Lab-Grown Diamond Clarity Grades Explained

Clarity measures how visible and significant a diamond's inclusions and blemishes are. The familiar clarity terminology runs broadly from extremely clean stones at the top through increasingly noticeable characteristics lower down the scale.

Common terms include:

There is an important laboratory-specific qualification. IGI currently publishes lab-grown diamond clarity categories including IF, VVS1–VVS2, VS1–VS2, SI1–SI2 and I1–I3 and assesses clarity at 10× magnification.

GIA's familiar natural-diamond clarity scale contains 11 grades from FL through I3, but GIA's current standard service for eligible colourless-to-near-colourless lab-grown diamonds no longer issues an individual traditional clarity grade. Since October 2025, clarity instead contributes to the overall GIA Premium or Standard Laboratory-Grown Diamond Quality Assessment.

So always interpret a clarity designation according to the laboratory and report type that actually issued it.

Clarity characteristics fall broadly into two groups. Inclusions are internal or surface-reaching features associated with the diamond. Blemishes are features confined to the surface.

A diamond can contain more than one type of clarity characteristic. Graders do not determine clarity only by counting them.

They consider factors such as: the nature of the characteristic, its size, number, location, relief or contrast, and how readily it can be seen under magnification.

This explains why two diamonds with the same clarity grade can look quite different when examined closely.

Calling every inclusion a defect can be misleading. Clarity characteristics are part of how gemmologists describe an individual diamond. They can also provide useful identifying information because the combination and placement of characteristics can be distinctive.

Some inclusions are visually insignificant without magnification. Others can be more obvious. A smaller number may influence transparency, brilliance or durability if they are particularly large, numerous or positioned in vulnerable areas.

The word inclusion therefore tells you that a characteristic exists. It does not tell you by itself whether that characteristic matters to you as a buyer.

Yes. Controlled growth does not mean every laboratory-grown diamond forms without internal characteristics. HPHT and CVD production can produce different growth-related features. The exact appearance and importance of these characteristics vary from stone to stone.

Some may be extremely difficult to see. Others may be more noticeable. After the rough diamond is grown, cutting and polishing can also introduce or reveal other clarity characteristics.

Therefore: lab-grown does not mean automatically flawless and: having an inclusion does not mean the diamond is poor quality.

For growth-method-specific features, use CVD vs HPHT Lab-Grown Diamonds rather than duplicating that technical discussion here.

Clarity assessment is performed under controlled conditions using magnification. GIA's established clarity methodology evaluates diamonds at 10× magnification, considering the number, size, relief, nature and position of clarity characteristics.

IGI likewise states that its lab-grown diamond clarity assessment is performed at 10× magnification and considers the visibility, size, number, location and nature of internal and surface features.

This matters because a clarity grade is not simply based on what an unaided shopper can see. A trained grader is intentionally looking for characteristics that may be invisible during ordinary wear.

Standard magnification gives graders a consistent basis for comparison. Without a defined viewing condition, one person might inspect a diamond with the naked eye while another uses a powerful microscope. Their conclusions would not be directly comparable.

Clarity grades therefore describe what trained professionals observe under controlled grading conditions.

For shoppers, this creates an important distinction: something visible at 10× magnification may be completely invisible during normal wear. That is where the concept of an eye-clean diamond becomes useful.

"Eye-clean" is an industry and retail term generally used for a diamond whose inclusions cannot readily be seen with the unaided eye under the specified viewing conditions.

It is not an official GIA clarity grade. GIA itself specifically notes that it does not use "eye-clean" as a grading term.

That means there is no universally standardised laboratory rule stating: "VS2 is always eye-clean." or: "SI1 is never eye-clean." The result depends on the individual stone.

Often a VS1 diamond will have clarity characteristics that are difficult to detect without magnification. But "always eye-clean" is too absolute.

Visibility can depend on the diamond's size, shape, facet pattern, inclusion colour and location, lighting, viewing distance and the observer's eyesight.

A very large diamond can make certain characteristics easier to see than they would be in a smaller stone. Likewise, a dark centrally located inclusion may be more noticeable than a pale characteristic near an edge. Use the grade as guidance rather than a guarantee.

Many VS2 diamonds can appear eye-clean during ordinary viewing. But the grade alone does not guarantee it.

Two VS2 stones can contain completely different clarity characteristics. One might have small inclusions located where the facet pattern makes them difficult to notice. Another may have a more contrasting feature beneath the table.

This is why Aurelia should not publish a universal recommendation saying every buyer should choose VS2. The correct advice is to assess the individual diamond.

Yes, some SI1 diamonds can appear eye-clean to an unaided observer. Others may contain characteristics that can be seen relatively easily.

Again, location, size, relief, nature, shape and diamond size matter. An SI grade therefore deserves closer inspection rather than automatic rejection.

A shopper seeking value may find an attractive SI stone. Another buyer may prefer a higher clarity grade for personal reasons. Neither decision is universally correct.

VVS is a higher clarity category than VS. But higher grade and better purchase are not necessarily the same thing.

The practical difference between an eye-clean VS diamond and a VVS diamond may be invisible without magnification. A buyer who values rarity or exceptionally high clarity may reasonably prefer VVS. A buyer focused primarily on face-up beauty may decide that the visual difference does not justify prioritising the higher grade.

The report tells you the clarity category. It does not determine your priorities.

FL means Flawless under the GIA natural-diamond clarity scale. A Flawless diamond has no inclusions and no blemishes visible to a skilled grader under 10× magnification. FL represents an exceptionally high clarity classification.

However, buyers should not assume that an FL diamond will look visibly more brilliant than every VVS or VS stone. Sparkle is strongly influenced by cut and light performance. Extremely high clarity primarily indicates rarity of clarity characteristics rather than automatically producing more fire or scintillation.

IF means Internally Flawless. No inclusions are visible under the relevant 10× examination, although blemishes may be present. IGI currently lists IF as the highest category shown on its published lab-grown diamond clarity scale.

An IF lab-grown diamond can therefore represent extremely high clarity. That does not mean IF should be the default buying recommendation.

If the next several grades are already visually clean to the unaided eye, paying attention to cut, dimensions and overall appearance may matter more to many shoppers.

VVS stands for Very Very Slightly Included. These diamonds contain minute inclusions that are very difficult for a skilled grader to locate under 10× magnification. VVS1 ranks above VVS2.

The distinction can be meaningful in professional grading and pricing, but both categories can contain features that an ordinary shopper would struggle to identify without magnification.

For many jewellery buyers, therefore, the question becomes whether such microscopic differences matter to their personal priorities.

VS stands for Very Slightly Included. These diamonds contain minor inclusions visible to a trained grader under magnification. VS1 is the higher grade within the category.

VS grades are popular in jewellery discussions because they can often provide a balance between high clarity and visual cleanliness. But that should be expressed carefully.

Aurelia should not state: "VS1 or VS2 is always the best clarity." A better recommendation is: VS grades are often worth considering when you want high visual cleanliness without making microscopic rarity the only priority—but inspect the individual diamond.

SI stands for Slightly Included. Characteristics are easier for a trained grader to identify under 10× magnification than in VS or VVS stones. Some SI diamonds can still look attractive and visually clean without magnification. Others have inclusions that can be seen by eye.

This is why SI diamonds require more individual assessment. A broad statement such as: "Never buy SI clarity" would be too simplistic. Likewise: "All SI diamonds are eye-clean" would be incorrect.

I stands for Included. Inclusions are obvious under 10× magnification and may affect transparency, brilliance or durability depending on their nature and severity.

At these levels, clarity characteristics are more likely to be noticeable without magnification. A buyer should pay particular attention to whether they affect the diamond's appearance or create durability concerns.

The exact grade still needs to be evaluated in the context of the individual stone.

Important: this table explains commonly used clarity terminology. Always use the grading system and report type actually issued for the diamond being considered.

Older articles often state that GIA provides ordinary FL-to-I3 clarity grades for every laboratory-grown diamond. That is no longer accurate for GIA's current standard colourless-to-near-colourless lab-grown service.

Since 1 October 2025, eligible laboratory-grown diamonds receive an overall: Premium or: Standard Quality Assessment. Clarity is one of the criteria used to reach that overall result.

For Premium, GIA requires clarity equivalent to its VVS category or higher as part of the complete Premium criteria. For Standard, the minimum clarity criterion is VS.

GIA no longer uses its natural-diamond nomenclature as the standard consumer result for these eligible lab-grown stones. This makes the issuing laboratory especially important when reading a lab-grown diamond description.

IGI currently continues to provide individual lab-grown diamond clarity assessments using familiar categories. Its published scale includes: IF; VVS1–VVS2; VS1–VS2; SI1–SI2; and I1–I3.

IGI states that clarity assessment is made at 10× magnification and considers factors including visibility, size, number, location and nature of the characteristics.

That means a product advertised as an IGI VS1 laboratory-grown diamond should be interpreted according to IGI's report rather than automatically translated into another laboratory's terminology.

For understanding the document itself, see What Is an IGI Lab-Grown Diamond Certificate?

Yes. Different facet arrangements can reveal or disguise clarity characteristics differently.

This is where the previous Aurelia article needs a specific factual correction. Oval and marquise diamonds should not be described as standard step cuts. Both are typically fashioned using brilliant-style facet arrangements.

Standard step-cut examples include: emerald cut and: Asscher cut. Step cuts use larger, more open, parallel or concentric facet arrangements that create a hall-of-mirrors appearance. Those broad facets can make inclusions easier to notice than in many brilliant-style diamonds.

Emerald-cut diamonds have large open facets and a relatively broad table. Rather than breaking reflections into many smaller flashes like a brilliant-style cut, their step-cut arrangement produces longer, cleaner optical lines. That visual openness can make internal characteristics more apparent.

For this reason, a clarity grade that looks completely clean in a busy brilliant facet pattern may deserve more visual inspection in an emerald cut.

This does not mean every emerald-cut diamond needs VVS clarity. It means the acceptable grade should be judged more carefully for the individual stone.

Asscher cuts are also step-cut diamonds. They use concentric, geometric facet arrangements that create a distinctive hall-of-mirrors appearance.

Like emerald cuts, the open facet pattern can make certain inclusions easier to notice. This can justify examining clarity more carefully when comparing Asscher stones.

Again, there is no universal rule requiring one minimum grade. An attractive eye-clean VS or even another grade may be perfectly suitable depending on the individual stone.

No. Standard oval diamonds are usually oval brilliant cuts. Their many brilliant-style facets can sometimes help break up or conceal the visual impact of small inclusions.

That does not mean clarity does not matter in an oval. It means the facet structure works differently from an emerald or Asscher step cut.

Oval diamonds can also show other visual characteristics such as bow-tie effects that are unrelated to clarity grade.

No. Marquise diamonds are also normally brilliant-style diamonds. Their elongated pointed outline should not be confused with a step-cut facet arrangement.

A marquise's brilliant faceting can help disguise some small inclusions, but its pointed tips also make inclusion location important from a durability perspective.

A significant surface-reaching characteristic near a vulnerable point may deserve more attention than a small feature in a less exposed location.

Round brilliants contain many facets arranged to produce strong brightness, fire and scintillation. That busy optical pattern can make small inclusions difficult to notice during ordinary face-up viewing.

This is one reason buyers can sometimes choose lower clarity grades in a round brilliant without seeing the characteristics unaided. But again, there is no guaranteed eye-clean grade. Every stone needs individual evaluation.

Princess cuts are generally brilliant or modified-brilliant style rather than step cuts. Their facet pattern can conceal some clarity characteristics effectively. However, their pointed corners deserve physical protection in the setting.

A surface-reaching inclusion close to a vulnerable corner may deserve closer attention even if it is difficult to see visually. Clarity evaluation is therefore about more than cosmetic cleanliness.

Yes. As diamonds become larger, their internal features may also become easier to notice.

Imagine the same relative type of inclusion appearing in: a 0.50 ct diamond and: a 4.00 ct diamond. The larger diamond provides a much larger viewing area.

That does not automatically mean large diamonds must receive dramatically higher grades, but it does mean a blanket recommendation that works for a small stone may not work equally well for a much larger one. The larger the diamond, the more important individual visual inspection can become.

Very much. A dark inclusion directly beneath the table can attract more attention than a similar-sized feature near the edge. Some edge inclusions may become partially concealed by a suitable setting.

But location also influences durability considerations. A surface-reaching inclusion near the girdle or a vulnerable corner may deserve more scrutiny because impact in that location could create greater risk.

So two diamonds with identical clarity grades can still present different buying considerations.

Yes. Clarity characteristics can differ in relief and contrast against the surrounding diamond. A dark characteristic may be easier for the eye to locate than a pale or transparent one of similar size.

This helps explain why merely knowing: VS2 does not tell you exactly what the diamond looks like. The grade compresses multiple observations into one clarity classification.

Yes, but clarity grading is not simple arithmetic. Five tiny features do not necessarily result in a worse grade than one large feature.

Graders consider the combined impact of: size, number, location, nature, relief and visibility.

One significant centrally located inclusion can matter more visually than several tiny peripheral features.

A feather is a type of clarity characteristic that can appear whitish or feather-like under certain viewing conditions. Not every feather creates a durability problem. Its significance depends on factors including size, depth and position.

A small internal feather can have very different implications from a large surface-reaching feather located near a vulnerable girdle area. This is why buyers should avoid judging an inclusion merely by its name.

A crystal is a mineral crystal enclosed within the diamond. Its visibility varies enormously. Some are tiny and difficult to locate. Others may be darker or larger and easier to see.

Again, the presence of the word "crystal" on a clarity plot is not enough to determine whether the feature matters visually.

A cloud is a grouping of very small clarity characteristics that can appear cloud-like under magnification. Some clouds are visually insignificant. If sufficiently dense or widespread, however, clarity characteristics can affect transparency and make a diamond look hazier.

That broader symptom belongs in Aurelia Royale's Can Lab-Grown Diamonds Become Cloudy? guide. A clarity cloud and a diamond simply looking dirty are not necessarily the same problem.

A needle is an elongated internal clarity characteristic. Some are extremely small. Others may be more noticeable depending on their contrast, orientation and position. The name does not automatically make the diamond risky or poor quality. Its actual influence matters.

A pinpoint is a very small crystal-like inclusion. Single pinpoints can be extremely difficult to see even under magnification. Groups of pinpoints may contribute to other plotted descriptions depending on their appearance and concentration.

Again, clarity grading reflects the overall effect rather than the mere presence of one named feature.

Not automatically. Cut and light performance have a much more direct relationship with the brightness, fire and scintillation people commonly describe as sparkle.

Very significant inclusions can reduce transparency and brilliance. But once two diamonds are both sufficiently transparent and visually clean, moving from VS to VVS or IF does not guarantee a dramatic increase in face-up sparkle.

For that subject, see Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Lose Their Sparkle?

Yes. GIA notes that obvious inclusions in the Included range can sometimes affect transparency and brilliance. That is different from assuming every inclusion causes a cloudy diamond.

A few small characteristics may have no meaningful effect on transparency. A dense concentration of inclusions may matter much more. Evaluate the actual diamond rather than treating the grade as the complete diagnosis.

Sometimes. Most clarity characteristics are primarily gemmological and visual features. But certain significant surface-reaching inclusions, particularly near vulnerable areas such as the girdle, can increase susceptibility to damage.

This does not mean every SI or Included diamond will break. Nor does a VVS grade make a diamond indestructible. Diamond itself can chip under sufficient impact regardless of grade.

For long-term durability, use Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Last Forever?

Laboratory-grown diamonds can occur in high clarity grades, but they should not be described as automatically clearer than every natural diamond. Both categories contain individual stones with different clarity characteristics.

Manufacturing allows producers to control many growth variables, but controlled production does not eliminate all inclusions.

The correct comparison should therefore be stone against stone rather than: lab-grown = flawless and: natural = included.

There is no universal clarity rule saying CVD is always clearer or HPHT is always clearer. The two methods can create different growth-related characteristics. Individual diamonds produced by either method can achieve high clarity.

The buyer should evaluate the final stone and its documentation rather than treating growth method as a clarity grade.

For the detailed method comparison, read CVD vs HPHT Lab-Grown Diamonds.

There is no single best clarity grade for every buyer and every diamond. If your priority is extremely high documented clarity and microscopic rarity, IF or VVS may appeal to you. If your priority is obtaining a visually clean diamond without paying primarily for microscopic differences, VS grades can often deserve consideration.

Some SI stones can also appear eye-clean and may suit buyers comfortable evaluating individual inclusions carefully. Step-cut diamonds such as emerald and Asscher may warrant more scrutiny because their open facets can reveal inclusions more readily. Larger diamonds can also make characteristics easier to see.

The correct recommendation is therefore: choose the lowest clarity grade that still delivers the appearance, transparency and durability characteristics you are comfortable with in that specific diamond—rather than selecting a grade from a universal chart.

Not universally. VS1 is a high clarity grade and can be an excellent choice. But a VS2 diamond may look identical to your unaided eye. A VVS stone may appeal to someone who values higher documented clarity. An eye-clean SI1 may work for another buyer.

The best choice depends on the individual stone and your priorities. Aurelia should therefore avoid language such as: "Always choose VS1." That is a buying preference, not a gemmological rule.

VS2 can be an excellent clarity grade in many diamonds. But check the stone. Pay particular attention to: the type of inclusion, its position, whether it is dark or contrasting, whether it is visible without magnification, and whether it creates any structural concern.

The letters VS2 are the beginning of the evaluation, not the end.

That depends on why you are buying it. If you want extremely high clarity documentation, VVS2 can make sense. If the competing VS stone looks equally clean without magnification and has better proportions or dimensions, you may prefer the VS diamond.

There is no single answer because "worth it" depends on what characteristics you personally value.

You can, but IF is not necessary for a diamond to look clean or beautiful. Internally Flawless describes exceptionally high clarity. The difference between IF and lower high-clarity grades may be invisible to the unaided eye.

Choose IF because you specifically value that level of clarity—not because you have been told every quality diamond must be internally flawless.

They answer different questions. The clarity grade provides standardised gemmological information. Eye-clean describes the shopper's practical visual experience under particular conditions.

A diamond can therefore have a lower laboratory grade while still looking completely clean in ordinary wear. For buying jewellery rather than collecting exceptionally rare clarity grades, many shoppers reasonably consider both pieces of information.

Begin with realistic face-up viewing. Look at the diamond without magnification at a normal jewellery viewing distance. Then inspect it under different ordinary lighting conditions. If possible, compare the stone from more than one angle.

Next, examine its magnified image or video and laboratory report to understand where the clarity characteristics are located. A stone can be eye-clean face-up while an inclusion becomes visible from the side. Whether that matters depends partly on the jewellery setting and your preference.

Do not define eye-clean using an unrealistic standard such as holding a large diamond a few centimetres from your eye under extreme lighting unless that is genuinely how you intend to judge it.

Photography can help, but it has limitations. Magnification, exposure, focus, lighting and image processing can make inclusions easier or harder to see.

A highly magnified 360° video may reveal features that would never be noticeable in ordinary wear. Conversely, poor-resolution imagery can hide characteristics.

Use imagery alongside the grading report and verified specifications.

For buying without physically inspecting a stone, use Aurelia Royale's dedicated How to Choose Diamond Jewellery Without Seeing It in Person guide.

That is a personal decision. Some buyers want absolutely no visible characteristics. Others are comfortable with a tiny inclusion that is only noticeable when actively searched for. A feature near the edge may even become difficult to notice once the diamond is mounted.

The important distinction is between: a harmless visual characteristic you accept and: a feature that significantly affects transparency, beauty or durability. Not every inclusion belongs in the second category.

Sometimes. A prong may partially obscure an edge characteristic. The surrounding design may also draw attention away from tiny inclusions.

However, a setting should never be used to conceal a serious structural problem. And buyers should not assume that every inclusion near a girdle can safely be covered by a prong.

The diamond's integrity and the final setting both need appropriate consideration.

Do not stop at the letters. Compare: the actual inclusions, where they are located, whether they are dark or transparent, the stone's size, shape and facet pattern, whether transparency is affected, and whether you can see anything objectionable without magnification.

Then compare the rest of the diamond. One VS2 may have much better proportions or face-up appearance than another VS2. Clarity is one dimension of the purchase.

A report plot is a useful representation of the clarity characteristics used for identification and grading, but it should be read according to the report's own conventions. Different report types may display information differently. Not every laboratory report necessarily contains the same style of clarity plot.

For interpreting grading-report fields, use How to Read a Lab-Grown Diamond Certificate rather than repeating the entire report tutorial here.

Because GIA's current lab-grown assessment uses Premium and Standard rather than displaying a traditional individual clarity grade, shoppers increasingly need to understand the distinction between: clarity as a gemmological concept and: the wording used on a specific laboratory report.

A current GIA Premium assessment uses VVS-or-higher clarity as one requirement, along with its specified colour, polish, symmetry and applicable cut criteria. A current Standard assessment permits VS as its minimum clarity criterion within the broader assessment framework.

By contrast, IGI continues to publish individual lab-grown clarity grades. Therefore, never compare: IGI VS1 and: GIA Premium as though they were simply two names for the same grade. They belong to different reporting systems.

Do not choose a lab-grown diamond by chasing the highest clarity grade automatically. Start by understanding what the grade means. Clarity describes inclusions and blemishes evaluated under magnification.

Then look at the actual stone. Ask whether the inclusions are visible without magnification, where they are located, whether they affect transparency, whether they present any durability concern and whether the diamond's facet pattern makes them easier or harder to see.

Shape matters. Emerald and Asscher diamonds are step cuts, whose broad open facets can reveal inclusions more readily. Oval and marquise diamonds are normally brilliant-style cuts, not step cuts.

Size matters too. A clarity characteristic that disappears visually in a small brilliant diamond may be easier to find in a much larger stone.

And laboratory reporting matters. IGI currently provides familiar individual lab-grown clarity grades. GIA's present lab-grown Quality Assessment uses clarity as part of a broader Premium/Standard classification.

The strongest buying rule is therefore: Choose a diamond whose clarity characteristics are acceptable in the actual stone you are buying rather than assuming one clarity grade is universally "best".

For many buyers, the practical goal is a diamond that appears clean and transparent under normal viewing while allowing budget and attention to be allocated to the other characteristics that affect its appearance.

For the complete quality framework, read What Are the 4Cs of Lab-Grown Diamonds?

For cut and light performance, continue with Lab-Grown Diamond Cut Explained.

For cloudiness and transparency problems, see Can Lab-Grown Diamonds Become Cloudy?

For CVD- and HPHT-specific growth features, read CVD vs HPHT Lab-Grown Diamonds.

For interpreting clarity on a laboratory document, use How to Read a Lab-Grown Diamond Certificate.

When reviewing an Aurelia Royale design, evaluate the clarity information stated for the specific diamond or product rather than relying on a site-wide minimum-grade assumption.

Where a design is not currently available for direct purchase, Join the Waitlist or submit an enquiry to register your interest.