Lab grown diamonds have captured the spotlight in recent years, offering brilliance, value, and modern appeal to couples and collectors alike. But as their popularity continues to grow, so do the questions. One that often arises during diamond consultations at Waterfall Jewelers is this:
Do lab grown diamonds have inclusions?
It’s a thoughtful and important question—especially if you’re comparing lab created diamonds to natural ones or aiming to choose a stone with exceptional clarity.
In this guide, we’ll explore what inclusions are, how they appear in lab grown diamonds, what they mean for quality, and how to find the perfect diamond for your personal style and standards.
Understanding Diamond Inclusions
What Are Inclusions?
Inclusions are internal characteristics—small imperfections within a diamond. These can be things like:
- Pinpoints or tiny crystals
- Needles or feathers
- Clouds or wisps
- Internal graining
Inclusions are completely natural in mined diamonds, formed under the immense pressure and heat of the earth over millions of years.
Are Inclusions Always a Bad Thing?
Not at all. In fact, almost every diamond—lab grown or mined—has some type of inclusion. What matters is:
- How visible they are
- How they affect brilliance
- Where they’re located in the stone
A diamond’s clarity grade reflects these characteristics, and many inclusions are microscopic and invisible to the unaided eye.
So, Do Lab Grown Diamonds Have Inclusions?
Yes—But That’s Completely Normal
Lab grown diamonds, just like natural diamonds, can and often do have inclusions. These are formed during the growth process—whether it’s High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
Inclusions in lab diamonds are a natural byproduct of the creation process and are carefully evaluated during grading, just as they are with natural stones.
What Kind of Inclusions Occur in Lab Diamonds?
While the types of inclusions are similar to those in natural diamonds, some are more common depending on how the lab grown diamond was created.
Inclusions common in CVD diamonds:
- Graphite particles
- Striations (faint growth lines)
- Pinpoint clusters
Inclusions common in HPHT diamonds:
- Metallic inclusions (from the metal catalyst used in growth)
- Flux inclusions
It’s important to note: most inclusions in both types are not visible without magnification and don’t impact durability or beauty when properly selected.
Can Lab Diamonds Be Flawless?
Technically, Yes—but They’re Extremely Rare
Just like in nature, flawless lab grown diamonds are possible but rare. Most stones, even those of high clarity, contain minute inclusions. The key is choosing a clarity grade that looks beautiful to the naked eye—typically VS1, VS2, or SI1 depending on the cut and setting.
At Waterfall Jewelers, our experts can guide you toward stones with clarity that meets your aesthetic and budget—without paying for perfection you can’t see.
Do Inclusions Affect the Value of Lab Grown Diamonds?
Clarity, like color, cut, and carat weight, plays a role in determining a diamond’s value. However, it’s one of several factors—and small inclusions may have little to no impact on how the stone looks in your setting.
Choosing a diamond with strategically placed inclusions—such as those along the girdle or tucked beneath a prong—can help maximize size or color while staying within your price range.
A quick guide:
- FL to IF (Flawless to Internally Flawless): Ultra-rare and priced accordingly
- VVS1 to VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included): Almost always eye-clean
- VS1 to VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Great balance of clarity and value
- SI1 to SI2 (Slightly Included): Often eye-clean depending on cut
- I1 and below: May be visible to the naked eye—use caution when buying
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Graded the Same Way?
Yes. Reputable gemological labs like the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and IGI (International Gemological Institute) use the same clarity grading scale for lab grown and natural diamonds.
Each stone is inspected under 10x magnification, and inclusions are documented in the clarity report. At Waterfall Jewelers, we only offer graded lab grown diamonds so you know exactly what you’re buying.
What If I Want a Perfect-Looking Stone?
If you’re concerned about visible inclusions, you’re not alone—and we’re here to help. Our team can show you lab grown diamonds with high clarity grades or help you find eye-clean stones at more accessible price points.
You can also explore setting options that minimize the visibility of inclusions, such as:
- Halo settings that draw attention to the sparkle
- Bezel settings that frame and protect the stone
- Strategic prong placements to cover less desirable inclusions
Why Buy Your Lab Grown Diamond at Waterfall Jewelers?
As a family-owned jewelry store serving Metro Detroit since 1979, Waterfall Jewelers is proud to offer:
- Certified lab grown diamonds with full clarity grading
- Personalized consultations with trained diamond specialists
- Custom designs and expert craftsmanship
- Complimentary inspections and cleanings for life
We’re here to guide you—never pressure you. Our team is committed to helping you find a diamond that fits your style, standards, and story.
- Visit us in Waterford or White Lake
- Waterford: (248) 623-9422 | White Lake: (248) 698-1200
- Book a private consultation