For more than a hundred years, our family-owned jewellery store has had the pleasure of helping customers find dazzling diamonds for their most cherished moments. From engagement celebrations to milestone anniversaries, the diamonds we sell have always symbolized both love and longevity. With the steady emergence of lab grown diamonds—a compelling, tech-driven option—many consumers have begun to ask detailed questions about how these synthetic gems measure up to natural ones. One of the most common inquiries is about inclusions and clarity: Do lab grown diamonds actually have inclusions? If so, what does that mean for their overall value compared to natural diamonds?
In this article, we’ll explore the concept of inclusions, clarify how synthetic diamonds might differ from mined stones, and provide guidance for anyone looking to choose a diamond based on clarity. As you’ll discover, clarity is only one factor to consider when purchasing a diamond—whether it’s grown in a lab or in the depths of the Earth over billions of years.
1. What Are Diamond Inclusions?
When gemologists evaluate diamonds, one of the key aspects they check is clarity. Clarity essentially refers to the degree of internal characteristics (inclusions) or external characteristics (blemishes) within a stone. These inclusions can range from tiny crystals or natural fractures to subtle clouds or pinpoints.
Natural Diamonds
Formed over hundreds of millions, if not billions, of years, natural diamonds accumulate inclusions during their long journey underground. Shifts in heat and pressure, as well as the presence of other minerals, can trap slight imperfections within the crystal’s structure. Inclusions are sometimes seen as a “fingerprint” of nature—unique markers that speak to each diamond’s ancient, geological story.
Lab Grown Diamonds
By contrast, lab grown diamonds are created in a carefully controlled environment over a matter of weeks or months, using advanced technology such as High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Although grown in a lab, these stones can still develop internal features. Tiny metallic inclusions, slight color zoning, or distinct growth patterns can appear, reflecting the manufacturing process rather than the Earth’s natural processes.
2. Do Lab Grown Diamonds Really Have Inclusions?
Yes—lab grown diamonds can and often do have inclusions. While it’s true that scientists strive to produce diamonds with minimal imperfections, the reality is that the growth process cannot always be perfectly controlled, especially if aiming to grow larger diamonds in a shorter timeframe. Each lab grown diamond has its own unique set of microscopic imperfections, just as no two natural diamonds are exactly alike.
Types of Inclusions Found in Lab Grown Diamonds
- Metallic Inclusions: In HPHT diamonds, you may sometimes see tiny metal inclusions derived from the flux metals used in the growth process.
- Growth Striations: Particularly in CVD diamonds, linear or layered growth lines might be visible if examined under specialized equipment.
- Color Zoning: Lab grown diamonds can exhibit slight color banding in certain areas if the conditions in the growth chamber vary over time.
These features can be subtle, often visible only under 10x magnification or advanced gemological equipment. Still, they serve as reminders that while lab grown diamonds are created more quickly than their natural counterparts, they are not entirely “flawless” by default.
3. How Are Synthetic Diamonds Graded for Clarity?
Lab grown diamonds and mined diamonds are generally graded using the same clarity scale, established by reputable organizations like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI). This scale runs from Flawless (FL) to Included (I), capturing the presence and visibility of inclusions at 10x magnification:
- Flawless (FL): No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification. Extremely rare and highly valued.
- Internally Flawless (IF): No inclusions visible under 10x magnification, though minor blemishes might appear on the surface.
- Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2): Minute inclusions that are difficult for even a skilled grader to see under magnification.
- Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2): Minor inclusions, usually difficult to see with the naked eye, and still high clarity grades.
- Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2): Noticeable inclusions under 10x magnification; may or may not be visible to the naked eye.
- Included (I1, I2, and I3): Inclusions that are easily visible under 10x magnification and may affect brilliance and transparency.
Most lab grown diamonds found in the marketplace fall somewhere within the SI to VS clarity range. Some producers specifically aim for higher clarity grades by optimizing growth conditions, but this can lead to higher manufacturing costs—which, in turn, affects the final price of the lab grown stone.
4. Clarity in Context: The Role of the 4 Cs
Clarity is important, but it’s only one of the four key characteristics that define a diamond’s overall quality. Alongside Clarity, there is:
- Cut: The precision of a diamond’s proportions and facets, affecting how it reflects and refracts light.
- Color: Ranging from colorless (most desirable) to light yellow or brown, with completely colorless stones often achieving the highest value.
- Carat Weight: Referring to the stone’s size (1 carat = 200 milligrams), though it’s not the sole determinant of a diamond’s value.
Balancing these four characteristics can be part art, part science. A stone with the highest clarity might have a lower color grade, for instance, and personal preferences vary. Some buyers prioritize size over clarity, while others might choose a colorless stone with minimal inclusions even if it means purchasing a smaller carat weight. In short, clarity matters—but it’s essential to keep the entire 4 Cs framework in mind when picking a diamond.
5. The Emotional and Historical Significance of Natural Diamond Clarity
For a company that has been in the jewellery business for over a century, there’s a special appreciation for the remarkable journey each natural diamond undergoes. The inclusions in a natural diamond aren’t merely flaws; they are often “time capsules,” encoding evidence of geological processes dating back millions or even billions of years. Our customers sometimes find these inclusions add uniqueness and character to the stone, reminding them that nature itself shaped their diamond long before it reached our store.
The emotional resonance of knowing your diamond formed deep underground over eons cannot be replicated in a lab. While lab grown diamonds can be an excellent, budget-friendly option—and possess their own technological marvel—some buyers remain drawn to the romance and mystique inherent in a genuine piece of Earth’s geological history.
6. Does Clarity Affect a Diamond’s Value?
Clarity can significantly impact a diamond’s price, but context is crucial:
- High Clarity = Higher Cost: In both natural and lab grown stones, diamonds closer to the “Flawless” or “VVS” range fetch a premium.
- Balancing Act: For many buyers, a VS or SI diamond with inclusions invisible to the naked eye provides excellent value. You can often upgrade in color or carat weight for the same budget.
- Long-Term Perspective: Natural diamonds, by virtue of their rarity and established market history, typically command higher prices and a more predictable resale market. Lab grown diamonds may continue to evolve in price as technology advances, and as more synthetic stones enter the market, their resale values are less proven.
Thus, while clarity is important, it’s not the sole factor shaping a diamond’s desirability or perceived worth. If a stone’s inclusions aren’t easily discernible, you might decide that other aspects (like size or color) are more critical to your personal preferences.
7. Tips for Buying a Diamond with the Right Clarity
- See it in Person: Wherever possible, view diamonds in person under various lighting conditions. Inclusions can appear differently under a jewelry loupe than they do to the naked eye.
- Check the Certification: Always look at the diamond’s accompanying certificate from a reputable gemological laboratory. This ensures you know the official clarity grade.
- Don’t Ignore the Other Cs: Clarity alone won’t make a diamond sparkle if the cut isn’t well-executed, or if the color grade leaves the stone looking slightly yellowish.
- Consider the Bigger Picture: Think about the diamond’s story. Is it more meaningful to you that the stone was formed in the Earth’s mantle over millennia, or are you intrigued by the modern science behind lab grown diamonds?
- Ask About Ethical and Environmental Considerations: For both natural and lab grown diamonds, it’s worth looking into the sourcing and production conditions. Reputable diamond suppliers follow strict regulations to ensure ethically sourced gems.
8. Lab Grown Diamonds: A Modern Marvel with Its Own Character
There’s no denying the technological ingenuity behind lab grown diamonds. Being able to replicate the Earth’s forces inside a controlled environment is a testament to human innovation. For many shoppers, the idea of purchasing a diamond with fewer potential ethical pitfalls—or one that offers a bigger carat size for the price—can be quite appealing. Additionally, lab grown diamonds that fall into higher clarity grades can be obtained at lower prices compared to their natural counterparts of the same clarity.
Yet it’s also fair to say that the intangible qualities—such as the billions of years of formation, the geological uniqueness, and the tradition—are part of what makes natural diamonds endlessly fascinating to many buyers. The discreet inclusions in a natural diamond are a testament to a one-of-a-kind geological event, which to some minds increases the stone’s sentimental and aesthetic value.
9. Striking the Right Balance for You
When it comes to choosing between a lab grown diamond and a natural diamond, or when weighing clarity grades, the decision ultimately hinges on your personal preferences, budget, and the story you want your jewellery to tell. Some individuals prefer the longstanding tradition and potential long-term value associated with natural diamonds. Others are captivated by the cutting-edge science that makes lab grown diamonds possible, and they welcome the cost savings or the clarity grades they might access within their budget.
No matter which path you choose, clarity remains an essential consideration—but only part of a broader decision-making process. Visiting a trusted jeweller for an in-person examination, reviewing grading certificates, and discussing the origin story of each diamond can go a long way in ensuring you leave with a ring that feels meaningful and aligned with your values.
10. Conclusion: Embracing Clarity, Embracing Value
Yes, lab grown diamonds can and often do have inclusions. These inclusions are natural byproducts of the manufacturing process, mirroring the crystal growth phenomenon that occurs in the Earth’s mantle—just on a different timeline. Knowing how clarity is graded and what kind of inclusions are typical in synthetic gems can help you make an informed decision.
Ultimately, diamonds are about more than just clarity. They are about love stories, family legacies, and personal milestones. For over a century, we have witnessed countless couples choose both natural and lab grown diamonds for their engagement rings. The excitement and emotion are the same, whether a diamond formed over geological epochs or in a state-of-the-art laboratory. That said, many buyers continue to cherish the mystique and deeper history of a natural stone—a precious gift of nature shaped over countless millennia.
If you have more questions about diamond clarity, lab grown gemstones, or the romantic allure of natural diamonds, we invite you to visit us. Our experienced team is passionate about sharing knowledge, showcasing a variety of diamond options, and helping you find the perfect ring that sparkles as brightly as your love story.