A Complete Lab-Grown Diamond Clarity Guide
When shopping for a lab-grown diamond, one of the most important yet often overlooked aspects is clarity. Whether you’re browsing engagement rings or elegant everyday pieces, understanding a diamond’s clarity grade helps you make a more informed, confident purchase.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about lab-grown diamond clarity, how it’s graded, what inclusions to watch out for, and how to use a lab-grown diamond quality chart to find your perfect match.
What is Diamond Clarity?
Diamond clarity refers to the presence (or absence) of internal and external imperfections, known as inclusions and blemishes. These natural markings form as a diamond develops, whether underground or in a lab.
Clarity is graded based on the size, number, position, and visibility of these inclusions under 10x magnification. The fewer the imperfections, the higher the clarity grade, which means the diamond is more rare and valuable.
The 4Cs of Lab-Grown Diamonds
Like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are evaluated based on the 4Cs: cut, carat, clarity, and colour. These four factors work together to determine the diamond’s overall brilliance, beauty, and value.
- Cut: The most important C when it comes to sparkle. A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully, making it appear brighter and more brilliant.
- Carat: This refers to the diamond’s weight and size. A higher carat typically means a larger diamond — but don’t sacrifice cut or clarity for size alone.
- Clarity: Clarity measures how flawless a diamond is. Inclusions affect a diamond’s appearance and sparkle, especially in higher carat weights.
- Colour: The closer a diamond is to colourless, the higher it typically ranks. Lab-grown diamonds often fall within the near-colourless range (G–J) or better.
How Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Graded for Clarity
Lab-grown diamonds are graded using the same international clarity standards as mined diamonds. Trained gemologists examine each diamond under magnification and assign it a clarity grade from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3).
Lab Grown Diamond Clarity Chart
| Clarity Grade | Description |
| FL (Flawless) | No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification |
| IF (Internally Flawless) | No internal inclusions; only surface blemishes visible |
| VVS1–VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included) | Inclusions extremely difficult to detect even under magnification |
| VS1–VS2 (Very Slightly Included) | Minor inclusions, barely visible under magnification |
| SI1–SI2 (Slightly Included) | Noticeable inclusions under magnification, less visible to the naked eye |
| I1–I3 (Included) | Obvious inclusions, visible without magnification, may affect brilliance |
Common Inclusions in Lab-Grown Diamonds
Because lab-grown diamonds are created in high-tech environments, their inclusions often differ slightly from those in natural diamonds. Here are a few common types:
Needle-Like Inclusions
These are long, thin internal crystals that resemble tiny threads. In small amounts, they’re usually harmless and hard to spot.
Cloudy Inclusions
Clouds are clusters of minute particles that can cause haziness if densely grouped. Well-cut lab-grown diamonds often avoid visible cloudiness.
Black Spots and Gas Bubbles
Occasionally formed during the growth process, these inclusions are more obvious under magnification but can often be avoided with careful selection.
Choosing the Right Clarity for Your Lab-Grown Diamond
When it comes to clarity, perfection isn’t always necessary. The best clarity grade for your lab-grown diamond depends on your personal preferences, budget, and how you plan to wear it.
Here are a few tips:
- For everyday wear: Consider VS2–SI1 clarity. These diamonds typically appear flawless to the naked eye and offer great value.
- For larger diamonds (1.5 carats and up): Opt for VS1 or better, as inclusions become more visible in bigger stones.
- For sentimental heirlooms or premium gifts: Choose VVS or IF clarity if you’re after exceptional rarity and purity.
- Shopping smart: Even SI1–SI2 diamonds can appear eye-clean if the inclusions are off-centre or well-hidden by the setting.
Explore LVC’s Lab-Grown Diamond Collection
At Love & Co., we believe that brilliance should never be out of reach. That’s why our lab-grown diamond collection features exceptional clarity, sparkle, and ethical craftsmanship — all designed to suit your unique style and values. We retail only the highest quality lab-grown diamonds, with most of our stones graded VS2 and above, ensuring superior brilliance and minimal inclusions.
Explore our full lab-grown diamond collection online or visit a boutique near you to experience their beauty in person.