Clarity refers to the presence or absence of inclusions (internal) and blemishes (external) in a diamond. These natural imperfections develop during the diamond's formation process, whether in nature or in a laboratory environment. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) clarity scale includes: Flawless (FL), Internally Flawless (IF), Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2), Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2), Slightly Included (SI1, SI2), and Included (I1, I2, I3). Flawless diamonds show no inclusions or blemishes under 10x magnification and are exceptionally rare. VVS diamonds contain minute inclusions that are difficult for even trained gemologists to see under 10x magnification. As you move down the scale, inclusions become progressively more visible, potentially affecting transparency and brilliance.