Learn what “eye-clean” really means in diamond clarity. Discover why both VVS2 and SI1 diamonds can look flawless to the naked eye, but differ greatly in price.
When you buy a diamond, you look at the certificate.
You see grades like VVS2, VS1, or SI1.
But one thing you will not see on that paper is the word “eye-clean.”
What does eye-clean mean?
It simply means you cannot see any inclusions with your naked eye. No magnification. Just you and the diamond.
Here’s what many buyers don’t realize:
- A VVS2 diamond is almost always eye-clean.
- An SI1 diamond can also be eye-clean.
- The price difference between those two can be thousands of dollars.
So the real question is: are you paying for a grade or for beauty?
Why “Eye-Clean” Matters
The certificate is a guide, not the whole story.
Two diamonds with the same clarity grade can look very different.
- A VS2 with inclusions hidden under the crown may look perfect.
- Another VS2 with a black spot in the middle may bother you every time you look at it.
Both carry the same grade, but only one is eye-clean to your eyes.
Where Value Hides
This is where experience helps.
Over the years, I’ve seen many buyers choose higher grades they didn’t need.
They thought VVS meant “better,” but they ignored a clean SI1 that sparkled just as beautifully.
Ask yourself:
- Can I see the inclusion without a loupe?
- Does the setting hide it?
- Do I want to pay thousands more for a grade I cannot see?
When you answer those questions honestly, you buy smarter.
Practical Advice for You
- Don’t buy a clarity grade. Buy a diamond you love.
- Always view the stone with your eyes, not just a certificate.
- If you’re shopping online, ask for high-resolution images and videos.
- Compare a VVS2 and an SI1 side by side—you may be surprised.
A diamond’s beauty is not in its paperwork.
It’s in what you see when it sits on your finger.
That’s what eye-clean clarity is all about.
