What Affects Lab Grown Diamond Clarity?
Both natural and lab-grown diamonds are available in varied shapes, sizes, and colors. Particularly, the clear traditional white diamonds are immensely popular. These sparkling gems are often found in necklaces, earrings, and especially in engagement rings.
The method of forming lab diamonds impacts their clarity. Let’s explore the creation process to understand how high-quality gems are produced. There are two key methods: High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
HPHT diamonds are cultivated using one of three manufacturing methods: the belt press, the cubic press, or the split-sphere (BARS) press, each generating the necessary high pressure and temperature for diamond growth.
A CVD diamond formation begins with a tiny diamond seed placed in a chamber heated to approximately 800 degrees. This environment allows carbon gases like Methane to permeate the chamber. Plasma technology is then used to ionize the seed, and as pure carbon is added, it starts to crystallize.
Despite having different gemological compositions, HPHT and CVD processes both result in unique diamonds. CVD diamonds may exhibit silicon inclusions, while HPHT diamonds are seldom completely colorless.
Is Lab Diamond Clarity Better than Natural Diamond Clarity?
Distinguishing lab-created diamonds from natural ones based on color and clarity is virtually impossible. Both can sparkle and dazzle, come in various sizes and shapes, and share similar clarity and color qualities.
What Types of Inclusions Are There?
An inclusion, much like a birthmark, is a unique internal or external blemish on a diamond. Inclusions are formed due to the environments where diamonds grow — be it the earth’s crust or the extreme lab temperatures. Hence, both natural and lab-grown diamonds frequently display inclusions.
How Do Inclusions and Blemishes Affect a Lab Diamond’s Sparkle?
Inclusions vary, from those noticeable to the naked eye to those only visible under magnification.
More evident inclusions can impact the diamond’s appearance and slightly affect its sparkle.
Most Common Inclusion Types:
Diamond clarity grades largely depend on the types and quantities of blemishes. Here are five common inclusions:
Needle
A needle inclusion appears as a thin, elongated line, much like a sewing needle.
Cloud
Cloud inclusions look like clusters of pinpoints under magnification, found within a diamond.
Crystal
Crystal inclusions resemble a diamond within a diamond — formed when tiny diamond or mineral deposits get trapped during the diamond’s formation.
Feather
The second-most common inclusion type, feathers, are tiny cracks from top to bottom. Deep feather inclusions can compromise a diamond’s structure.
Pinpoint
The most common type, pinpoint inclusions, appear as tiny black dots on the diamond’s table surface.
What is The IGI Lab Diamond Clarity Scale?
Established in 1975, the International Gemological Institute (IGI) has independent laboratories worldwide and offers gemology courses. IGI is widely respected in the diamond industry.
IGI classifies diamonds by identification, measurements, shape, cut, finish, weight, proportions, clarity, and color. The IGI Identification Report helps potential buyers understand the type of diamond they are purchasing.
IGI Clarity Grades Explained
The IGI clarity scale includes grades: IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, I1, I2, I3. These grades reflect the presence of internal and external flaws. Lab-grown diamonds are graded on the same scale as natural ones. The grades are:
- I – Included: noticeable.
- SI – Slightly Included: Difficult to see with the naked eye, but can be seen via x10 magnification.
- VS – Very Slightly Included: Flaws can only be seen with x10 magnification.
- VVS – Very, Very Slightly Included: Flaws exist but are difficult to see, even via x10 magnification.
- FL/IF – Flawless / Internally Flawless: No flaws visible, even with x10 magnification.
Sliding Scale 1 – 2: Within the main clarity scale, there’s a sliding scale, where level 1 denotes less significant flaws than level 2.
How Does Clarity Affect Lab Diamond Prices?
Diamond Simulants vs Lab Grown Diamonds
It’s essential to differentiate between diamond simulants and lab-grown diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are produced under conditions that mimic the earth’s crust, providing them with the same properties as natural diamonds.
In contrast, simulants like cubic zirconia, although aesthetically pleasing, are made from different materials. A lab-created diamond simulant with a VVS11 Clarity grade and a D Color (colorless) grade will always be priced lower than a natural diamond.
Clarity is a pricing factor among several others. Naturally, a diamond’s price is influenced by its grading.
The higher the clarity rating, the higher the price. There’s not a significant difference between lower grades (e.g., SI to VS), but prices can skyrocket at VVS or IF levels.
How to Select a Clarity Grade
Determining the “best” clarity grade is challenging. While an IF/FL diamond has the best clarity on paper, budget constraints often come into play.
Fortunately, a FL/IF diamond doesn’t look notably more impressive to the naked eye than a lower-grade stone. Aim to buy a diamond that both looks amazing and offers good value for your money.
