This diamond clarity guide describes how free a diamond is from:

• Internal marks (inclusions)

• External marks (blemishes)
  

The fewer and smaller the inclusions, the cleaner, brighter, and more valuable the diamond appears.

In lab-grown diamonds, inclusions form naturally during crystal growth, just like in mined diamonds. That means clarity is a real, meaningful grading factor — not a marketing label.

Professional grading bodies such as IGI (International Gemological Institute) and GIA examine diamonds under magnification using strict, globally recognised clarity criteria. Their reports make it possible to compare lab-grown diamonds from different brands with confidence.

The clarity scale used by IGI and GIA contains 11 grades, grouped into practical ranges:

• FL — Flawless
  

  • No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10× magnification.

  • Extremely rare in both natural and lab-grown diamonds.
    

• IF — Internally Flawless

  • No internal inclusions, only tiny surface marks.

  • Also rare; typically used in very high-end pieces.
    

• VVS1 / VVS2 — Very Very Slightly Included

  • Inclusions are extremely tiny, very difficult even for graders to see at 10×.

  • Visually appear perfectly clean in real life.

• VS1 / VS2 — Very Slightly Included

  • Small inclusions that are hard to see under 10× and invisible to the naked eye in most well-cut stones.

  • Considered the sweet spot for beauty vs price.
    

• SI1 / SI2 — Slightly Included

  • Inclusions may be visible without magnification depending on size and position.

  • Some SI1 stones still “face-up” eye-clean, especially in brilliant shapes.
    

• I1 / I2 / I3 — Included

  • Inclusions are obvious and can affect both appearance and structural integrity.

  • Not recommended for fine engagement rings.
    

For lab-grown diamonds, most quality-focused brands concentrate on VVS, VS, and higher-end SI categories, especially between 1ct–3ct.

Professional graders evaluate clarity with a combination of tools and criteria:

• 10× Magnification
   Industry standard for clarity grading using loupes or microscopes.

• Inclusion Type
   Crystals, needles, clouds, feathers, pinpoints, internal graining.

• Inclusion Size
   Larger inclusions have a stronger impact on clarity grade.

• Inclusion Position
   Inclusions under the table (centre) are more impactful than those near the edges.

• Inclusion Color and Contrast
   Dark inclusions reduce clarity more than pale or transparent ones.
  
  

In lab-grown stones, inclusions often appear as soft internal features rather than strong dark crystals. This is why VVS and VS lab-grown diamonds can look exceptionally pure, especially in high-color ranges like D–F.

From a buyer’s point of view, these three clarity bands matter most: VVS, VS, and SI.

VVS (Very Very Slightly Included) — Premium Visual Purity

Characteristics:

• Looks completely clean to the naked eye

• Inclusions are extremely hard to see even at 10×

• Ideal for shapes that show everything, such as emerald and Asscher
  

Best For:

• High-end buyers seeking near-perfect purity

• Larger diamonds (2–4ct and above), where clarity is more noticeable
  

Engagement rings where transparency and refinement are top priorities

VS (Very Slightly Included) — Best Balance of Beauty and Value

Characteristics:

• Inclusions are small and discreet

• Almost always invisible in daily wear, especially in brilliant-cut stones

• Considered the best value clarity range for lab-grown diamonds
  

Best For:

• Round, oval, radiant, cushion, princess

• 1ct–3ct engagement diamonds

• Buyers who want a very clean look without paying VVS premiums
  

For many Buvea-style configurations (D–F color, Ideal cut, 1.5–2ct sizes), VS1–VS2 clarity is the most recommended balance.

SI (Slightly Included) — Budget-Friendly When Chosen Carefully

Characteristics:

• Some inclusions may be visible without magnification

• Quality varies: some SI1 stones still look clean from the top

• Selection is critical — inclusion position, size, and color matter
  

Best For:

• Budget-focused buyers

• Smaller stones (up to ~1.00ct)

• Designs where inclusions sit close to the girdle or are hidden by prongs or halos
  

When buying SI clarity, high-quality images, videos, and IGI reports are essential.

For lab-grown diamonds, IGI is the leading global grading authority, with GIA also widely recognised.

IGI clarity grading ensures:

• Consistent, objective clarity standards

• Detailed identification of inclusion types and locations

• Laser-inscribed report numbers on the diamond’s girdle

• Easy verification and comparison between diamonds

• Global acceptance across major markets (USA, UAE, UK, Europe, Asia)
  

Quality-focused jewelers, especially those manufacturing in hubs like Dubai, typically use IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds so that clarity, cut, and color can be trusted, not guessed.

Clarity and sparkle are closely linked, even when cut is perfect:

1️⃣ Light Flow
 Inclusions can interrupt the path of light inside the diamond, reducing overall brightness.

2️⃣ Transparency
 Cleaner diamonds appear more “crystal clear” and glass-like, which is especially visible in step-cut shapes like emerald and Asscher.

3️⃣ Visual Distraction
 Dark or central inclusions draw the eye away from the diamond’s brilliance, even at ideal proportions.

Shape-Specific Notes:

• Emerald, Asscher, and Marquise
  

  • Their facet patterns make inclusions easier to see.

  • Higher clarity (VVS, VS1) is strongly recommended.

• Round, Oval, Radiant, Cushion, Princess
  

  • Their brilliant-cut patterns hide minor inclusions well.
    

VS1–VS2 usually looks incredibly clean; even a carefully chosen SI1 can appear eye-clean.

 For clarity by shape, combine with Diamond Shape Encyclopedia (Lab-Grown Edition)

Use this 2025 clarity decision framework:

• If you want maximum visual purity:
   → Choose VVS1 or VVS2

• If you want best overall value:
   → Choose VS1 or VS2

• If you are budget-conscious but flexible:
   → Choose SI1, but only if it is confirmed eye-clean

• If you are buying 2–4ct+ diamonds:
   → Aim for VS or above (VVS for emerald/Asscher)

• If you love step-cuts (emerald/Asscher):
   → Prefer VVS or VS1, as inclusions are easier to detect
  

In lab-grown diamonds, VS clarity often gives you a premium look without premium pricing, making it the go-to recommendation for many buyers.

Lab-grown diamonds differ from mined diamonds in how inclusions form and appear:

• Generally fewer dark carbon inclusions

• More even internal growth, especially in CVD-grown stones

• Higher availability of VVS and VS clarity at larger sizes

• More consistency in clarity for D–F color stones
  

This means:

• You can often choose larger carat sizes with high clarity in lab-grown diamonds.

• Premium jewelers frequently offer D–E color, VVS–VS clarity, IGI-certified combinations that would be extremely expensive in mined stones.
  

Regions like Dubai combine this clarity advantage with advanced manufacturing, ensuring stones are set securely and inclusions are not stressed by poor mounting.

Clarity grading is critical, but modern buyers also look for supporting quality signals that complete the picture.

IGI-Certified Diamonds

• Confirms the clarity grade (VVS, VS, SI) is real, not just a sales claim

• Includes full details on inclusions, cut, polish, and symmetry

• Allows diamonds to be verified globally
  

IGI-Certified Gold

• Confirms the actual karat purity of the ring (e.g., 14K, 18K)

• Adds trust when you are paying for a high-clarity stone in fine metal
  

Precision Craftsmanship (e.g., Dubai Manufacturing)

Regions like Dubai are known for experienced setters and strict quality checks:

• Prongs placed carefully to avoid stressing inclusions

• Clean, even polishing that complements clarity

• Well-aligned halos and bands that visually support the stone
  

Value-Protection Policies

Some premium brands strengthen clarity purchases with upgrade-friendly policies such as:

• 70% Exchange Value within 1 year (store credit after 30% deduction)

• 60% Cash Return within 1 year (cash refund after 40% deduction)
  

These give buyers confidence when choosing higher clarity grades or larger sizes, knowing they can adjust later if they want to upgrade or resize.

👉Buvea is among the select jewelers that combine IGI-certified diamonds, verified gold purity, Dubai craftsmanship, premium packaging, and 70% exchange / 60% cash return policies on eligible items, while keeping education and clarity-first decision-making as the core priority.

Lab-Grown Engagement Rings