Clarity is one of the most important quality factors to understand when shopping for a lab-grown diamond, but buying the highest clarity grade is not always the smartest use of your budget. A diamond can contain microscopic inclusions that are visible under 10× magnification while still looking completely clean to the unaided eye.
For many shoppers, the goal is therefore not simply to find the highest grade. It is to choose a lab-grown diamond whose inclusions do not distract from its beauty, transparency, durability, or everyday appearance—and to understand how clarity works alongside cut, color, carat weight, diamond shape, and certification.
This guide explains traditional diamond clarity grades, the important difference between current GIA and IGI lab-grown diamond assessments, what “eye-clean” really means, how clarity needs change by diamond shape, and what to check before purchasing a lab-grown diamond ring or other fine jewelry.
Quick Answer: What Is the Best Clarity for a Lab-Grown Diamond?
For many buyers, VS1 or VS2 offers an excellent balance between a clean appearance and practical value. In these grades, inclusions are minor and evaluated under 10× magnification, and many diamonds look clean during normal unaided viewing.
A carefully selected SI1 diamond can sometimes also appear eye-clean, particularly in brilliant-style cuts, but the individual stone should be inspected closely. Emerald and Asscher cuts generally reveal inclusions more easily because of their large, open step facets, so VS2 or higher is often a more practical starting point for those shapes.
Updated: August 2026. This guide reflects the current GIA laboratory-grown diamond quality-assessment system and current IGI lab-grown diamond grading information available at the time of review.
What Does Diamond Clarity Mean?
Diamond clarity describes the relative absence of internal characteristics called inclusions and surface characteristics called blemishes.
According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), clarity evaluation considers characteristics under 10× magnification. Factors such as the number, size, relief, nature, and location of clarity characteristics contribute to the final assessment.
That distinction is important because two diamonds with the same clarity grade can look different. One may contain a small inclusion near the edge that is difficult to notice, while another may have a darker inclusion beneath the center table where it is easier to see.
Inclusions vs. Blemishes
- Inclusions are internal characteristics or characteristics that extend into the diamond from its surface.
- Blemishes are characteristics limited to the diamond's exterior surface.
Most clarity characteristics are microscopic. Their presence does not automatically mean that a diamond will look flawed when worn.
Important 2026 Update: How GIA and IGI Assess Lab-Grown Diamond Clarity
This is one of the most important things to understand when reading a lab-grown diamond grading report today.
The traditional FL-to-I clarity scale remains useful for understanding diamond clarity, and IGI continues to use traditional clarity grades for laboratory-grown diamonds. However, GIA changed its approach for newly submitted D-to-Z laboratory-grown diamonds beginning October 1, 2025.
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Under GIA's current laboratory-grown diamond system, a diamond must meet all applicable requirements to qualify as Premium. Those requirements include clarity equivalent to Very, Very Slightly Included or higher, D color, Excellent polish and symmetry, and—for round brilliants—Excellent cut.
The Standard category allows qualifying combinations down to Very Slightly Included clarity, E-to-J color, Very Good polish, and specified minimum symmetry and cut criteria.
Laboratory-grown diamonds that do not meet GIA's minimum Standard criteria do not receive that GIA quality assessment.
You can read the current requirements directly from GIA's laboratory-grown diamond quality-assessment update.
The Traditional Diamond Clarity Scale Explained
The familiar clarity scale remains extremely useful when reading IGI reports and understanding how inclusions become progressively easier to detect.
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IGI's current laboratory-grown diamond report guidance confirms that it continues to use IF, VVS, VS, SI, and I clarity categories and evaluates clarity at 10× magnification.
VVS vs. VS vs. SI: What Can You Actually See?
The difference between clarity grades can look significant on a grading report while being much less obvious during normal wear.
VVS Clarity
VVS diamonds contain minute inclusions that are difficult for a skilled grader to detect even under magnification. They offer exceptionally high clarity, but many shoppers will not see a meaningful unaided-eye difference between a VVS diamond and a well-selected VS diamond.
VS Clarity
VS1 and VS2 diamonds contain minor inclusions. These characteristics are evaluated under magnification and can range in visibility depending on their size, location, relief, and the diamond's facet pattern.
For buyers seeking a practical balance between clarity and value, VS is often an especially useful range to consider.
SI Clarity
SI1 and SI2 inclusions are more noticeable to a grader at 10× magnification. Some SI diamonds can still look clean during normal unaided viewing, while others may have characteristics visible from the top.
For this reason, an SI diamond should be evaluated stone by stone rather than purchased solely because the certificate says “SI1.”
What Does “Eye-Clean” Mean?
Eye-clean is not an official laboratory clarity grade. It is a practical term used to describe a diamond whose inclusions are not readily visible to the unaided eye under normal viewing conditions.
Whether a diamond appears eye-clean can depend on:
- Carat size
- Diamond shape and facet pattern
- Size of the inclusion
- Location of the inclusion
- Color or contrast of the inclusion
- Viewing distance
- Lighting conditions
- Whether the diamond is viewed face-up or from the side
A VS2 diamond with a tiny inclusion near the girdle may be extremely difficult to notice, while a lower-contrast grade is not guaranteed merely by the grade name. Always examine the actual stone whenever detailed imagery or video is available.
Best Lab-Grown Diamond Clarity by Shape
Diamond shape and cutting style can affect how easily inclusions are seen. Brilliant-style facet patterns tend to be more forgiving, while step cuts have larger, more open facets that reveal clarity characteristics more readily.
The following recommendations are practical shopping starting points rather than laboratory grading rules:
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GIA's current diamond-shape guidance specifically notes that brilliant cuts can help mask inclusions, while step cuts such as emerald and Asscher reveal clarity characteristics more easily. GIA recommends VS2 or higher as a useful consideration for emerald and Asscher cuts, particularly as size increases.
If you are comparing shapes for a proposal, browse lab-grown diamond engagement rings and evaluate the clarity grade alongside the stone's shape, carat size, setting, and cut.
Does Higher Clarity Make a Lab-Grown Diamond Sparkle More?
Not necessarily.
Brightness, fire, and scintillation—the visual effects people commonly describe as “sparkle”—are closely connected with a diamond's cut and interaction with light.
GIA explains in its diamond cut guidance that brightness, fire, and scintillation are major components of face-up cut appearance.
Clarity can matter when inclusions are significant enough to reduce transparency, interrupt light transmission, or become visually distracting. But once a diamond is sufficiently clean, moving from VS to VVS or from VVS to IF does not automatically create visibly stronger sparkle.
Practical Rule:
If you must choose between paying for a much higher clarity grade and choosing a better-cut diamond, prioritize overall visual performance. An eye-clean, well-cut diamond can look more impressive than a technically higher-clarity diamond with weaker proportions or light performance.
Clarity vs. Cut: Where Should You Spend Your Budget?
One of the easiest mistakes when buying a diamond is paying for clarity that you cannot see while compromising on characteristics that have a stronger effect on appearance.
A practical buying sequence is:
- Choose a well-proportioned, attractive diamond.
- Select a clarity level that looks clean for your chosen shape and size.
- Choose a color range that works with your metal and visual preferences.
- Then adjust carat weight to fit your budget.
For many shoppers, a well-selected VS diamond provides more useful value than paying a premium for VVS or IF simply because those letters represent a technically higher clarity category.
Common Inclusions in Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds, but the growth conditions used to create them can produce characteristics associated with the manufacturing process.
Examples of clarity characteristics buyers or gemologists may encounter include:
- Pinpoints: Extremely small internal points that may be difficult to see individually.
- Clouds: Groups of tiny characteristics that can create a cloud-like appearance under magnification; dense clouds can sometimes affect transparency.
- Needles: Thin, elongated internal characteristics.
- Feathers: Fracture-like internal features whose impact depends on their size and location.
- Dark growth-related inclusions: Certain laboratory-grown diamonds can contain darker characteristics related to their growth method.
- Growth patterns or graining: Structural features that can be associated with crystal growth.
The important point is that the type, size, location, contrast, and visibility of an inclusion matter more to a buyer than simply knowing that an inclusion exists.
Do CVD and HPHT Lab-Grown Diamonds Have Different Inclusions?
They can.
The two major methods used to produce gem-quality laboratory-grown diamonds are High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
HPHT-Grown Diamond Characteristics
GIA research notes that HPHT-grown diamonds can contain dark metallic flux inclusions associated with the growth environment. These features are not present in every HPHT diamond, and specialized gemological testing—not a consumer's visual inspection alone—is used to determine origin.
CVD-Grown Diamond Characteristics
CVD-grown diamonds can show dark graphitic inclusions and growth-related structures. Specialized laboratories may also use spectroscopy and fluorescence imaging to identify features associated with CVD growth.
You can learn more about these differences through GIA's laboratory-grown diamond identification information.
For buyers, however, the growth method should not replace the normal quality evaluation. Whether a diamond is CVD or HPHT, consider its appearance, clarity, cut, color, carat weight, grading information, and overall suitability for the jewelry design.
Is VVS Clarity Worth Paying More For?
It depends on what you value.
VVS clarity may make sense if:
- You specifically want a very high-clarity diamond.
- You enjoy knowing that inclusions are extremely difficult to find under magnification.
- You are choosing a larger step-cut diamond where clarity characteristics may be easier to see.
- The price difference between the VVS and comparable VS stone is acceptable within your budget.
VVS may be less important if your primary goal is simply to own a diamond that looks clean to the unaided eye. In that case, a well-chosen VS1 or VS2 can often satisfy the visual goal while allowing more budget for cut, carat size, setting, or precious metal.
Is VS2 Good for a Lab-Grown Diamond?
For many buyers, yes.
VS2 is one of the most practical clarity grades to consider because its inclusions remain relatively minor under the traditional grading system, while the diamond may still appear clean to an unaided observer.
However, there is no rule that every VS2 is automatically eye-clean. Pay particular attention to:
- Dark inclusions directly beneath the center table
- Large or high-relief inclusions
- Inclusions near vulnerable edges or points
- Clouds that noticeably reduce transparency
- Larger diamonds where characteristics may be easier to notice
- Emerald or Asscher cuts with open step facets
Is SI1 Clarity Good Enough?
It can be—but this is a grade where individual inspection becomes especially important.
Some SI1 brilliant-cut diamonds can appear clean without magnification, particularly when the inclusions are small, lightly contrasted, and positioned away from the center. Other SI1 diamonds can have characteristics that are noticeable face-up.
Instead of asking only “Is SI1 good?”, ask:
- Can I see the inclusion without magnification?
- Where is the inclusion located?
- Is it dark or high-contrast?
- Does it affect transparency?
- Could its location create a durability concern?
- Does the diamond's shape make it easier to see?
Does Diamond Size Change the Clarity You Should Choose?
It can.
As diamond size increases, clarity characteristics may become easier to notice simply because there is a larger face-up area to inspect. This does not mean every large diamond requires VVS clarity, but the practical threshold for an eye-clean appearance may shift.
For example, a VS2 clarity that looks exceptionally clean in a smaller round brilliant may require closer examination in a much larger emerald-cut stone.
If you are considering a larger center stone, inspect magnified images, videos, and the grading information rather than relying on the clarity category alone.
How to Read a Lab-Grown Diamond Grading Report
A grading report should help you verify more than clarity.
Depending on the laboratory and report type, look for:
- Laboratory-grown diamond identification
- Report number
- Diamond shape and cutting style
- Measurements
- Carat weight
- Color information
- Clarity information or current quality-assessment terminology
- Cut information where applicable
- Polish
- Symmetry
- Fluorescence or other comments when reported
- Growth method or treatment information when provided
For an IGI Report
IGI currently uses traditional 4Cs terminology for laboratory-grown diamonds. Its lab-grown reports can include clarity grades such as VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, and SI2. You can also use IGI's report-verification service to confirm report information.
For a Current GIA Lab-Grown Assessment
For qualifying D-to-Z laboratory-grown diamonds submitted under GIA's current service, look for the Premium or Standard quality assessment rather than expecting the same traditional clarity nomenclature used on a conventional natural-diamond grading report.
Also remember that older laboratory-grown diamond reports may use systems issued before the current GIA service was introduced. The date and type of report therefore matter.
What Matters More Than the Clarity Grade Alone?
A clarity grade is useful, but it cannot tell you everything about how a diamond will look in jewelry.
Before choosing a diamond, evaluate:
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Inclusion Location
A small inclusion hidden near an edge can be much less noticeable than a similarly sized dark inclusion beneath the center table.
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Inclusion Contrast
A light, low-contrast characteristic may be difficult to see even when magnified. A dark characteristic can attract the eye more easily.
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Diamond Shape
Brilliant faceting can conceal some inclusions, while step cuts reveal more of the diamond's interior.
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Carat Size
Larger diamonds often deserve closer clarity inspection because their larger visible area can make characteristics easier to notice.
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Cut and Light Performance
A well-cut diamond can create stronger brightness, fire, and scintillation. Do not judge visual quality by clarity alone.
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The Jewelry Setting
Depending on its location, a small inclusion may become less noticeable once the diamond is mounted. A secure setting can also protect vulnerable points and edges.
Lab-Grown Diamond Clarity Buying Checklist
Before You Buy, Check These 10 Things
- Identify the grading laboratory. Do not interpret a GIA assessment and an IGI report as though they use identical terminology.
- Choose clarity for the shape. Brilliant cuts are generally more forgiving than open step cuts.
- Inspect inclusion location. Center-table inclusions can be more noticeable.
- Check whether the stone appears eye-clean. Use detailed imagery or video when available.
- Consider carat size. Larger stones may deserve closer clarity inspection.
- Prioritize cut. Do not sacrifice attractive light performance merely to obtain a higher clarity label.
- Review color alongside clarity. The 4Cs work together rather than independently.
- Verify measurements. Carat weight alone does not tell you how large the diamond will appear.
- Verify the report. Check the laboratory report number and product information before making a high-value purchase.
- Compare the complete jewelry piece. Setting design, metal, side stones, craftsmanship, and fit matter too.
Which Clarity Should You Choose for an Engagement Ring?
For many lab-grown diamond engagement rings, VS1 or VS2 can be an effective place to begin your comparison.
If you are choosing a round, oval, radiant, cushion, princess, pear, or marquise brilliant-style diamond, you may find that you do not need VVS clarity to achieve a clean everyday appearance.
If you prefer emerald or Asscher cuts, look more carefully at clarity because their open step facets can reveal inclusions. VS2 or higher is a useful starting point, with larger stones potentially benefiting from higher clarity depending on the individual diamond.
Most importantly, compare the actual diamond rather than choosing solely from the letters on the report.
Explore Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry by Category
If you are ready to compare diamonds in finished jewelry, use what you have learned about clarity alongside the design, size, metal, and stone specifications.
- Lab-Grown Diamond Rings – compare different shapes, settings, and center-stone sizes.
- Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings – explore proposal-focused designs from solitaire to side-stone settings.
- Lab-Grown Diamond Earrings – shop diamond earrings for everyday and occasion wear.
- Lab-Grown Diamond Solitaire Necklaces – compare diamond pendants and solitaire necklace styles.
- Lab-Grown Diamond Bracelets – explore tennis and other diamond bracelet designs.
If you are still deciding whether laboratory-grown diamonds are right for you, read our guide on whether it is worth buying a lab-grown diamond.
Choose Lab-Grown Diamonds With More Confidence
Explore lab-grown diamond rings in different shapes, carat weights, settings, and designs—and use clarity, cut, color, and grading details together to choose the piece that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best clarity for a lab-grown diamond?
For many buyers, VS1 or VS2 offers an excellent balance of clarity and value. These diamonds contain minor inclusions evaluated under magnification, and many look clean during normal unaided viewing. Emerald and Asscher cuts may benefit from VS2 or higher because their open step facets make inclusions easier to see.
Is VS2 clarity good for a lab-grown diamond?
Yes, VS2 is a practical clarity grade for many lab-grown diamonds. However, no clarity grade guarantees that every stone will look identical. Check the size, location, contrast, and type of inclusions as well as the diamond's shape and carat size.
Is VVS worth paying more for in a lab-grown diamond?
VVS can be worthwhile if extremely high clarity is personally important to you or if you are purchasing a large step-cut diamond. If your goal is simply an eye-clean appearance, a well-selected VS1 or VS2 may provide similar unaided visual cleanliness while leaving more budget for cut, carat weight, or the setting.
Can you see inclusions in a VS2 lab-grown diamond?
VS2 inclusions are evaluated under 10× magnification and may be difficult to see without magnification in many diamonds. Visibility still depends on the inclusion's size, position, contrast, the diamond's shape, and its carat size, so the individual stone should be evaluated.
Is SI1 clarity okay for a lab-grown diamond?
Some SI1 lab-grown diamonds can look clean to the unaided eye, particularly in brilliant-style cuts where small inclusions can be harder to notice. Others may contain visible characteristics. Inspect the actual diamond rather than assuming every SI1 will be eye-clean.
What does eye-clean mean for a diamond?
Eye-clean is an informal visual description rather than an official laboratory clarity grade. It generally means that inclusions are not readily visible to the unaided eye under normal viewing conditions. Viewing distance, lighting, diamond size, facet pattern, and inclusion location can all affect whether a stone appears eye-clean.
Does an emerald-cut lab-grown diamond need higher clarity?
Emerald cuts generally require more attention to clarity because their large, open step facets make inclusions easier to see than the busier facets of brilliant cuts. VS2 or higher is a useful starting point, and larger emerald cuts may benefit from higher clarity depending on the individual stone.
Does higher clarity make a lab-grown diamond sparkle more?
Not automatically. A diamond's cut and facet proportions have a strong relationship with brightness, fire, and scintillation. Clarity becomes especially important when inclusions interfere with transparency or are visibly distracting. Once a diamond is sufficiently clean, a higher clarity grade does not guarantee visibly stronger sparkle.
Which is more important: diamond cut or clarity?
Both matter, but buyers should avoid sacrificing an attractive cut simply to obtain a higher clarity label. Cut strongly influences how a diamond interacts with light, while clarity determines the visibility and impact of inclusions and blemishes. A well-cut, eye-clean VS diamond can be a better visual choice than a higher-clarity diamond with weaker light performance.
Do CVD and HPHT lab-grown diamonds have different inclusions?
They can. GIA research notes that some HPHT-grown diamonds contain dark metallic flux inclusions, while CVD-grown diamonds can show dark graphitic inclusions and different growth structures. These characteristics are not present in every stone, and laboratories use specialized testing to determine growth origin.
Does GIA still use VVS, VS, and SI grades for new lab-grown diamonds?
For its current D-to-Z laboratory-grown diamond quality-assessment service introduced on October 1, 2025, GIA uses Premium or Standard descriptive assessments rather than the traditional natural-diamond grading nomenclature. Older reports and other laboratory systems may use different terminology.
Does IGI still grade lab-grown diamond clarity as VVS, VS, and SI?
Yes. IGI's current laboratory-grown diamond report system continues to assess clarity at 10× magnification and uses traditional clarity categories including IF, VVS1–VVS2, VS1–VS2, SI1–SI2, and I1–I3.
How can I verify a lab-grown diamond grading report?
Check which laboratory issued the report, confirm the report number through that laboratory's official verification service when available, and compare the report details with the actual diamond or jewelry listing. Confirm the diamond's laboratory-grown origin, measurements, carat weight, color or quality information, clarity or assessment terminology, and other reported characteristics.
Final Takeaway: Buy the Diamond, Not Just the Clarity Grade
Clarity matters, but the highest clarity grade is not automatically the best purchase.
For many buyers, the smartest choice is a diamond that looks clean without magnification, has no clarity characteristic that meaningfully compromises transparency or durability, and allows enough budget for an attractive cut, suitable carat weight, secure setting, and jewelry design you genuinely love.
VS1 and VS2 are useful starting points for many lab-grown diamonds. Carefully chosen SI1 stones may also work for some brilliant-style shapes, while emerald and Asscher cuts generally deserve more attention to clarity because their open facets reveal more of the diamond's interior.
Finally, always identify the grading laboratory before interpreting the report. In 2026, IGI continues to use familiar VVS, VS, and SI terminology for lab-grown diamonds, while GIA's current D-to-Z laboratory-grown diamond service uses Premium and Standard quality assessments. Understanding that difference can prevent confusion and help you compare diamonds more intelligently.
Sources and Editorial References
- GIA – Updated Laboratory-Grown Diamond Quality Assessment
- GIA – Diamond Clarity
- GIA – Diamond Cut and Light Performance
- GIA – Diamond Shape and Clarity Considerations
- GIA – Laboratory-Grown Diamond Identification
- IGI – Laboratory-Grown Diamond Reports and Grading Scale
- FTC – Jewelry and Laboratory-Created Diamond Guidance