That moment stuck with me, though. Because whether you’re buying an engagement ring, a pair of earrings, or just curious about diamonds in general, clarity is one of those things that sounds intimidating but doesn’t have to be. And when it comes to lab-grown stones, the conversation gets even more interesting.

So let’s talk about the lab diamond clarity chart — not in stiff gemological language, but in a way that actually makes sense in real life. No lab coats required.

Why Clarity Matters More Than You Think

Clarity is essentially about imperfections. Or, to use the industry term, “inclusions” and “blemishes.” These are tiny marks formed during a diamond’s creation. In natural diamonds, that happens underground over billions of years. In lab-grown ones, it happens in a controlled environment that mimics nature — just a whole lot faster.

Now, here’s the part that surprised me when I first learned it: most of these inclusions are invisible to the naked eye. Truly. You can stare at a diamond all day and never see them without magnification.

So why does clarity still matter?

Because it affects:

• How light travels through the stone
• How rare (and therefore expensive) the diamond is
• How confident you feel about your purchase

And if you’re someone who likes understanding what you’re paying for — not just trusting a price tag — the clarity chart is your best friend.

What Exactly Is a Lab Diamond Clarity Chart?

A lab diamond clarity chart is a visual and descriptive guide that shows how diamonds are graded based on the number, size, position, and visibility of inclusions.

The grading system itself is the same one used for natural diamonds. That’s important. Lab-grown diamonds aren’t graded on a “softer” scale or given a free pass. They’re held to the same international standards.

If you want to see how this fits into the broader grading system, this breakdown of the lab diamond clarity chart is a handy reference. It puts clarity alongside cut, colour, and carat — which is where it really belongs.

The Clarity Grades (In Plain English)

Let’s walk through the clarity scale, from top to bottom, without the fluff.

FL – Flawless

These diamonds have no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification. They’re incredibly rare and, frankly, overkill for most people. Beautiful, yes. Necessary? Not really.

IF – Internally Flawless

No internal inclusions, but maybe a tiny surface mark that can usually be polished out. Still extremely rare and priced accordingly.

VVS1 & VVS2 – Very, Very Slightly Included

Inclusions are so small that even trained graders struggle to find them. You’ll never see these with the naked eye. These are popular with buyers who want “near perfect” without paying flawless prices.

VS1 & VS2 – Very Slightly Included

This is the sweet spot for many people. Inclusions are minor and still invisible without magnification. From a practical point of view, VS diamonds look perfect once set in jewellery.

SI1 & SI2 – Slightly Included

Here’s where inclusions may become visible under magnification, and sometimes — depending on placement — to the naked eye. That said, a well-chosen SI1 lab diamond can still look stunning and save you a fair bit of money.

I1, I2, I3 – Included

Inclusions are obvious and may affect brilliance or durability. These are generally avoided for fine jewellery, especially engagement rings.

Are Lab Diamonds “Too Perfect”?

This is a question I hear a lot, and it’s a fair one.

Because lab-made diamonds are grown in controlled environments, they often have higher clarity grades than natural diamonds. You’ll see more VVS and VS stones on the market, and fewer heavily included ones.

Some people worry that makes them less “real.” Personally? I think that’s a romantic myth. A diamond’s sparkle doesn’t care where it was grown. And neither does the grading report.

If anything, higher clarity availability gives buyers more choice and better value. That’s not a bad thing.

How Clarity Actually Affects What You See

Here’s the honest truth: once a diamond is mounted in a ring or pendant, clarity differences above VS are almost impossible to spot without tools.

I’ve seen side-by-side comparisons where people swear one diamond looks “cleaner” — only to realise later they were reacting to cut quality or lighting, not clarity.

Cut has the biggest impact on sparkle. Colour plays a role. Clarity? It matters, but not as much as marketing would have you believe.

If you’re choosing between:

• A VVS diamond with an average cut
• A VS diamond with an excellent cut

Go with the better cut every time.

Clarity and Lab Made Diamonds: A Practical Advantage

One of the reasons lab made diamonds have taken off — especially here in Australia — is that they let buyers prioritise what actually matters.

You can:

• Choose a higher clarity without blowing the budget
• Avoid visible inclusions altogether
• Focus on size, cut, or design instead

And because lab diamonds are graded by the same independent laboratories, you’re not guessing. You’re buying with clear documentation.

If you’re weighing up options for different occasions — engagement rings, anniversary gifts, even investment pieces — this guide on lab made diamonds gives a broader view of how clarity fits into the decision-making process.

Common Clarity Myths (Let’s Clear These Up)

“Higher clarity always means more sparkle.”
Not true. Sparkle comes primarily from cut quality.

“You should always buy the highest clarity you can afford.”
Also not true. Buy the highest clarity you need — which is usually lower than you think.

“Inclusions weaken the diamond.”
Only in severe cases. Most VS and SI inclusions have no impact on durability.

“Lab diamonds hide inclusions better.”
They don’t hide them — they often just have fewer or smaller ones to begin with.

How I’d Choose Clarity Today (If I Were Buying)

If you asked me, right now, what clarity I’d personally choose for a lab diamond, here’s my honest answer:

• VS1 or VS2 for an engagement ring
• SI1 for earrings or a pendant
• VVS only if the price difference was negligible

Why? Because I want something that looks flawless to the eye, holds its value emotionally, and doesn’t involve paying for features no one will ever notice.

There’s a quiet confidence that comes from knowing you didn’t overpay for invisible perfection.

Reading a Clarity Report Without the Headache

When you get a grading report, don’t panic. Look for:

• The clarity grade
• A small diagram showing inclusion placement
• Notes about surface-reaching inclusions

If inclusions are off to the side or near the edge, they’re often hidden once the diamond is set. That’s a small detail that can make a big difference.

And if you’re unsure, ask. A good jeweller will explain it without talking down to you.

The Bigger Picture: Buying With Confidence

At the end of the day, the lab diamond clarity chart isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about understanding what you’re buying so you can make a choice that feels right — not pressured, not rushed, and not regretful later.

Diamonds mark moments. Engagements. Milestones. Celebrations. They don’t need to be flawless to be meaningful. They just need to suit the life they’re becoming part of.

And once you understand clarity — really understand it — the whole process becomes a lot less daunting, and a lot more enjoyable.