Diamond clarity is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a lab grown diamond.

Clarity affects a diamond’s appearance, rarity, and value by determining the number, size, and visibility of internal and external characteristics known as inclusions and blemishes.

This complete lab grown diamond clarity guide explains diamond clarity grades, the clarity scale, and how to choose the best clarity for your engagement ring.

Whether you are comparing VVS, VS, or SI diamonds, understanding clarity will help you make a smarter diamond purchase.

What Is Diamond Clarity?

Diamond clarity refers to the presence or absence of internal inclusions and external blemishes within a diamond.

These characteristics can occur during the diamond formation process and may affect the diamond’s transparency and overall appearance.

A diamond with fewer visible imperfections generally receives a higher clarity grade and is considered more rare.

Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds created in controlled laboratory environments using advanced technologies such as Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT).

Just like natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds are graded based on the 4Cs:

• Cut
• Color
• Clarity
• Carat

Why Does Diamond Clarity Matter?

Diamond clarity plays an important role in determining:

Appearance

Higher clarity diamonds usually have fewer visible inclusions, allowing more light to pass through the stone.

Value

Diamonds with higher clarity grades are generally more expensive because they are rarer.

Buying Decision

Choosing the right clarity helps buyers balance beauty, quality, and budget.

However, the highest clarity grade is not always necessary. Many inclusions cannot be seen without professional magnification.

For most buyers, selecting a visually clean diamond provides the best value.

Lab Grown Diamond Clarity Scale Chart

Lab grown diamonds use the same clarity grading system as natural diamonds.

Clarity Grade	Description	Appearance	Best Choice
FL / IF	Flawless / Internally Flawless	No visible inclusions under 10x magnification	Luxury diamonds
VVS1 / VVS2	Very Very Slightly Included	Extremely difficult to see inclusions	Premium buyers
VS1 / VS2	Very Slightly Included	Minor inclusions, excellent value	Most buyers
SI1 / SI2	Slightly Included	Visible under magnification	Budget-friendly options
I1-I3	Included	Noticeable inclusions	Lower price range

FL and IF Diamond Clarity: The Highest Grades

FL (Flawless) and IF (Internally Flawless) represent the highest clarity grades.

Characteristics:

• No visible inclusions under 10x magnification
• Extremely rare
• Premium pricing

These clarity grades are ideal for buyers who want the highest level of perfection.

Best for:

• Luxury engagement rings
• High-end jewelry
• Collectors

However, the visual difference between IF and lower grades such as VVS is often difficult to notice without professional equipment.

VVS Diamond Clarity: Premium Appearance

VVS means Very Very Slightly Included.

VVS diamonds contain extremely small inclusions that are difficult for even experienced graders to detect under 10x magnification.

VVS clarity includes:

• VVS1
• VVS2

Advantages:

• Excellent visual appearance
• Very high clarity
• Premium quality

VVS diamonds are a popular choice for buyers who want a nearly flawless appearance without choosing the highest-priced clarity grades.
VS Diamond Clarity: The Best Value Choice

VS clarity is one of the most popular choices among diamond buyers because it provides an excellent balance between appearance and price.

VS stands for Very Slightly Included, meaning the diamond contains minor inclusions that are usually difficult to see without magnification.

VS clarity includes:

• VS1
• VS2

VS1 Diamond Clarity

VS1 diamonds have fewer and smaller inclusions compared with VS2 diamonds.

Characteristics:

• Very difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification
• Excellent visual appearance
• Higher value than VVS diamonds

VS1 diamonds are a great option for buyers who want premium appearance without paying for the highest clarity grades.

VS2 Diamond Clarity

VS2 diamonds contain slightly more inclusions compared with VS1 diamonds.

However, many VS2 diamonds appear completely clean to the naked eye.

Advantages:

• Excellent balance between clarity and price
• Suitable for most engagement rings
• Allows buyers to spend more on carat size or cut quality

For many lab grown diamond buyers, VS2 offers one of the best value choices.

SI Diamond Clarity: Affordable Options

SI means Slightly Included.

SI diamonds include:

• SI1
• SI2

These diamonds contain more noticeable inclusions compared with VS diamonds.

However, the visibility of inclusions depends on:

• Diamond size
• Cut shape
• Inclusion location
• Type of inclusion

SI1 Diamond Clarity

SI1 diamonds often provide good value because many stones appear eye-clean.

Benefits:

• More affordable pricing
• Good appearance when selected carefully
• Suitable for budget-conscious buyers

SI2 Diamond Clarity

SI2 diamonds have more visible inclusions compared with SI1.

They can still be a suitable choice when:

• Budget is limited
• Diamond size is the priority
• The inclusions do not affect overall appearance

When buying SI diamonds, reviewing the diamond images and grading report is highly recommended.

How to Choose the Best Lab Grown Diamond Clarity?

The best clarity grade depends on your priorities, budget, and diamond size.

Best Overall Value: VS1 – VS2

For most buyers, VS clarity offers the ideal balance.

Benefits:

• Eye-clean appearance
• Excellent quality
• Better pricing than VVS and IF grades

Best Premium Choice: VVS1 – VVS2

Choose VVS clarity if you prefer:

• Exceptional purity
• Premium quality
• A higher clarity grade

Best Budget Choice: SI1

SI1 is a good option for buyers who want:

• Larger diamonds
• Lower prices
• Good visual appearance

Does Lab Grown Diamond Clarity Differ From Natural Diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds are graded using the same clarity standards.

Professional laboratories evaluate both types of diamonds based on:

• Inclusion size
• Inclusion number
• Inclusion location
• Inclusion type

However, lab grown diamonds may contain different growth-related characteristics depending on the manufacturing method.

For example:

CVD Lab Grown Diamonds

CVD diamonds may show characteristics related to crystal growth patterns.

HPHT Lab Grown Diamonds

HPHT diamonds may have metallic inclusions or growth features caused by the high-pressure growth environment.

These characteristics do not mean the diamond is lower quality. They are simply part of the grading process.

Lab Grown Diamond Clarity and Certification

A diamond grading report is important when purchasing a lab grown diamond.

Professional laboratories evaluate diamonds based on the 4Cs:

• Cut
• Color
• Clarity
• Carat

Common grading laboratories include:

• International Gemological Institute (IGI)
• Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
• Gem Certification & Assurance Lab (GCAL)

A certification report provides important information about:

• Diamond quality
• Clarity grade
• Color grade
• Diamond characteristics

Always review the grading report before making a purchase.

Diamond Clarity vs Other 4C Factors

Diamond clarity is only one part of overall diamond quality.

The four major diamond factors include:

Cut

Cut determines how effectively a diamond reflects light and creates brilliance.

A well-cut diamond can appear more beautiful even with a slightly lower clarity grade.

Color

Color measures the amount of visible color in a diamond.

Many buyers balance clarity and color together to achieve the best appearance.

Carat

Carat affects diamond size and overall visual impact.

Choosing a slightly lower clarity grade may allow buyers to select a larger diamond.

Clarity

Clarity measures internal and external characteristics that affect transparency and appearance.

The best diamond choice is usually a balance between all four factors.

Final Recommendation: What Is the Best Lab Grown Diamond Clarity?

For most buyers, VS1 to VS2 clarity provides the best combination of beauty, quality, and value.

Recommended choices:

Choose VVS1-VVS2 if:

• You want premium clarity
• Budget is less important
• You prefer maximum purity

Choose VS1-VS2 if:

• You want the best overall value
• You want an eye-clean diamond
• You are buying an engagement ring

Choose SI1 if:

• You want a larger diamond within a budget
• You carefully select an eye-clean stone

The best lab grown diamond clarity is not always the highest grade. It is the clarity grade that provides the best appearance and value for your personal needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is lab grown diamond clarity?

Lab grown diamond clarity refers to the amount and visibility of inclusions and blemishes inside a laboratory-created diamond.

What is the best clarity for a lab grown diamond?

For most buyers, VS1 and VS2 clarity offer the best balance between appearance and price.

Is VVS clarity better than VS clarity?

Yes, VVS clarity has fewer inclusions than VS clarity. However, the visual difference is often difficult to see without magnification.

Is VS2 a good diamond clarity

Yes. VS2 is one of the most popular clarity grades because it provides excellent value and usually appears eye-clean.

Are lab grown diamonds graded the same as natural diamonds?

Yes. Lab grown diamonds use the same clarity grading system as natural diamonds.

Does clarity affect diamond sparkle?

Clarity can influence appearance, but diamond cut has the biggest impact on sparkle and brilliance.

Explore Certified Lab Grown Diamonds

Choosing the right clarity grade helps you find a diamond that matches your style and budget.