Expert Advice: Eye-clean Diamonds
The Essential 7C's
"An "eye-clean" diamond is one that has no imperfections visible to the unaided eye. They offer excellent value, being much less expensive than flawless (FL) or internally flawless (IF) diamonds, which are extremely rare and therefore command a higher price.
Imperfections in diamonds graded Slightly Included (SI) are often not visible to the unaided eye, making them excellent value for money, however the location of the inclusion is important. Therefore, it always advisable to speak to a diamond and jewellery specialist to check that the stone is eye-clean, if you're considering a diamond of this clarity grade."
77 Diamonds use a five-point system for clarity grades for each of the separate diamond cuts. This is based on the definitions set out by the GIA.
- 100% eye clean
- 99% eye clean*
- 70% eye clean
- 20% eye clean
- Not eye clean
*The diamond should in theory appear eye clean, although it has an inclusion. This grading would be awarded if the diamond has a black crystal slightly bigger than most VS2s typically have, which is located close to the table of the diamond or just off centre from the culet near the pavilion facets.
GIA ONLY |
Round |
Princess |
Emerald |
Asscher |
Pear |
Radiant |
Oval |
Cushion |
Heart |
Marquise |
FL/IF |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
VVS1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
VVS2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
VS1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
VS2 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
SI1 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
SI2 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
I1 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Learn More