Are lab grown diamonds flawless?

This is one of the most common questions we hear in-store.

Lab grown diamonds are not automatically flawless. They are real diamonds, just created in a controlled environment instead of deep within the earth.

Like natural diamonds, they can have tiny internal features called inclusions or small surface marks called blemishes. Some lab grown diamonds are graded Flawless or Internally Flawless, but many fall into more common clarity grades like VVS, VS, or SI.

What really matters isn’t perfection on paper. It’s how the diamond looks when you hold it, how it catches the light, and how it will wear over time.

When you sit down with us at acredo, we place diamonds side by side under different lighting. That’s when the conversation shifts—from grades to what you actually see.

What Does Flawless Mean In A Diamond?

“Flawless” is a technical term, not just a compliment.

A Flawless diamond has no visible inclusions or blemishes under 10x magnification. Internally Flawless means there are no internal inclusions, though there may be very tiny surface marks.

These grades are rare in both lab grown and natural diamonds.

But here’s what we often show clients: two diamonds side by side—one Flawless, one VS. Without a loupe, most people can’t tell the difference.

That’s where the idea of “eye-clean” comes in. If you can’t see anything distracting when you look at the diamond normally, it’s doing its job beautifully.

Gem Fact

We regularly show clients SI diamonds that look completely clean to the naked eye. The key is knowing where to look—and what to avoid.

Understanding Clarity: What It Really Means

Clarity refers to how free a diamond is from internal inclusions and external blemishes.

We don’t just read the grade—we point out where those inclusions are and how they affect the stone.

Clarity impacts:

• Visual appearance

• Light performance (sparkle)

• Durability

• Value

For example, we might show you a diamond with a tiny inclusion near the edge and explain how a prong could cover it. Then we’ll compare it to one with a darker inclusion right in the center, which your eye may catch immediately.

Seeing that difference in person makes clarity much easier to understand.

Why Lab Grown Diamonds Can Have Inclusions

Lab grown diamonds are created using advanced technology that mimics natural diamond formation.

Because they grow as crystals, they can still develop internal features. From our perspective at the bench and under magnification, these are simply part of the diamond’s structure.

Common inclusions we point out in lab grown diamonds include:

• Small crystals

• Clouds

• Pinpoints

• Growth lines

• Metallic inclusions (in some HPHT diamonds)

• Strain patterns

• Minor surface marks

When we show these to clients, we always bring it back to one question: can you see it without magnification?

If not, it may not matter for your design.

How Clarity Affects Sparkle

Sparkle is what most people fall in love with—and it’s something we demonstrate constantly in-store.

Clarity can influence sparkle, but it’s not the main driver.

Here’s what we explain during a consultation:

• Small inclusions usually don’t affect sparkle at all

• Larger or darker inclusions can interrupt light

• Inclusions under the center are more noticeable

• Edge inclusions are often hidden or less visible

Then we’ll place two diamonds under the light—one higher clarity, one slightly lower—but with different cuts. Almost every time, the better-cut diamond wins visually.

Key Insight

Clarity affects how clean a diamond looks. Cut is what makes people say “wow.”

Lab Grown Diamonds And Clarity Grades

Lab grown diamonds use the same clarity scale as natural diamonds.

Here’s how we typically walk clients through it:

Most clients leave choosing VS clarity once they’ve seen the differences in person.

Clarity And Everyday Wear

We also talk about how a diamond will hold up over time.

Most inclusions don’t affect durability, especially in higher clarity grades. But occasionally, we’ll point out something like a feather near the surface and explain how it could impact long-term wear.

When helping someone choose a diamond for daily wear, we consider:

• Inclusion type

• Inclusion location

• Setting style

• Lifestyle

For example, someone with an active lifestyle might benefit from a slightly different setting or stone selection than someone who wears their ring more occasionally.

Wear Insight

A diamond doesn’t need to be flawless to last a lifetime—it just needs to be well chosen and well set.

Are Flawless Lab Grown Diamonds Worth It?

Sometimes—but not always.

We’ve had many clients come in asking specifically for Flawless diamonds. After comparing options side by side, many realize they prefer how a VS diamond looks—and appreciate the flexibility it gives them elsewhere in the design.

In real lighting conditions, the difference is often minimal.

That’s why we often guide clients to consider:

• Better cut quality

• Larger carat size

• More personalized settings

Expert Tip

If you can’t see the difference in person, you may not need to pay for it.

Cut Still Matters More Than Clarity

This is something we demonstrate every day.

A high-clarity diamond can look flat if it’s poorly cut. A slightly lower clarity diamond can look vibrant if it’s cut well.

When we lay diamonds out for comparison, we encourage clients to focus on:

• How the light moves

• How bright the stone appears

• How lively it feels

Those visual cues matter more than the clarity grade alone.

Which Diamond Shapes Show Inclusions More Easily?

Shape plays a big role, and we often show this directly with different stones.

Brilliant-cut shapes help hide inclusions. Step-cut shapes reveal them more clearly.

Here’s how we explain it in-store:

Seeing these differences in person makes shape selection much easier.

How Clarity Affects Custom Jewelry Design

This is where experience really matters.

Clarity doesn’t exist on its own—it interacts with the setting.

We often show clients how:

• A prong can hide an edge inclusion

• A bezel can cover certain areas

• A halo can shift focus away from the center

During a design consultation, we walk through:

• Lab grown and natural diamond options

• Setting styles

• Metal choices

• Engraving details

• Band proportions

You’re not just choosing a diamond—you’re building a complete piece.

Lab Grown Vs Natural Diamonds: Clarity Comparison

From a grading standpoint, lab grown and natural diamonds behave very similarly.

Both:

• Use the same clarity scale

• Can have inclusions

• Can be eye-clean at similar grades

The main difference we point out is the type of inclusions—not how they look overall.

When placed side by side, a well-selected lab grown diamond and a natural diamond can appear nearly identical.

Ethical Sourcing And Lab Grown Diamonds

Many clients ask about origin during their visit.

Lab grown diamonds offer a transparent option for those who value ethical sourcing and sustainability.

At acredo, these conversations happen naturally alongside design and quality discussions. You’re not just choosing a stone—you’re creating something meaningful.

acredo is also associated with the Responsible Jewellery Council, reflecting a commitment to responsible practices.

Design Insight

We often see clients use the flexibility of lab grown diamonds to invest more into design details—whether that’s size, setting, or personalization.

Should You Choose Lab Grown Or Natural?

This decision usually becomes clearer once you see both options in person.

We encourage clients to handle both, compare them, and ask questions.

Consider:

• Which one draws your eye?

• What fits your budget comfortably?

• What matters most—origin, size, or tradition?

There’s no rush. The right choice becomes obvious when you experience it firsthand.

The acredo Perspective

We see this every day:

A lab grown diamond doesn’t need to be Flawless to be beautiful.

It needs to look right to you, sparkle in the way you love, and fit your lifestyle.

Our in-store process is hands-on. You compare stones, explore settings, and build your piece step by step with guidance along the way.

Choose A Lab Grown Diamond With Confidence

So, are lab grown diamonds flawless? Some are—but most are not.

And that’s completely normal.

The best diamond is one that looks clean, sparkles beautifully, and fits your design and daily life.

If you’re considering a lab grown diamond, visit acredo and experience the difference of seeing it in person. Sitting down, comparing options, and getting real guidance makes all the difference.

Schedule a creative sit-down near you and design something that truly feels like yours.