Not All Lab Diamonds Are Flawless

Clarity is a measurement of how many or how large of blemishes or inclusions are present in the diamond. The lower the clarity of a diamond, the more imperfections in the diamond. Lab diamonds vary in clarity, just like mined diamonds.

Not all inclusions are created equal! Some lab diamond inclusions are difficult to spot even under magnification and others can be more easily visible to the naked eye. All of Ada’s diamonds are guaranteed to be eye clean and inspected for quality. We focus on the 4 clarity grades VVS1, VVS2, VS1, and VS2.

Clarity is the second largest driver of price after carat weight. It is imperative that a lab diamond expert inspect your diamond ahead of purchase to ensure you are getting the best possible quality for your investment.

From Flawless to Included: Five Major Grades of Clarity

The numbers after the major grade are a sub-grade, with the lower number being better.  So a VS1 is superior to a VS2, which is superior to a SI1. Diamond clarity is graded by viewing the diamond through a 10x magnification with a tool called a loupe.  

Flawless and Internally Flawless (FL, IF)

Both FL and IF diamonds have no internal inclusions visible with magnification.  Both flawless and internally flawless lab diamonds are extremely rare. This is because truly flawless lab diamonds do not get cut into gemstones, but rather are used for high-tech purposes such as laser lenses.

Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2)

Imperfections are extremely difficult to locate with 10x magnification and impossible to see without jewelers tools. This a premium quality level and Ada’s most popular clarity categories.

Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2)

Imperfections are difficult to locate with magnification and not visible to the naked eye. A layperson would have difficulty finding inclusions even with 10x magnification.

Slightly Included(SI1, SI2) 

Imperfections are easy to locate with 10x magnification, but are very difficult (SI1) or difficult (SI2) to see without a jeweler's tools. Ada does not sell SI diamonds.

Imperfect (I1, I2, I3)

Imperfections are very easy to see under magnification and can be seen with the naked eye. Imperfect diamonds are more susceptible to cracking or breaking during daily wear. The majority of mined diamonds are of Imperfect clarity. Ada does not sell any imperfect diamonds.