Cracking the Code: The Diamond Clarity Chart and the Rise of Lab Grown Diamonds

by Jamie Churchill · June 11, 2025

When was the last time you actually stopped to think about what makes a diamond sparkle? Not the price tag, not the brand name, but the actual science-y stuff behind it. Yeah, me neither—until recently. That’s where the diamond clarity chart sneaks in. It looks kind of technical, but honestly, it’s just a cheat sheet for figuring out how “clean” a diamond really is. And if you’re considering lab grown diamonds, you might be surprised by how much this matters (and sometimes, how much it doesn’t).

Table of Contents

Diamonds with a Backstory (Because Every Gem Has One)

Here’s the thing. Diamonds have been hyped for decades as the ultimate symbol of love. Blame advertising. Blame tradition. Or just blame the fact that they are insanely shiny. But when you peel back the layers, a diamond isn’t just about sparkle—it’s about clarity, history, and (let’s be honest) a bit of bragging rights.

Think about it: you’ve probably seen two rings side by side, both glittering under the light. One is double the price of the other. Why? Nine times out of ten, it comes down to clarity. That’s what the diamond clarity chart was designed for—rating a diamond’s imperfections from “flawless” to “I can see that with my naked eye.”

And here’s where it gets interesting. With lab grown diamonds stepping into the spotlight, suddenly the old-school rules don’t apply the same way. Why? Because lab diamonds often start off cleaner than mined ones. Science has its perks.

So, What’s Trending? (And What’s Actually Worth It)

Okay, let’s break this down. If you’re shopping, these are the things people are buzzing about:

The Flawless Myth – Most people assume you need a flawless diamond. Spoiler: you don’t. Even trained gemologists often struggle to spot tiny imperfections without a magnifying glass. So why pay thousands more for something invisible?
The Lab Grown Glow – Lab grown diamonds often land higher on the clarity chart naturally. Less mess in their “birth process,” which means fewer internal quirks. Translation: they look super clean without the markup.
The Instagram Factor – Let’s be real. Most folks just want their diamond to look good in photos. That means size + sparkle > tiny details on a certificate.
Smart Splurging – If you’ve got a budget, clarity is where you can save. Go slightly lower on the chart, invest more in cut and carat. That’s what actually makes the diamond dazzle.

Here’s my not-so-scientific opinion: clarity is like the wallpaper in your living room. Nice to have perfect, but if the furniture, lighting, and vibes are right, no one notices the tiny mark on the wall.

The Local Twist: Why This Matters Now

Here’s what’s wild. In some markets, people still cling to “mined diamonds are better.” But let’s be fair—lab grown diamonds are shaking things up everywhere. They’re more affordable, more sustainable, and honestly, who doesn’t love saying their diamond was made in a high-tech lab instead of blasted out of the earth?

Plus, if you’re shopping in cities that love innovation (think New York, Hong Kong, London), lab grown isn’t just trendy—it’s becoming the norm. And guess what? The diamond clarity chart becomes less of a dealbreaker here, because most lab grown stones already look impressive.

It’s almost like choosing between farm-to-table produce and supermarket stuff. Both work, but one just feels fresher, cleaner, and—yeah—cooler.

How the Clarity Game Actually Works (Without the Jargon)

Alright, let’s make the diamond clarity chart less intimidating. Here’s the quick and dirty version:

Flawless (FL) – Basically unicorn diamonds. Rare, expensive, and probably not necessary unless you’re planning to brag.
Internally Flawless (IF) – Almost the same deal. Tiny marks only a pro could see.
Very, Very Slight (VVS1, VVS2) – Small inclusions, nearly impossible to notice without a loupe (that little magnifying thing jewelers use).
Very Slight (VS1, VS2) – Still very good, and often the sweet spot for normal people who don’t own microscopes.
Slightly Included (SI1, SI2) – Might spot something if you squint, but most SI diamonds still look amazing once they’re set.
Included (I1, I2, I3) – Flaws you can see. Sometimes charming, sometimes distracting. Depends on the stone.

Now, the trick? Don’t obsess. For lab grown diamonds, even VS and SI stones can look stunning. The clarity chart helps you compare, but it’s not the only piece of the puzzle. Cut and brilliance matter way more for that “wow” factor.

And let’s face it: no one at dinner is asking if your diamond is a VS1 or an SI2. They’re just saying, “Ooooh, shiny!”

Wrapping It Up (Without Being Too Serious)

At the end of the day, diamonds—whether mined or lab grown—are about stories, not stats. The diamond clarity chart is a handy guide, sure. But it’s not the holy grail. And when you bring lab grown diamonds into the mix, you suddenly realize you can get something beautiful, ethical, and affordable without stressing over every microscopic dot inside the stone.

So next time someone flashes their ring, just smile. Because honestly, whether it’s flawless or slightly included, lab grown or mined, what really matters is how it makes you feel when you wear it.