What does “eye-clean” mean?

It means inclusions aren’t visible face-up in normal lighting at standard viewing distance. It’s a practical buying threshold.

Are lab-grown diamonds always flawless?

No. Lab-grown diamonds can have inclusions and are graded on clarity like mined diamonds. Origin is the difference—not the grading system.

Can an inclusion weaken a diamond?

Sometimes. Surface-reaching inclusions can create vulnerability. Small internal inclusions in VS/VVS are usually not a durability issue.

Is clarity more important than color?

Depends on the goal. Clarity affects transparency; color affects warmth. Step cuts show both more than brilliants.

Diamond Clarity Guide | The Carbon Truth | Peelerie

Clarity is an optical standard. Discover why eye-clean performance is the optimal choice for fine jewelry. We break down inclusions, step cuts, and visual perfection.

DIAMOND EDUCATION

The
Carbon
Truth.

Clarity is an optical standard. The primary objective is “eye-clean” performance—a stone visually pristine to the naked eye under normal lighting conditions.

The Physics

Inclusions

Inclusions are internal characteristics formed during carbon crystallization. They matter most when they are large, dark, or centered directly under the table of the stone.

The Threshold

Eye-Clean

The standard for fine jewelry. Eye-clean means you cannot see inclusions face-up in normal lighting at a normal viewing distance, regardless of the assigned magnification grade.

The Exception

Step Cuts

Due to their wide, open facets, emerald and asscher cuts act like glass windows. They require a higher clarity grade than brilliant cuts to maintain an eye-clean appearance.

The Clarity Scale

Grade	Technical Detail	Real-World Application
FL / IF	No inclusions visible under 10x magnification.	Rare. Unnecessary for standard visual performance.
VVS1 / VVS2	Minute inclusions extremely difficult to see under 10x magnification.	Ideal for step cuts requiring an absolutely clean presentation.
VS1 / VS2	Minor inclusions visible under 10x, but invisible to the naked eye.	The optimal standard for most fine jewelry. Exceptional optical return.
SI1 / SI2	Noticeable inclusions under 10x. Occasionally visible to the naked eye.	Requires careful selection to ensure inclusions do not block light return.
I1–I3	Obvious inclusions impacting light return and durability.	Not recommended. Insufficient for optical brilliance.

Direct Answers

Question	Technical Answer
What does “eye-clean” mean?	Inclusions are not visible face-up in normal lighting at standard viewing distance. This functions as the practical standard.
Are lab-grown diamonds flawless?	No. Lab-grown diamonds crystallize like mined diamonds and form inclusions. They are graded on the exact same clarity scale. Origin is the only variable.
Can an inclusion weaken a diamond?	Yes. Surface-reaching inclusions compromise structural integrity. Minor internal inclusions in the VS/VVS range are not a durability concern.
Is clarity more important than color?	The cut dictates the priority. Clarity dictates transparency. Color dictates warmth. Step cuts expose both variations immediately.

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