Selecting the ideal engagement ring necessitates a number of decisions and mastering diamond clarity is one of the most vital ones. If you’re considering a lab-grown diamond, you’re making a wise choice for your finances and the planet at the same time. But what clarity grade is the diamond should you go for? Let us make it easy for you.
What Is Diamond Clarity?
Diamond clarity refers to how clear a diamond is when you look at it. Natural diamonds form deep underground under intense pressure, which often creates tiny imperfections called “inclusions” (inside the diamond) or “blemishes” (on the surface). Lab-grown diamonds can also have these characteristics, even though they’re created in controlled environments.
The good news? Most of these imperfections are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye.
The Clarity Scale Explained
Diamonds are classified according to a clarity scale that was defined by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The system works in this grading order, from the best type of diamond to the good one:
Flawless and Internally Flawless (FL and IF)
These gems have no inclusions that are even visible when viewed under 10x magnification. They are extremely rare and costly, but honestly, most people will find them excessive.
Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2)
The inclusions are so small that even gem experts have difficulty spotting them even with the help of a magnifying glass. These diamonds are great, but you are going to pay dearly for a flaw that you won’t ever see.
Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2)
The inclusions are visible only under magnification; however, it is very hard to spot them. With the naked eye, they appear quite clear. This is the magic spot for most buyers.
Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2)
The inclusions can be seen through magnification and may sometimes be detected with the unassisted eye depending on where the inclusions are located. SI1 diamonds are usually flawless to the eye, whereas SI2 diamonds need very close looking to ascertain their clarity.
Included (I1, I2, and I3)
IInclusions are easily seen without the magnification and may influence the diamond’s sparkle and strength.
The Best Clarity for Your Lab-Grown Diamond
For an engagement ring most of the time a VS2 or SI1 clarity grade is the one that provides the best value. Here are the reasons;
Diamonds of these grades usually appear flawless to the naked eye which is the main thing when displaying your ring. You won’t be using a jewelerβs loupe while walking around, right?
Lab-grown diamonds tend to have fewer inclusions than natural diamonds at comparable price points. This means you can often go slightly lower on the clarity scale without sacrificing beauty.
The money you save on clarity can go toward a larger carat size, a better cut grade, or a more elaborate setting.
When to Go Higher or Lower
Consider VS1 or VVS2 if:
Youβve picked a bigger diamond (2 carats and above), where the flaws might be considerably more noticeable. Youβre picking an emerald or asscher cut, which possesses major, open facets that make it easy for the flaws to be seen. You just want the security of knowing that your diamond is of excellent clarity.
You can go with SI2 if:
The carat weight of the diamond is less than 1 carat and, thus, flaws are more difficult to spot and see the diamond face-to-face or watch its detailed pictures to make sure itβs eye-clean.
Pro Tips for Choosing Clarity
Always ask for certification. Look for diamonds graded by reputable labs like GIA or IGI. The certificate shows exactly where inclusions are located.
Location matters more than quantity. An inclusion near the edge of a diamond can be hidden by the setting, while one right in the center is more noticeable.
Cut quality affects perceived clarity. A well-cut diamond reflects light so brilliantly that minor inclusions become even less noticeable.
See it in person or get detailed images. Two SI1 diamonds can look very different depending on the type and location of inclusions. Don’t rely solely on the grade.
The Bottom Line
Normally, VS2 or SI1 clarity allows lab-grown diamond engagement rings to balance beauty and a reasonable price. The perfectionists will certanly call the diamonds in these categories crystal clear and still the βpoorβ will be able to afford such diamonds.
Please note, your engagement ring symbolizes the love between the couple, not the minuscule defects of the stone that no one will ever perceive. Select the clarity scale that gives you assurance and pleasantness, and then concentrate on making the memories that really count.
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