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Clarity Grade
AGS 0 — No clarity characteristics of any sort — neither blemishes nor inclusions — when examined by a skilled grader under 10X magnification and proper lighting.
The following characteristics do not disqualify a diamond from the AGS 0 Clarity Grade:
- Small extra facets located on the pavilion that are not visible when the diamond is examined table-up.
- Small naturals entirely confined to the girdle surface that do not thicken the girdle or distort the diamond’s table-up outline.
- Internal graining that is not reflective, white, or colored and does not adversely affect the diamond’s transparency.
- Laser inscriptions located on the girdle that are not visible table-up.
- Inscriptions located on the table or other crown facets that are not visible without very high magnification or a special viewing device (for example, the De Beers Forevermark®).
AGS 0 — No inclusions and only minor blemishes when examined by a skilled grader under 10X and proper lighting. There must be a comment on the accompanying grading form. For example, “Minor details of finish are not shown.”
AGS 1 — Minute inclusions that are extremely difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10X magnification.
AGS 2 — Minute inclusions that are very difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10X magnification. The AGS 1 and AGS 2 Clarity Grades represent the top clarity grades normally used in jewelry. Typical inclusions are scattered pinpoints, faint clouds, reflective internal graining, slight bearding, tiny chips, and minor bruises.
AGS 3 — Minor inclusions that are somewhat difficult for a trained grader to see under 10X magnification. Typical inclusions are small included crystals or feathers, clouds, and groups of pinpoints. Although the clarity characteristics may be seen clearly with magnification, they have no effect on the beauty of the diamond.
AGS 4 — Minor inclusions that are somewhat easy for a trained grader to see under 10X magnification. Typical inclusions are small included crystals or feathers, distinct clouds, and larger groups of pinpoints. Although the clarity characteristics may be seen clearly with magnification, they have very little effect on the beauty of the diamond.
AGS 5 — Noticeable inclusions that are easy for a trained grader to see under 10X magnification. Typical inclusions are larger included crystals, feathers, clouds, or other characteristics that are centrally located and immediately noticed with magnification.
AGS 6 — Noticeable inclusions that are very easy for a trained grader to see under 10X
magnification. Typical inclusions are included crystals, feathers, clouds, or other characteristics that
are centrally located and immediately noticed with magnification. Inclusions in this grade sometimes can be seen with the unaided eye, but usually have very little effect on the diamond’s beauty or are small relative to the size of the diamond.
AGS 7 — Obvious inclusions are apparent under 10X magnification and often visible to the unaided
eye. Grade-setting inclusions typically are included crystals, feathers, and knots.
AGS 8 — Obvious inclusions are easily visible to the unaided eye and may have an effect on
durability. Grade-setting inclusions typically are large included crystals, feathers, and knots.
AGS 9 — Very Obvious inclusions to the unaided eye and may affect the diamond’s durability. Typical grade-setting inclusions are: large included crystals, feathers, and knots.
AGS 10 — Very Obvious inclusions to the unaided eye and pose a definite threat to the
diamond’s durability. Typical grade-setting inclusions are: extremely large included crystals,
feathers, and knots.
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