aspect. An exceptionally cut diamond reflects white and colored light—making it a truly eye-catching stone.

Eye-Cleanliness is Paramount

While this article addresses the technical grading and value of FL & IF clarity diamonds, that is not what we recommend focusing on when purchasing a diamond. In our opinion, a consumer’s goal should be to find the cheapest (in regards to clarity; other factors matter as well) “eye-clean” diamond you can find. We use “eye-clean” to describe diamonds that may have inclusions if you look at them with a magnifying glass (or microscope or loupe), but the typical person can’t see the inclusion with their naked eye.

We have recently developed Ringo, a patented artificial intelligence model, that can examine videos of diamonds and determine if they are eye-clean. Ringo will also filter for other parameters like making sure the diamond is well-cut, doesn’t have fluorescence issues and will match the style setting you choose. 

Ringo Approved Eye Clean Diamonds

What is Ringo?

If you want to select a diamond specifically for your personal needs (budget, shape and setting style), check it out here

Diamond Clarity Grading Scale

Outside of FL and IF diamonds, there’s an entire scale of clarity grades. Clarity is one of the 4C’s of diamonds. Ranging from best to worst, the GIA grades diamonds as:

  • Flawless (FL)
  • Internally Flawless (IF)
  • Very Very Small Inclusions 1 (VVS1)
  • Very Very Small Inclusions 2 (VVS2)
  • Very Small Inclusions 1 (VS1)
  • Very Small Inclusions 2 (VS2)
  • Small Inclusions 1 (SI1)
  • Small Inclusions 2 (SI2)
  • Inclusions 1 (I1)
  • Inclusions 2 (I2)

A diamond’s clarity tells you whether or not imperfections like blemishes and inclusions are present in the diamond. The location, type, size and quantity of imperfections all impact the clarity grade it’s given.

While clarity grade is important, it’s not the only factor for evaluating a diamond’s imperfections. You should look at every diamond (no matter the grade) to see if you notice any blemishes and inclusions. Diamond vendors like James Allen provide HD magnified photos so you can review each diamond closely. You can also ask an expert for their opinion.

These diamonds look identical in a ring.
Real Diamond Pros will know how to save almost 20%
So Which is it?
The SI1 clarity at $8,600
or the VS1 color at $10,500
Choose the diamond you like better and see if you are a Pro!

Which clarity is the best for diamonds?

In most cases, a VS2 or SI1 Clarity will give you the best value. With an eye-clean VS2 or SI1 diamond, you’ll have a beautiful diamond without paying nearly as much as a higher graded diamond. Depending on the carat weight and shape of your diamond, there are a few clarity grades to target to get the most out of your budget. You’ll still want to review each diamond closely yourself.

Here are the best clarity grades for each shape:

Round Cut and Princess Cut Diamonds: In general, an SI1 or VS2 clarity grade will be eye-clean (sometimes an SI2 won’t have visible inclusions either – only Round Cut). For diamonds over 2 carat, a VS1 or VS2 will still give you an eye-clean stone and cost much less than VVS diamonds. In general, the larger the diamond, the easier it is to see inclusions.

Oval Cut, Radiant Cut, Cushion Cut, Marquise and Pear Shaped: These shapes hide inclusions better than others, so aim for an SI1 or SI2 for the best value.

Asscher Cuts, Emerald Cuts and Baguettes: Because step cut diamonds show imperfections more easily, opt for a VS2 in these shapes to make the most of your budget.

Heart Shaped Diamonds: Choose a VS2 or SI1 clarity grade for the best value. Heart shape diamonds hide inclusions better than Round Cuts, but not as well as shapes like the Cushion Cut or Oval Cut.

FL & IF Diamonds: Spend your money elsewhere

We feel strongly that your budget is better spent paying for the highest tier on other qualities like Cut. For Clarity, you can find an eye-clean stone in a lower grade and pay a whole lot less. Choosing an FL or IF diamond is like throwing money down the drain.

Want to know more so you can make the best engagement ring purchase? Check out our other educational articles on everything from Diamond Color to Carat Weight.

Here are more specific clarity topics to browse:

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About the author

Michael Fried Michael Fried Mike Fried has over 25 years experience in the diamond industry working with Leo Schachter Diamonds, Moshe Namdar Diamonds, and joining The Diamond Pro in 2007. He is recognized as an industry expert and has been quoted in publications such as Us, People, Page Six, The Next Web and more.

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