Clarity, one of the “4 Cs” of diamonds, influences how light passes through the stone and works with cut to enhance its luminescence or “fire” effect.
As lab-grown diamonds increase in popularity, particularly for consumers looking to make more conscientious, sustainable choices, clarity gives these stones an edge over their earth-mined counterparts. Here’s what to consider.
Natural vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds
Despite lab-grown diamonds being labeled as synthetic stones, they possess the same chemical, physical and optical attributes as their natural equivalent.
These similarities extend to inclusions or aspects in varying degrees of visibility that affect a diamond’s clarity. Close to 100 percent of all lab-grown and earth-mined diamonds contain inclusions, so both types are evaluated on the same scales.
However, because lab-grown diamonds are created in a more controlled environment, they tend to have fewer inclusions, most of which require a magnifying glass to identify. As a result, you’re more likely to come across a clear, brilliant lab-grown stone at a lower price point.
Inclusions with natural diamonds can go one of two ways. For one, adding certain elements to the chemical structure may produce a rare fancy colored stone. On the other hand, inclusions generally result in a dull appearance that diminishes how light passes through the diamond. You’re also more likely to encounter lower-grade inclusions or ones you can see with the naked eye.
How Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Made
Lab-grown diamonds are made through one of two processes. High pressure-high temperature involves a press to generate an extreme amount of pressure and heat, resulting in conditions that produce a diamond. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) begins with the components of a diamond, which are then heated and exposed to a combination of methane gas, carbon and plasma technology to create a complete stone.
Between these techniques, high pressure-high temperature stones include small silicone and metallic inclusions generally only visible through magnification. Meanwhile, CVD-created stones may display some graphite inclusions.
Along with these factors, other inclusions you may notice under magnification are:
- Needle inclusions, which look like long, very thin lines
- Feather inclusions, or rows of small cracks
- Clouds, which appear as a small cluster of inclusions
- Crystal deposits
Grading Lab-Grown Diamonds for Clarity
While leading organizations previously graded lab-grown diamonds with a different set of rules, they now share the same standards with natural stones for consistency. Here are the two you may encounter.
International Gemological Institute (IGI)
As you shop around, you’ll notice all diamonds have an IGI report, which includes clarity grades. Factoring in both external and internal flaws, IGI clarity grading includes:
- I for visible inclusions you can see with your eye.
- SI (Slightly Included) for inclusions you may be able to see with your eye and under x10 magnification.
- VS (Very Slightly Included) for inclusions requiring x10 magnification.
- VVS (Very, Very Slightly Included) for a fewer number of inclusions you can only see with x10 magnification.
- FL/IF (Flawless/Internally Flawless) for no inclusions, even with magnification.
A 1 or 2 for fewer or more inclusions, respectively, accompanies each designation.
Gemological Institute of America
GIA grades in a similar fashion, taking the number, severity and location of inclusions into account. A report for a lab-grown diamond will have one of the following grades:
- Included, for inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye and via 10X magnification.
- SI (Slightly Included), for a larger number of inclusions you can see through 10X magnification.
- VS (Very Slightly Included) for some inclusions you can see under magnification. Most lab-grown stones receive this grade.
- VVS (Very, Very Slightly Included) for a fewer number of inclusions you can only see via magnification.
- Internally Flawless (IF), for stones with a clear interior but minor inclusions on the surface.
- Flawless (F) for no inclusions at any level.
SI through VVS receive a 1 or 2 designation based on number of inclusions, and “I” has three tiers based on the number and types of blemishes seen.
Are you considering a lab-grown diamond for an engagement ring or another type of jewelry? Explore our selection today!
