Understanding Clarity Grades
Clarity grades have a range from lowest to highest. That is why one diamond can appear "clearer" than another with the same grade, so you should insist on viewing your diamond under a microscope with a diamond expert. The clarity within a diamond is something that you can easily see for yourself. You'll be able to distinguish between, say, a high SI1 and a low SI1.
FL
= Flawless. There are no internal inclusions or external blemishes are visible under ten times magnification to a trained gemologist. This grade is extremely rare. Bixlers™ does not recommend this grade if cost is a factor since there is a negligible visual distinction between this grade down to a VS1 even when viewed using a microscope. A flawless diamond will not sparkle more than a VS2 or nice SI1 with all other characteristics being equal.
IF
= Internally Flawless. Internal inclusions are not visible under ten times magnification to a trained gemologist. This grade is extremely rare. Bixlers™ does not recommend this grade if cost is a factor since there is a negligible visual distinction between this grade down to VS1 even when viewed using a microscope. An internally flawless diamond will not sparkle more than a VS2 or nice SI1 with all other characteristics being equal.
VVS 1
= Very Very Slightly Included "Grade" 1. Oftentimes just one extremely tiny pinpoint inclusion is visible under ten times magnification to a trained gemologist. Inclusions are difficult for an untrained viewer to see even when using a microscope. This grade is extremely rare. Bixlers™ does not recommend this grade if cost is a factor since there is hardly a perceptible distinction between this grade all the way down to VS1 by an untrained viewer using a microscope. A diamond of this grade will not sparkle any more than a VS2 or nice SI1 with all other characteristics being equal.
VVS 2
= Very Very Slightly Included "Grade" 2. Very tiny pinpoint inclusions are visible under ten times magnification only to a trained gemologist. The inclusions are not easy for an untrained viewer to see using a microscope. This grade is very rare. Bixlers™ does not recommend this grade if cost is a factor since there is hardly a perceptible distinction between this grade and a VS1 by an untrained viewer using a microscope. A diamond of this grade will not sparkle any more than a VS2 or nice SI1 with all other characteristics being equal.
VS 1
= Very Slightly Included "Grade" 1. Very small inclusions are visible under magnification of ten times to a trained gemologist. Inclusions will take time for an untrained viewer to identify using a microscope such that they are surprised to learn that there are four steps higher in clarity grade. This is a rare grade. Bixlers™ does not strongly recommend VS1 if cost is a factor since there is a minor perceptible distinction between this grade and a VS2 by an untrained viewer using a microscope. A diamond of this grade will not sparkle any more than a VS2 or nice SI1 with all other characteristics being.
VS 2
= Very Slightly Included "Grade" 2. There are very small inclusions are visible under ten times magnification to an untrained viewer. Inclusions can take time for an untrained viewer to identify using a microscope such that they will be surprised to learn that there are five steps higher in clarity grade. This grade is rare. Bixlers™ recommends this grade since the inclusions are not typically visible to an untrained viewer without magnification.
SI 1
= Slightly Included "Grade" 1. There are small inclusions are easily visible under ten times magnification to an untrained viewer and may be visible without magnification. This is still a fine clarity diamond. Bixlers™ strongly recommends this grade since the inclusions are not easily visible without magnification even after being identified using a microscope. A casual observer cannot see imperfections when the diamond is placed in an engagement ring. A typical "Bixlers™ SI1" often appears much clearer than a typical "Internet SI1" since the range from the highest to lowest SI1 is wider than range within grades of VS and higher.
SI 2
= Slightly Included "Grade" 2. There will be several small inclusions are visible without magnification to an untrained viewer and usually visible without magnification when viewed from less than ten inches. This is still a very nice clarity diamond provided the inclusion is not in the form of a "cloud" which can diminish the appearance of fire. Bixlers™ highly recommends this grade since the inclusions are not easily visible without magnification even after being identified using a microscope. A casual observer would have a very hard time seeing an imperfection when the diamond is placed into an engagement ring. A typical "Bixlers™" often appears much clearer than a typical "Internet SI2" especially since the range from the highest to lowest SI2 is wider than the range of VS and higher.
I 1
= Included "Grade" 1. There will be imperfections are visible without magnification. A reasonable clarity diamond and excellent value when Bixlers™ has them in its stock. Bixlers™ recommends this grade if price is a factor when choosing your diamond. A Bixlers™ I1 is amongst the top ½% within the I1 grade but rarely available. A "Bixlers™ I1" appears so much clearer than an average I1 since the range from the highest to lowest I1 is very wide.
I 2
= Included "Grade" 2. There will be many easily visible imperfections to the point that there is decrease in brilliance. Not recommended or available at Bixlers™. Seen at chain stores and department stores.
I 3
= Included "Grade" 3. There will be many imperfections easily visible to the point that there is decrease in brilliance and a compromise to the structural integrity of the diamond. This grade is not recommended or available at Bixlers™. Seen at chain stores and department stores.