Flawless Diamonds

What Is a Flawless Diamond?

Flawless diamonds are diamonds with a ‘Flawless’ (FL) clarity grade. Clarity grade refers to the level of imperfection, such as small cracks, blemishes, and internal debris.

Flawless clarity diamonds are so internally and externally clean that their inclusions aren’t visible at even 10x magnification. 

Flawless (FL) vs. Internally Flawless (IF)

As the name suggests, Flawless diamonds have no visible flaws (internally or externally). However, if flaws are visible externally, the stone is graded ‘Internally Flawless’ (IF). 

Internally Flawless diamonds (IF) contain no internal inclusions, but may have very minor surface blemishes, such as polish lines or small nicks. Again, these are only visible at extreme magnification, and you won’t tell the difference with the naked eye. Nevertheless, IF diamonds are likely to have a lower price tag than FL diamonds.

You can read our complete guide to Internally Flawless diamonds here.

Where FL and IF Sit on the GIA Clarity Scale

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA)’s clarity grading system ranks FL above IF, at the top of the scale:

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How Rare Are Flawless Diamonds?

Flawless diamonds make up just 0.5% of all mined diamonds, making them the rarest of all diamonds when judged by diamond clarity grade. 

By comparison, VVS diamonds and VVS2 diamonds make up 4-5% of all diamonds, and I1-I3 make up 25 to 50% of all diamonds in circulation. 

Why Flawless Diamonds Command a Premium

Flawless clarity diamonds are a miracle of nature. As the numbers suggest, a diamond forming under the earth’s surface without any inclusions or internal blemishes, which humans then find, is extremely rare. This alone commands an extra premium that collectors are keen to invest in. 

Combine that with the bragging rights and luxury appeal, and you can quickly understand why FL diamonds and Flawless diamond rings command such a premium. 

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Flawless vs. VVS Diamonds: Is Flawless Worth It?

The truth is, you won’t see the inclusions of most lower clarity-graded diamonds with the naked eye. So, the question of FL vs. VVS1 clarity diamonds then becomes: what are your priorities?

When to Choose Flawless — and When VVS Is the Smarter Buy

If you have a large budget and are motivated by the idea of owning one of nature’s true miracles and the very best diamonds on earth, then going for a FL diamond makes sense. You will be the proud owner of the pinnacle of diamonds. 

However, if you have a lower budget and your priority is less about investing and more about visual impact, a VVS diamond will be good enough. 

VVS diamonds have minute inclusions that are difficult to see even at 10x magnification and will look equally stunning on an engagement ring or other diamond jewelry. 

Flawless Diamond Prices

While the 4Cs determine the price of every diamond and whether it's a natural or lab-grown diamond, here is a closer look at the estimated flawless diamond prices:

1 Carat D-Color Flawless Diamond Price

For a natural, round brilliant, 1.00-carat diamond graded D color and Flawless (FL) clarity, you can expect to pay around $15,000 to $30,000. 

These stones have excellent proportions, the highest color grade, and strong investor and collector value because of their flawless grade. 

What Drives the Price of a Flawless Diamond

While a FL diamond demands a premium, it’s not that factor alone that will determine the price of the stone you’re looking at. 

A Flawless diamond's cost is heavily influenced by the 4Cs (clarity, cut, color, and carat), as well as visual performance, certification, and current market demand. 

Natural vs. Lab-Grown Flawless Diamonds

The difference is that they don’t boast the stunning natural formation over thousands of years. Instead, lab-grown diamonds are produced using modern CVD or HPHT technology. 

Why a Natural Flawless Diamond Is Different

Natural FL diamonds are often treated as an investment, as limited geological supply and market recognition set them apart from lab-grown diamonds. However, there is no guarantee a natural FL diamond will appreciate or recover its retail price. 

The difference really comes down to what the buyer wants. You can't replicate the feeling of knowing the stone is immensely rare with a lab-grown FL diamond. 

Why Buy a Flawless Diamond from Brian Gavin

GIA-Certified FL & IF Diamonds

All of Brian Gavin Diamonds’ FL diamonds and FL diamond rings are GIA-certified, ensuring your investment is a real one.

Our carefully curated collection ensures each stone delivers stunning light performance and is top-tier.

A Flawless Diamond Deserves a Flawless Cut

Brian Gavin’s approach to diamonds means each stone meets our famous precision-cutting standards, delivering exceptional light performance. Paired with our exemplary craftsmanship and exacting standards, our stones deliver top performance in flawless diamond rings, jewelry, and earrings.

FAQs 

What is a flawless diamond?

A Flawless diamond is a diamond with no internal or external inclusions at 10x magnification, giving it a FL clarity grade.

How rare are flawless diamonds?

FL diamonds account for just 0.5% of all mined loose natural diamonds. Read our guide on how rare flawless diamonds are here.

What’s the difference between flawless (FL) and internally flawless (IF)?

Internally flawless (IF) diamonds may have minor external blemishes visible at 10x magnification. FL diamonds have none at all.

Is a flawless diamond worth it compared to VVS?

A FL diamond is worth it if you want to own the rarest diamonds around, but if you just want an eye-clean diamond for a lower price, a VVS will be a wiser financial choice.

How much does a 1 carat D-color flawless diamond cost?

A 1 carat D-color flawless diamond costs about $15,000 to $30,000. 

Are lab-grown flawless diamonds the same as natural flawless diamonds?

No. Natural diamonds form under the earth’s surface after thousands of years. Lab-grown diamonds are produced by modern technology.