Lab Diamond Clarity Guide: How Inclusions Are Graded

1. What Is Lab Diamond Clarity?

Lab diamond clarity describes the presence or absence of internal inclusions and external blemishes. These characteristics are evaluated under magnification so buyers can compare stones consistently.

Clarity can affect transparency and beauty, but it should not be judged alone. A well-cut lab diamond usually has a larger effect on visible brilliance than a higher clarity grade with weaker proportions. That is why lab diamond cut, clarity, color, and carat weight should be considered together.

2. Lab Diamond Clarity Scale: FL to I3

• FL/IF — Flawless or Internally Flawless, with no inclusions visible at 10× magnification. IF may allow tiny surface blemishes only.
• VVS1–VVS2 — Very, Very Slightly Included, with inclusions that are extremely difficult to see at 10× magnification.
• VS1–VS2 — Very Slightly Included, with minor inclusions that are difficult to somewhat easy to see at 10× magnification. Many VS lab diamonds are eye clean.
• SI1–SI2 — Slightly Included, with inclusions that are noticeable at 10× magnification and may be visible depending on size, type, and location.
• I1–I3 — Included, with inclusions that are obvious at 10× magnification and may affect transparency, beauty, or durability.

LabCreated.Diamonds™ focuses on VS1 or better clarity and H or better color for consistent premium quality in loose lab-grown diamonds.

3. How Lab Diamond Clarity Is Graded

Independent laboratories evaluate clarity at 10× magnification. Graders consider the size, number, position, nature, and relief of inclusions and blemishes before assigning a clarity grade.

For lab-grown diamonds, grading reports are commonly issued by independent laboratories such as IGI and GIA. The report lists the clarity grade along with other important details such as measurements, color, cut information, and certification data.

Each lab-grown diamond from LabCreated.Diamonds™ includes a grading report and matching lab diamond laser inscription for verification.

4. Eye Clean vs. Technical Clarity Grade

“Eye clean” means inclusions are not visible to the unaided eye at normal viewing distance. Many VS1 and VVS lab diamonds appear clean without needing the highest and most expensive clarity grades.

The type and location of inclusions matter. A small inclusion near the edge may be less noticeable than a dark inclusion under the table. For most buyers, the goal is not simply the highest clarity grade; the goal is a clean-looking lab diamond with strong beauty and value.

5. Choosing the Right Lab Diamond Clarity

• VS1 or better — A strong premium target for buyers who want clean appearance and quality confidence.
• VVS grades — Higher clarity with fewer visible characteristics under magnification, often at a higher price.
• Color pairing — Clarity should be balanced with lab diamond color so the stone looks clean and white face-up.
• Carat size — Inclusions may be easier to notice as size increases, so review clarity carefully on larger stones. Compare this with lab diamond carat weight when choosing a size.

6. Our Lab Diamond Clarity Standards

• VS1 or better clarity for premium visible quality.
• H or better color for consistent white face-up appearance.
• IGI or GIA grading report with matching laser inscription.
• Key quality details reviewed before shipment, including report information, measurements, proportions, polish, and symmetry.
• UPS 2-Day insured shipping after processing.
• Ships within 3–10 business days, adult signature required.

Ready to compare clean, certified lab diamonds? Browse the LabCreated.Diamonds™ selection of loose lab-grown diamonds.