Lab-grown diamonds are graded using the same clarity standards applied to natural diamonds. Understanding these grades allows you to evaluate trade-offs between appearance, price, and setting requirements when selecting a diamond for an emerald cut engagement ring or fine jewellery piece.
This guide explains the characteristics of VVS, VS, and SI clarity grades, how inclusions affect visual appearance, and which grades offer optimal quality for different jewellery applications.
Understanding the Diamond Clarity Scale
Diamond clarity measures the presence of internal inclusions and external blemishes. Independent gemological laboratories such as GIA and IGI use a standardised scale ranging from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3). The clarity grades most relevant for Lab-grown diamond engagement rings fall between VVS1 and SI2, representing stones with minimal to moderate inclusions.
Inclusions are evaluated based on four primary factors: size, position, quantity, and visibility under 10x magnification. This standardised magnification level ensures consistent grading across different laboratories.
Lab-grown diamonds can contain different inclusion types compared to natural diamonds due to their production methods. CVD diamonds may show strain lines, while HPHT diamonds can contain metallic flux inclusions. Despite these differences, laboratories assess all diamonds using identical visibility criteria. Graders consider inclusion position carefully, as inclusions near the girdle edge affect appearance less than those positioned directly beneath the table facet.
VVS Grades: VVS1 and VVS2 Characteristics
VVS (Very Very Slightly Included) grades represent exceptional clarity, with inclusions that are extremely difficult to locate even under 10x magnification.
VVS1: Contains minute inclusions that are extremely difficult for trained graders to locate under 10x magnification, requiring extended examination time to identify.
VVS2: Has very slight inclusions that remain challenging to identify even under magnification but can be located with focused inspection.
Both VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds appear flawless to the unaided eye in all lighting conditions. Inclusions at this level do not affect light transmission, structural durability, or visual appearance. These grades provide complete assurance that the diamond will remain eye-clean regardless of lighting conditions, viewing distance, or diamond size. VVS clarity offers documented excellence suitable for all setting styles and diamond shapes, maintaining value over time whilst ensuring perfect visual appearance.
VS Grades: VS1 and VS2 Practical Considerations
VS (Very Slightly Included) grades contain minor inclusions that range from difficult (VS1) to somewhat easy (VS2) to detect under 10x magnification. These inclusions remain invisible to the unaided eye in normal viewing conditions.
VS1: Inclusions positioned away from the table or located in areas where facets minimise visibility. Common types include small crystals or feathers near the girdle.
VS2: Slightly larger or more centrally positioned inclusions that may include small crystal groups or minor clouds.
The visual difference between VVS and VS grades is undetectable without magnification. VS clarity diamonds maintain eye-clean appearance whilst offering cost efficiency. VS1 and VS2 grades suit buyers prioritising value within quality parameters, particularly for solitaire engagement rings where the diamond serves as the primary focal point. VVS grades provide maximum confidence across all diamond sizes and setting styles, particularly for larger stones or step-cut shapes.
SI Grades: SI1 and SI2 Context
SI (Slightly Included) grades contain inclusions that are noticeable under 10x magnification and may be visible to the unaided eye depending on inclusion type, size, and position.
SI1: Inclusions are easy to locate under magnification and may be visible without assistance in some cases. Dark crystal inclusions positioned centrally become visible more readily than white feathers near the girdle. Individual stone evaluation becomes necessary to determine whether specific SI1 diamonds qualify as eye-clean.
SI2: Larger or more numerous inclusions that are more likely to be visible to the unaided eye upon close inspection, particularly under direct lighting. SI2 grading encompasses a broad range of inclusion severity.
Considerations for SI Clarity:
SI grades require careful stone-by-stone assessment to determine visual acceptability. The broad range within SI1 and SI2 grades means two diamonds of identical clarity grade may display significantly different inclusion visibility. This introduces uncertainty into the selection process, particularly when purchasing remotely without physical inspection.
For buyers seeking assured eye-clean appearance without individual evaluation requirements, VVS and VS grades eliminate this uncertainty. These higher clarity tiers ensure consistent visual standards regardless of diamond size, shape, or setting style whilst remaining accessible through lab-grown diamond pricing advantages.
How Clarity Affects Diamond Appearance and Price
Clarity grade directly influences diamond pricing, with each grade increment representing measurable cost differences:
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VVS1 to VVS2: 10-15% price reduction
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VVS2 to VS1: 15-20% price reduction
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VS2 to SI1: 25-35% price reduction
These percentages apply to both lab-grown and natural diamonds, though absolute prices differ substantially.
Lab-Grown Diamond Pricing Advantage:
Lab-grown diamonds cost substantially less than natural diamonds at equivalent clarity grades. This price difference makes VVS clarity accessible at price points that would command only VS or SI grades in natural diamonds. A buyer considering VS2 clarity in a natural diamond might access VVS2 clarity in a lab-grown emerald cut diamond at equivalent or lower cost.
This pricing advantage allows optimal clarity selection without budget compromise. VVS grades become practical choices rather than luxury specifications, whilst VS grades offer substantial value for those prioritising carat weight allocation.
Clarity and Diamond Size:
Clarity becomes more important in larger diamonds, as inclusions appear more prominent as carat weight increases. Diamonds above 1.50 carats benefit from VVS or VS1 clarity to maintain eye-clean appearance across all viewing conditions.
Selecting Clarity Based on Setting and Diamond Shape
Setting style and diamond shape influence how visible inclusions become in finished jewellery.
Setting Considerations:
Prong settings expose more diamond surface, making clarity more critical. Diamond wedding bands with smaller accent stones require lower clarity grades since inclusions become less visible at reduced sizes.
Shape-Specific Requirements:
Round Brilliant: Most forgiving shape for clarity. VS2 grades work well, whilst VVS provides complete assurance.
Emerald and Asscher Cuts: Step-cut facets function as windows into the stone, making inclusions more visible. VVS represents the optimal choice, with VS1 as the practical minimum for stones above 1.50 carats.
Cushion, Oval, and Pear: Modified brilliant cuts provide better inclusion masking than step cuts. VS1 and VVS grades both deliver excellent results.
Princess Cut: Shows inclusions more readily in corners. VVS and VS1 ensure clean appearance.
French pave engagement rings with centre stones above 1.00 carat benefit from VVS or VS1 clarity, as pave diamonds create a bright field that increases contrast with centre stone inclusions.
Conclusion
Clarity grades provide a standardised framework for evaluating diamond quality. VVS grades deliver guaranteed eye-clean appearance with documented excellence suitable for all diamond sizes and setting styles. VS1 and VS2 grades maintain eye-clean appearance whilst offering cost efficiency, particularly effective for round brilliant cuts and diamonds under 1.50 carats.
Lab-grown diamonds make premium clarity accessible at substantially lower costs compared to natural diamonds. For buyers prioritising long-term satisfaction and documented quality, VVS clarity provides optimal results. For those balancing clarity with carat weight objectives, VS grades deliver reliable performance.
Your choice should consider diamond size, shape, and setting style. Larger diamonds and step-cut shapes benefit from higher clarity specifications, whilst round brilliants perform well across broader clarity ranges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What clarity grade should I choose for a lab-grown diamond engagement ring?
VVS grades provide optimal assurance across all diamond sizes and shapes. VS1 and VS2 offer cost efficiency whilst maintaining eye-clean appearance for most applications.
Can SI clarity lab-grown diamonds be eye-clean?
Some SI1 diamonds remain eye-clean depending on inclusion characteristics. However, SI grades require individual stone assessment to ensure visual acceptability, introducing uncertainty into the selection process.
Does clarity grade affect a diamond's durability?
Clarity grades from VVS to SI2 do not affect structural durability in normal jewellery applications. Lower grades below SI2 may contain inclusions that compromise structural integrity.
How does diamond size influence clarity requirements?
Larger diamonds require higher clarity grades to maintain eye-clean appearance. Diamonds above 1.50 carats show inclusions more readily than smaller stones of equivalent clarity grade.
Are lab-grown diamond clarity grades the same as natural diamonds?
Yes. Independent laboratories apply identical grading standards to lab-grown and natural diamonds using the same evaluation criteria.
