What Is Eye Clean Diamond Clarity? Clarity Guide

An eye-clean diamond has no visible flaws to the naked eye when viewed face-up. It may still have inclusions under magnification. Many VS2 and SI1 diamonds qualify, but only if reviewed visually, not just by clarity grade or report.

If you’re shopping for a diamond, clarity can feel like one of the most confusing parts of the process. That’s where the concept of “eye-clean” clarity comes in:

• Eye-clean means no visible inclusions from a normal viewing distance, regardless of the official clarity grade.
• VS1–VS2 and many SI1 diamonds can be eye-clean, offering the best value if reviewed carefully.
• Step cuts like emeralds show flaws more, while round brilliants help disguise them.
• Diamond reports are helpful, but not enough. Always check videos or ask a pro to review it.

We specialize in helping couples find stunning lab-grown diamonds that balance beauty, value, and visibility, often in that sweet spot where the diamond looks flawless, but the price says otherwise.

If you’re looking for hands-on help finding a truly eye-clean diamond (especially in that 2–4 carat range), our team can guide you through options that match your eye, not just the paperwork.

Want the deeper explanation and step-by-step tips? Keep reading. We’ll break it all down.

What Does “Eye-Clean” Actually Mean?

When we say a diamond is "eye-clean," we’re talking about how it looks in real life, not under a jeweler’s loupe, not under 10x magnification, and definitely not on paper. 

It means no visible inclusions or blemishes when viewed face-up with the naked eye from about 6–10 inches away.

This is a practical, real-world measure of whether anything distracts from the diamond’s beauty when you’re just… looking at it. And ultimately, that’s what matters most to the person wearing it.

Why Eye-Clean Diamonds Are a Smart Way to Buy

This is where things get interesting, and where savvy buyers save big.

An eye-clean SI1 diamond can cost thousands less than a VVS2 that looks exactly the same to the naked eye. That’s the power of knowing what to look for and what to ignore.

We’re not in the business of selling “grades.” We’re in the business of helping you find diamonds that sparkle like crazy and look incredible in real life. 

Because overpaying for invisible clarity is one of the most common mistakes we see, especially from folks who buy based on the report instead of the stone.

Which Clarity Grades Are Typically Eye-Clean?

Let’s break it down:

• Flawless (FL) / Internally Flawless (IF): Always eye-clean. But you’re paying a premium for clarity you can’t see.
• VVS1 and VVS2: Essentially flawless to the eye.
• VS1: 99% eye-clean, and usually a safe bet for any shape or size.
• VS2: Often eye-clean, but not always. Needs review.
• SI1: Sometimes eye-clean. This is where deals live, but only if someone has checked the stone.
• SI2 and below: Rarely eye-clean, especially over 1ct. These need careful inspection and often aren’t worth the gamble.

This is where having a jeweler in your corner makes all the difference. 

At Mikado Diamonds, we hand-review each stone before recommending it. We’ve passed on plenty of VS2 diamonds with eye-visible flaws, and found SI1s that looked perfect.

The Risk with VS2 and SI1 Diamonds

Here’s a scenario we see all the time: someone buys a VS2 diamond assuming it’ll be clean. But the stone has a dark feather or crystal dead-center under the table, and suddenly, that "deal" doesn’t feel so smart.

Meanwhile, another buyer finds a clean-looking SI1, double-checks it with a 360° video, gets a second opinion, and ends up with a knockout ring that saved thousands.

This is the big risk zone. VS2 and SI1 diamonds can go either way. You’ll find some of the best and worst stones in these grades. 

Which is why the report alone is never enough.

Size Matters, And So Does the Scrutiny

The bigger the stone, the more visible any flaws become.

With 3ct+ stones, especially, even a tiny inclusion can start to stand out. That’s why we tighten clarity standards for larger stones. It’s not just about carat, it’s about how that size impacts your perception of clarity.

We frequently recommend VS1 or better for step cuts over 2 carats, but for brilliant cuts, you may still be able to find a stunning SI1, if it’s been vetted properly.

Where the Inclusions Show Up Matters

A VS2 with a center-table inclusion might look worse than an SI1 with a side inclusion hidden under a prong.

That’s why we always review:

• Inclusion location (center vs. edge).
• Type (black crystal vs. feather).
• Impact on sparkle or transparency.

Because in this business, it’s not just what the report says, it’s what the diamond shows.

The Real Role of Cut

Cut quality does more for beauty than clarity ever will.

A well-cut diamond sparkles more, hides flaws better, and delivers the kind of visual brilliance most people are after. That’s why we always start there. We’ve seen SI1 diamonds with amazing cuts outshine “flawless” stones that just didn’t perform.

How to Check for Eye-Cleanliness, Even If You’re Not a Pro

• Hold the diamond 6–10 inches away.
• Look straight down (face-up view).
• Rotate slightly under natural light.
• Ignore the back; only the top view matters.

Not sure? Ask us to double-check. We do it every day.

The Diamond Should Look Clean, Not Just Sound Good on Paper

Clarity grades matter, but what really counts is how the diamond looks. That’s the eye-clean standard we live by.

We don’t chase perfection. We chase confidence.

And if you want help finding a diamond that looks flawless without overpaying for a label, we’re here for it.

We review every stone by hand and guide you through the process, no pressure, just honest advice. Book a free consult with us at Mikado Diamonds. Let’s make this fun, not frustrating.