FL and IF (flawless, internally flawless)
The top two clarity grades: FL shows no inclusions or blemishes under 10x magnification, IF shows no inclusions but has blemishes.
How to read it
On the GIA clarity scale, the global system of 11 grades, Flawless (FL) means no inclusions and no blemishes are visible under 10x magnification, and Internally Flawless (IF) means no inclusions are visible, though the stone has blemishes. The FTC’s jewelry guides set the same test for the word flawless: no flaws, inclusions or blemishes of any sort when examined at 10-power by a person skilled in diamond grading.
Also searched as: FL, flawless diamond, IF, internally flawless.
Grades describe a stone as a grading laboratory saw it. This page explains the grading scales; it doesn’t grade or value any stone.
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More diamond grading
Sources
- Diamond Clarity (GIA 4Cs), Gemological Institute of America
- Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries (16 CFR Part 23), 16 CFR Part 23 (1 January 2021 edition), Federal Trade Commission, published by the U.S. Government Publishing Office, § 23.13(a)
- Diamond Quality Factors (GIA), Gemological Institute of America, Clarity
Last reviewed September 27, 2026 by Rory Hansen. How we research