Your Ultimate Guide to Lab-Grown Diamond Clarity
When it comes to beauty, very few things can compare to a lab-created diamond. These timeless gems are the epitome of luxury, elegance, and class. Fancy diamonds have long captivated people's hearts worldwide, and their popularity grows yearly.
The 4 Cs—cut shape, color, carat weight, and clarity—have long been the factors used to grade diamonds. At Brian Gavin Diamonds, there is another C, cut performance, which gives us the 5 Cs of diamond grading. The shape of the cut is important, but proper cutting of a diamond leads to maximum light performance, which improves brightness and sparkle.
Clearly, we believe that lab diamond cuts are important, but we must never overlook the significance of clarity. So, what does lab-grown diamond clarity mean?
This article will dive into the world of lab diamonds and unravel the mysteries of lab diamond clarity. Explore the intricacies of choosing the perfect gem with us, and by the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll be a diamond aficionado.
What is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
Before discussing clarity, we must explain what a lab diamond is and how it is made. Lab-grown diamond production methods have certainly advanced over the years. As the name suggests, lab-grown diamonds are produced using special tools in a laboratory.
There are two methods for making lab diamonds:
· High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT)
· Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)
Both HPHT and CVD require special tools to create a lab diamond. HPHT is a lab diamond growing method that involves subjecting a small amount of graphite to extreme temperatures and pressures. In contrast, CVD is a more modern technique that takes advantage of vacuum deposition.
What are Diamond Clarity Ratings?
Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions, which are internal flaws and/or blemishes on the exterior. Alongside cut, color, and carat weight, clarity forms the foundation for evaluating a diamond's quality and value.
A universally acknowledged clarity chart categorizes diamonds according to their imperfections. Upon subjecting the diamond to 10x magnification, its placement on the chart is determined. The fewer the flaws, the more perfect the diamond, and the higher its grade.
Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Have a Clarity Rating?
Lab-grown diamonds have a clarity rating compared to simulants. Unlike moissanite diamonds or other alternatives, lab-grown diamonds are measured with a scale. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) established a scale that ranks diamonds based on their imperfections. This is a clarity scale used to categorize a diamond’s quality.
Clarity Scale for Lab-Grown Diamonds
The scale for lab-grown diamonds is quite wide. It ranges from Flawless to various levels of Included. The GIA clarity scale, or clarity grades, for lab-grown diamonds, includes the following categories:
Flawless (FL) and Internally Flawless (IF)
Representing the pinnacle of clarity, these diamonds lack any internal or external imperfections visible under 10x magnification.
Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2)
Lab diamonds in this category contain minuscule inclusions that are challenging to detect even under 10x magnification.
Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2)
Minor inclusions in this range are difficult to see under 10x magnification, making these diamonds an excellent choice for those seeking high clarity.
Slightly Included (SI1, SI2)
Diamonds in this range have noticeable inclusions under 10x magnification but may still appear flawless to the naked eye.
Included (I1, I2, I3)
Diamonds in this category have visible inclusions and blemishes that may impact their appearance and brilliance.
Now that you understand the lab diamond clarity chart, you are one step closer to getting the right stone.
What Is the Best Clarity for Lab-Grown Diamond?
There are many elements to consider when choosing the right lab diamond. Instead of asking, “What is the best clarity for lab-grown diamonds?” you should ask “What is the right clarity for me?”
The best clarity for a lab-grown diamond, or lab-grown colored diamonds depends on individual preferences and budget considerations. A less-than-perfect lab-grown diamond may be the better choice, depending on where the diamond will be set.
While flawless or internally flawless diamonds represent the pinnacle of clarity, diamonds with slightly lower clarity grades often offer excellent value without compromising visual appeal. Many consumers prefer diamonds in the Very Slightly Included (VS) or Slightly Included (SI) range, as they often appear flawless to the naked eye while providing a more budget-friendly option.
Flawless Lab-Grown Diamonds
The rarest lab-grown diamonds are the Flawless grade gems. Flawless diamonds are considered the cream of the crop for many enthusiasts.
Although they come at a higher price, these gems are highly sought for their exceptional purity. Flawless diamonds are free of any visible imperfections, both internally and externally, even under 10x magnification.
Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Lose Clarity Over Time?
When purchasing a new diamond, you want to be sure it’s a wise investment. Nobody wants their precious gem to lose its sparkle over time.
Let's address a common misconception about lab-grown diamonds. Many believe lab diamonds have lost their flair over the years. This misconception is far from the truth. One of the benefits of lab-grown diamonds is resilience. Lab-grown diamonds are known for their durability and won’t lose clarity over the year. You can rest assured that your gem's beauty will stand the test of time.
Tips for Buying Lab-Grown Diamonds
Considering a diamond’s clarity is a great starting place when purchasing a lab diamond. Along with color, cut and carat weight, a diamond’s clarity will determine its price. Every diamond is unique. It is important to note your preference before committing to a new purchase.
For instance, do you notice the difference between VS1 and SI1? If not, maybe the lower-scale diamond is the right choice for you.
Sometimes, color and clarity can impact a diamond’s look. A lab-grown diamond color and clarity chart can really determine the stone’s aesthetic.
A few other factors to consider include the type of diamond jewelry and supplier. These two categories can’t be overlooked when buying a lab diamond. At Brian Gavin Diamonds you can choose from a stunning collection of stones. Just ask our clients who consider us one of the best places to buy lab-grown diamonds online.
Lab Diamond Jewelry
The rise of lab-grown diamonds has led to a flourishing market for lab diamond jewelry. Consider what type of jewelry you want for your lab-grown diamond. By far the most popular products are lab-grown diamond engagement rings. However, a lab-grown diamond engagement ring is only one of the uses for this stone.
Lab diamond shapes can be used in a wide variety of applications, from regular lab-grown rings to lab-grown diamond earrings. There are plenty of options to choose from.
Once you’ve decided on the type of jewelry, you’ll need to determine if you want a custom-made piece or pre-set lab-grown jewelry.
Online Buying Guide
Buying lab-grown diamonds online has become a popular choice in the digital age. Online shopping is a fast and convenient way to purchase lab-created diamonds, but remember to take precautions.
Ensure your laboratory-grown diamonds come with a lab-grown diamond certification, which validates the stone's authenticity. A laboratory-grown diamond report is also handy as it gives you a full assessment of the stone ( Cs, growth type, post-treatment, etc.).
Our online lab diamond buying guide can assist you in navigating the vast array of options, ensuring a seamless and informed purchasing experience. We also have an extensive collection of articles and resources to help you find the right diamond.
Best Places to Buy Lab-Grown Diamonds Online
The clarity of lab-grown diamonds shapes the character of the stone. As you navigate the world of lab-grown diamonds, remember the clarity scale, but don’t base your decision solely on the grade of the diamond. There are different ways to determine if a lab-grown diamond is good, but always consider how it makes you feel and if it fits your budget.
As you journey to find the perfect lab-grown diamond, consider exploring the exquisite collection at Brian Gavin Diamonds. We offer a range of lab-grown diamonds with various clarity grades, shapes, and colors, ensuring you find the ideal diamond that aligns with your preferences and values.
