- IGI-certified diamonds
- Triple Excellent standard
- Lifetime setting upgrades
- Free, fully insured shipping
- Made to order in Toronto
Diamond clarity grades how few internal marks (inclusions) and surface marks (blemishes) a diamond has — from Flawless down to Included. The key truth: above a certain grade, none of them are visible to the naked eye. Here is the scale, what 'eye-clean' means, and where the value sits.
Clarity grades how few tiny inclusions a diamond has. You don't need flawless — you need eye-clean (nothing visible without magnification). VS is the value sweet spot for most buyers; Montare's floor is VVS1–VVS2, cleaner than eye-clean, so clarity is never a question.
Key takeaways
- Clarity runs FL → IF → VVS1–VVS2 → VS1–VS2 → SI1–SI2 → I1–I3.
- Most inclusions are microscopic — invisible without 10x magnification.
- 'Eye-clean' — no inclusions visible to the naked eye — is the practical bar most buyers want.
- Step cuts (emerald, asscher) show inclusions more, so they need higher clarity.
- Montare's floor is VVS1–VVS2 — beyond eye-clean, with room to spare.
The clarity scale
| Grade | Meaning |
|---|---|
| FL / IF | Flawless / Internally Flawless — nothing under 10x |
| VVS1–VVS2 | Very, very slight — extremely hard to see even at 10x |
| VS1–VS2 | Very slight — minor at 10x, eye-clean |
| SI1–SI2 | Slight — visible at 10x, sometimes to the eye |
| I1–I3 | Included — visible to the naked eye |
Every centre diamond is Triple Excellent, D–E, VVS and at least three carats — the hard calls are made for you.
Design your ringWhat does 'eye-clean' mean?
'Eye-clean' means no inclusions are visible to a normal eye at a normal viewing distance — the only thing that matters in daily wear. Many VS and even some SI stones are eye-clean. Above that, paying for higher clarity buys peace of mind and certificate value, not a visible difference.
Which clarity should you choose?
For most shapes, a VS stone is reliably eye-clean and excellent value. The exception is step cuts — emerald and asscher — whose large, open facets act like windows and reveal inclusions, so they reward higher clarity. Where the diamond's other qualities are exceptional, clarity is the C where you can be most strategic. The C you should never compromise is cut — see why Triple Excellent matters, and the overview in the 4Cs explained.
Why Montare sets a VVS floor
We set clarity at VVS1–VVS2 — above eye-clean for every shape, including step cuts — because the brand is built on a standard you never have to second-guess. Lab-grown is what makes that floor attainable at three carats: a VVS, D–E, Triple Excellent, three-carat mined diamond would cost many times more. With Montare, the highest grades are the starting point, not an upsell.
Design your ring in minutes. Every centre diamond is D–E colour, VVS clarity, Triple Excellent cut and at least three carats — IGI certified, made to order in Toronto.
Open the ring builder →Frequently asked questions
What is the best diamond clarity?
FL and IF are the highest, but they look identical to VVS to the naked eye. For value, an eye-clean stone (VS, or VVS for total assurance and step cuts) is the smart choice.
What does eye-clean mean?
No inclusions are visible to the naked eye at normal viewing distance — the only clarity threshold that affects how the diamond looks in wear.
Is VVS clarity worth it?
VVS is beyond eye-clean, so visually it is not necessary for most shapes — but it guarantees a clean stone for step cuts and adds certificate assurance. Montare includes it as standard.
Does clarity affect a diamond's sparkle?
Not meaningfully at eye-clean grades — sparkle is governed by cut. Only heavily included stones (SI2 and below) can dull brilliance.
Every Montare diamond starts at VVS. Build one in the ring builder or book a consultation.
The Montare standard
Lab-grown · D–E colour · VVS clarity · Triple Excellent · 3ct minimum · IGI certified
Every ring is made to order in Toronto and backed by our lifetime setting upgrade, with free, fully insured shipping.
Design your ringBook a free consultation