Lab grown diamonds are graded on the exact same scales as mined diamonds — but with different price dynamics. Learn how to read the lab grown diamond clarity chart and find the best grades at the best prices.
Table of Contents
What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?
Lab Grown Diamonds Use the Same Clarity Scale
Lab Grown Diamond Clarity Chart
Lab Grown Diamond Color Chart
CVD vs HPHT: How Growth Method Affects Grading
Lab vs Natural Diamond: Clarity Comparison
Best Clarity and Color Grades for Lab Grown Diamonds
How Much Can You Save?
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?
A lab grown diamond is a real diamond — chemically, physically, and optically identical to a mined diamond. The only difference is where it was created: a laboratory instead of the Earth's mantle over billions of years. Lab grown diamonds have the same carbon crystal structure, the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), and the same light-refracting properties as natural diamonds.
Because lab grown diamonds are real diamonds, they are graded on the exact same certification standards. This means the lab grown diamond clarity chart and color scale are identical to those used for mined diamonds — from FL (Flawless) to I3 (Included) for clarity, and D to Z for color.
Key Fact
GIA, IGI, and GCAL all grade lab grown diamonds using the exact same FL–I3 clarity scale and D–Z color scale used for natural diamonds. A VS2 lab diamond has the same visual clarity as a VS2 natural diamond.
Lab Grown Diamonds Use the Same Clarity Scale
Many buyers wonder if lab grown diamonds have their own unique grading scale. They do not. The complete lab grown diamond clarity scale is identical to the GIA scale for natural diamonds. For a detailed explanation of every grade from FL to I3, read our complete guide on the diamond clarity chart and grading scale.
However, what changes significantly is the distribution of grades. Because the lab growth process can be more controlled than geological formation, lab grown diamonds tend to achieve higher clarity grades on average — meaning you can often get VVS or VS clarity in a lab diamond at the price point where you would find SI clarity in a natural diamond.
Lab Grown Diamond Clarity Chart
FL / IF (Flawless / Internally Flawless)
FL and IF diamonds are the rarest clarity grades, showing no visible inclusions under 10x magnification. They appear perfectly clean to the naked eye and are considered premium collector-quality diamonds. Natural diamonds in this grade are extremely expensive, while lab grown versions are far more affordable.
VVS1 / VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included)
VVS diamonds contain extremely tiny inclusions that are very difficult even for experts to locate under magnification. They look completely eye-clean and offer exceptional brilliance and clarity. These grades are popular for luxury engagement rings and high-end jewelry.
VS1 / VS2 (Very Slightly Included)
VS clarity diamonds have small inclusions that are not visible without magnification. They appear clean to the naked eye and provide an excellent balance between quality and value. VS grades are among the most recommended options for everyday fine jewelry.
SI1 (Slightly Included)
SI1 diamonds contain inclusions that are usually not visible to the naked eye, especially in round brilliant cuts. They offer strong value for buyers who want a larger or higher-quality diamond within budget.
SI2 (Slightly Included)
SI2 diamonds have more noticeable inclusions that may sometimes be visible without magnification. Appearance can vary depending on the diamond’s cut and shape, making careful selection important.
I1 – I3 (Included)
Included diamonds contain obvious inclusions that are visible to the naked eye and may affect transparency or durability. These are budget-focused options and are generally less desirable for premium jewelry
Lab Grown Diamond Color Chart
CVD vs HPHT: How Growth Method Affects Grading
Lab grown diamonds are produced by two main methods — each can affect the typical clarity and color profile of the resulting stones:
CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)
CVD diamonds are grown by introducing carbon-rich gas into a reactor chamber. They tend to produce Type IIa diamonds — the purest form — which often achieve colorless (D–F) grades naturally. However, CVD diamonds can sometimes develop a slight brownish or greyish tint during growth, which must be post-treated. When buying CVD lab diamonds, always ask whether the stone has undergone post-growth treatment.
HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature)
HPHT diamonds are grown by simulating the conditions deep in the Earth. They often produce diamonds with excellent clarity but may show a slight blue or yellow fluorescence depending on the nitrogen content during growth. HPHT tends to produce higher color grades with less need for post-treatment.
Important Note
Some CVD lab grown diamonds undergo HPHT post-treatment to improve color. This is a standard, accepted practice — but it should be disclosed on the certificate. Always buy with a GIA or IGI certificate that notes the growth method.
Lab Grown vs Natural Diamond: Clarity Comparison
Best Clarity and Color Grades for Lab Grown Diamonds
Because the price difference between clarity grades is smaller in lab grown diamonds than in natural diamonds, you can often afford to go higher on the scale. Here are the expert recommendations
Expert Recommendation for Lab Grown Diamonds
Best clarity
VS1 or VVS2 — in a lab diamond, these grades are affordable and guarantee an eye-clean stone.
Best color
E or F — colorless lab diamonds cost a fraction of their natural equivalents.
Sweet spot combo
F color + VS1 clarity in a lab grown round brilliant cut — perfect appearance at a remarkable price.
For a broader understanding of how to combine color and clarity for maximum value, see our detailed guide on diamond color and clarity chart combinations.
How Much Can You Save with Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds typically cost 50–80% less than comparable natural diamonds. Here is a snapshot of the savings at different quality tiers:
Entry Level
G-VS2 / 1ct
~50%
Natural: ~$5,000
Lab: ~$500–$900
Mid Range
F-VVS2 / 1ct
~70%
Natural: ~$10,000
Lab: ~$800–$1,500
Premium
D-FL / 1ct
~80%
Natural: ~$20,000+
Lab: ~$1,500–$3,000
To understand the full grading framework that makes these comparisons possible, read our complete diamond grading chart and buying guide.
Do lab grown diamonds have clarity ratings?
Yes — lab grown diamonds are graded using the exact same clarity scale as natural diamonds, from FL (Flawless) to I3 (Included). They are certified by laboratories such as GIA and IGI and come with the same grading reports. There is no separate or different grading system for lab grown stones.
What is the best clarity for a lab grown diamond?
VS1 or VVS2 is the recommended clarity for most lab grown diamond buyers. Because lab diamond prices are much lower than natural diamonds, you can afford to go one or two grades higher without a significant budget increase. VS1 is always eye-clean and represents excellent value in the lab diamond market.
Are lab grown diamonds graded the same as natural diamonds?
Yes. The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and IGI (International Gemological Institute) both grade lab grown diamonds using the same 4Cs scale used for natural diamonds: cut, color, clarity, and carat. A GIA-certified VS2 lab diamond has the same graded clarity as a GIA-certified VS2 natural diamond.
How are lab grown diamonds graded?
Lab grown diamonds are graded by gemologists at independent laboratories (GIA, IGI, GCAL) using a 10x loupe and microscope. They assess clarity (FL to I3), color (D to Z), cut quality (Excellent to Poor), and carat weight. The certificate notes the growth method (CVD or HPHT) and any post-growth treatments.
Which lab is best for grading lab grown diamonds — GIA or IGI?
Both GIA and IGI are reputable, but they grade slightly differently. GIA is generally more conservative (stricter), meaning a GIA VS2 may have fewer inclusions than an IGI VS2. IGI grades the majority of lab grown diamonds worldwide. For maximum confidence in the grade, GIA is preferred, but IGI-certified lab diamonds offer better price-to-quality ratios for most buyers.
