When shopping for a lab grown diamond, it is easy to assume that flawless clarity is the ultimate goal. After all, “flawless” sounds perfect. But in reality, most buyers do not need a flawless lab diamond to get a beautiful, brilliant stone.
For many people, choosing a slightly lower clarity grade delivers far better value without any visible difference to the naked eye. Understanding how clarity works can help you avoid overspending while still choosing a stunning diamond you will love for years.
(Related: Is VVS1 Worth the Extra Money?)
What Is a Flawless Lab Diamond?
A flawless lab diamond is a diamond with no visible internal inclusions or external blemishes under 10x magnification. This is the highest clarity grade available on standard grading scales such as those used by the Gemological Institute of America and International Gemological Institute.
Flawless diamonds are extremely rare in natural diamonds, but lab grown diamonds make this level of clarity more accessible. Even so, flawless lab diamonds still carry a premium price compared to lower clarity grades.
Clarity grades typically include:
- FL: Flawless
- IF: Internally Flawless
- VVS1 and VVS2: Very Very Slightly Included
- VS1 and VS2: Very Slightly Included
- SI1 and SI2: Slightly Included
The higher the clarity grade, the fewer inclusions the diamond contains.
(Related: Is VVS2 Worth It?)
Can You See the Difference Between Flawless and Lower Clarity Diamonds?
In most cases, no.
A well cut VS1 or VS2 lab diamond often looks identical to a flawless diamond without magnification. Even many VVS diamonds appear visually perfect to the naked eye.
This is why clarity should be viewed practically rather than emotionally. Paying significantly more for flaws that cannot be seen without specialized equipment often does not improve the real world appearance of the diamond.
For buyers focused on beauty and value, “eye clean” matters more than flawless grading.
(Related: Is VS1 Better Than VS2?)
What Does “Eye Clean” Mean?
An eye clean diamond has no visible inclusions when viewed normally without magnification.
This is the sweet spot for many buyers because:
- The diamond still looks clean and brilliant
- You avoid paying unnecessary premiums
- You can allocate more budget toward cut quality or carat size
Many VS1, VS2, and even some SI1 lab diamonds are eye clean depending on the shape and inclusion placement.
If you are comparing clarity grades, it helps to understand the differences between common options. Reading a detailed guide on VS clarity or comparing VVS grades can make the decision much easier.
(Related: Is VS2 Clarity Good Enough?)
Why Flawless Lab Diamonds Cost More
Flawless diamonds require ideal crystal growth conditions and careful cutting. Because very few diamonds achieve this grade, they command higher prices.
However, the price increase is often disproportionate to the visible improvement.
For example:
- A VVS2 diamond may look identical to a flawless diamond
- A VS1 diamond may appear equally beautiful in everyday wear
- The extra cost may only pay for microscopic perfection
In many cases, buyers could increase carat size or improve cut quality instead of paying for flawless clarity.
(Related: What Is the Best Clarity for a Lab Grown Diamond?)
Is Clarity the Most Important Factor?
Not usually.
Most experts agree that cut quality has the greatest impact on a diamond’s beauty. A well cut diamond reflects light more effectively, creating brilliance and sparkle.
A flawless diamond with poor cut quality can look dull, while a well cut VS2 diamond can appear bright and lively.
When balancing the 4Cs, many buyers prioritize:
- Cut
- Color
- Clarity
- Carat weight
This does not mean clarity is unimportant. It simply means flawless clarity is rarely necessary for visual beauty.
(Related: What Clarity Lab Diamond Should I Buy?)
When a Flawless Lab Diamond May Be Worth It
There are situations where choosing flawless clarity makes sense.
You Want the Highest Possible Grade
Some buyers enjoy owning top tier specifications regardless of practicality. A flawless grade represents rarity and precision, which can feel meaningful from a collector or luxury perspective.
You Prefer Long Term Prestige
Certain buyers simply enjoy knowing their diamond is among the highest clarity levels available. Even if the difference is microscopic, the certification itself may hold emotional value.
You Are Buying for Investment Style Appeal
While most lab grown diamonds are not investment assets, some buyers still prefer elite specifications for resale positioning or rarity appeal.
You Want Maximum Clarity in Larger Stones
In very large diamonds, inclusions can become easier to notice. Buyers choosing large carat weights may prefer higher clarity grades for peace of mind.
(Related: What Colour Lab Diamond Gives the Best Value?)
When You Probably Do Not Need a Flawless Lab Diamond
For the average buyer, flawless clarity is often unnecessary.
You likely do not need flawless if:
- You want the best overall value
- You prioritize visual beauty over technical perfection
- You are shopping within a budget
- You prefer a larger diamond size
- You cannot see inclusions without magnification
In these cases, VVS or VS clarity grades are usually more practical.
(Related: Is Colour More Important Than Clarity?)
Best Clarity Grades for Value
Many experienced diamond shoppers focus on clarity ranges that balance appearance and price.
VS1 and VS2
These grades are popular because they often appear eye clean while remaining more affordable than flawless or VVS diamonds.
VS clarity is especially attractive in round diamonds where brilliance helps hide minor inclusions.
VVS1 and VVS2
VVS diamonds offer extremely high clarity with fewer visible inclusions under magnification. They appeal to buyers who want premium quality without paying the full flawless premium.
SI1
Some SI1 lab diamonds still appear eye clean, particularly in smaller carat sizes or brilliant cuts. This can provide excellent value if carefully selected.
(Related: Should I Choose Colour or Clarity First?)
Does Diamond Shape Affect Clarity Visibility?
Yes. Different shapes hide inclusions differently.
Shapes That Hide Inclusions Well
- Round brilliant
- Cushion
- Oval
- Radiant
These cuts produce strong sparkle, making inclusions harder to notice.
Shapes That Show Inclusions More Easily
- Emerald
- Asscher
Step cut diamonds have larger open facets and less sparkle masking, so inclusions may become more visible. Buyers often choose higher clarity grades for these shapes.
(Related: Can I Save Money by Choosing G or H Colour?)
How to Compare Lab Diamond Clarity Properly
When evaluating clarity, avoid relying only on the grade itself.
Instead, consider:
Inclusion Location
Inclusions near the center of the diamond are often more noticeable than those near the edges.
Inclusion Type
Tiny crystals or clouds may be less visible than dark feathers or large inclusions.
Diamond Shape
As mentioned earlier, shape affects visibility significantly.
Viewing Conditions
Jewelry store lighting can exaggerate sparkle. Always ask for clear videos or magnified images in natural lighting when possible.
Certification
Always choose certified lab diamonds graded by respected laboratories. Reliable certification helps ensure the clarity grade is accurate.
(Related: Do Emerald Cut Diamonds Show More Colour?)
Should You Spend More on Cut Instead?
In many cases, yes.
A better cut can dramatically improve brilliance and sparkle. Buyers often see more visual improvement from upgrading cut quality than from upgrading clarity from VS1 to flawless.
If you have a fixed budget, prioritizing an excellent cut while choosing an eye clean clarity grade is usually the smarter decision.
(Related: Do Oval Diamonds Show More Colour?)
Practical Buying Advice
If you are unsure which clarity grade to choose, these guidelines help simplify the process:
- Choose flawless only if rarity or prestige matters deeply to you
- Consider VVS grades for luxury quality with better value
- Look at VS1 or VS2 for the best balance of beauty and price
- Prioritize cut quality first
- Focus on eye clean appearance rather than microscopic perfection
- Review high resolution images and certification carefully
Most buyers are happiest when they choose a diamond that looks exceptional in real life rather than one that simply scores highest on paper.
(Related: Does Diamond Shape Affect How Colour Appears?)
Final Thoughts
You do not need a flawless lab diamond to own a beautiful, brilliant stone. In fact, many buyers achieve better overall value by selecting an eye clean VVS or VS clarity diamond instead.
Flawless diamonds can be appealing for their rarity and prestige, but the visible difference is often minimal. By focusing on cut quality, eye clean appearance, and trusted certification, you can choose a lab grown diamond that delivers both beauty and smart value.