Clarity grades count what a grader sees at 10x magnification. Your eye is not a 10x loupe — which is why the smartest money in diamonds is spent understanding where 'eye-clean' begins.
The scale, honestly
FL/IF — perfection for the certificate's sake. VVS1–VVS2 — inclusions even graders hunt for. VS1–VS2 — the confidence zone: essentially always eye-clean, meaningfully cheaper. SI1 — usually eye-clean in brilliant cuts; inspect video first. SI2 — the gamble zone: real bargains and visible flecks live side by side.
Placement beats grade
An SI1 with its inclusion under a prong beats a VS2 with a center-table crystal. This is exactly what our concierge checks on every stone before it ships.