Do Lab Grown Diamonds Have Inclusions

What Are Diamond Inclusions?

Diamond inclusions are internal characteristics that developed during the diamond’s formation. These tiny imperfections can appear as crystals, feathers, clouds, or other irregularities within the diamond’s structure. In both natural and lab grown diamonds, inclusions are a natural part of the crystallization process.

Inclusions affect a diamond’s clarity grade, which is one of the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat) used to determine a diamond’s quality and value. The fewer inclusions a diamond has, the higher its clarity grade and, typically, the more valuable it becomes.

Most inclusions aren’t visible to the naked eye but can be observed under 10x magnification. Gemologists use specialized equipment to identify and map these internal characteristics, creating what’s known as a “diamond plot” that serves as a unique fingerprint for each stone.

While many consumers focus on finding “flawless” diamonds, it’s worth noting that inclusions can sometimes add character to a diamond. They prove the diamond’s authenticity and, in natural diamonds, tell the story of its billion-year journey from deep within the Earth.

In lab grown diamonds, inclusions similarly record the conditions of the diamond’s creation, though over a much shorter timeframe—typically a few weeks rather than billions of years.

Lab Grown vs. Natural Diamond Inclusions

Yes, lab grown diamonds do have inclusions, just like their natural counterparts. However, there are some notable differences in the types and patterns of inclusions between the two.

Natural diamonds form deep in the Earth under extreme heat and pressure over billions of years. During this lengthy process, various minerals and fractures can become trapped within the diamond crystal, creating a wide variety of inclusion types.

Lab grown diamonds, created either through High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) processes, form in controlled environments over a matter of weeks. This controlled environment often results in different inclusion patterns than those found in natural diamonds.

HPHT diamonds typically contain metallic inclusions from the metallic flux used in their growth. These might appear as dark pinpoints or as reflective, metallic flakes. CVD diamonds, on the other hand, may contain crystal inclusions or cloud-like formations resulting from their growth process.

One significant difference is that lab grown diamonds rarely contain the same range of colored mineral inclusions found in natural diamonds. Garnet, olivine, and other colored crystals common in natural diamonds are typically absent in lab grown stones.

Despite these differences, both lab grown and natural diamonds are graded on the same clarity scale by gemological laboratories. This means that a VS1 lab grown diamond meets the same clarity standards as a VS1 natural diamond, even if the specific inclusion characteristics differ.

Common Types of Inclusions in Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds can exhibit several types of inclusions depending on their growth method. Here are the most common types you might encounter:

Metallic Inclusions: Particularly common in HPHT diamonds, these appear as small, dark, or sometimes reflective spots within the diamond. They result from tiny particles of the metal catalyst used in the growth process becoming trapped in the diamond crystal.

Crystal Inclusions: These are small crystals of non-diamond material that formed during the diamond’s growth. In CVD diamonds, these might be silicon carbide or other materials used in the growth chamber.

Clouds: These appear as hazy areas consisting of clusters of tiny inclusions too small to distinguish individually. In lab grown diamonds, clouds often form due to fluctuations in the growth conditions.

Growth Lines: Unique to lab grown diamonds, these are faint lines that indicate layers of growth during the diamond formation process. They’re more common in CVD diamonds and can sometimes be visible under certain lighting conditions.

Strain Patterns: These aren’t technically inclusions but rather areas of internal stress within the diamond crystal. They can appear as dark or light areas when viewed with polarized light. Lab grown diamonds, particularly those created using the HPHT method, can show distinctive strain patterns different from those in natural diamonds.

Understanding these inclusion types can help you make an informed decision when shopping for a lab grown diamond. At Emerson Fine Jewelry, our gemologists can help you select a stone with minimal or aesthetically pleasing inclusions that won’t detract from the diamond’s beauty.

Clarity Grades in Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds are graded using the same clarity scale as natural diamonds, ranging from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3). Here’s a breakdown of what each clarity grade means:

Flawless (FL): No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification. Extremely rare in both lab grown and natural diamonds.

Internally Flawless (IF): No inclusions visible under 10x magnification, though surface blemishes may be present.

Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2): Inclusions so slight they’re difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification.

Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2): Inclusions are minor and range from difficult to somewhat easy to see under 10x magnification.

Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2): Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification, and SI2 inclusions might be visible to the naked eye.

Included (I1, I2, and I3): Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance. Often visible to the naked eye.

One advantage of lab grown diamonds is that they can be produced with excellent clarity grades, often at a lower price point than natural diamonds of equivalent quality. Many lab grown diamonds available at Emerson Fine Jewelry fall in the VS and SI clarity ranges, offering excellent value with inclusions that aren’t visible to the unaided eye.

It’s worth noting that clarity grade doesn’t always directly correlate with a diamond’s beauty. A well-cut SI1 diamond can often appear more brilliant than a poorly cut VVS diamond. Our jewelry experts can help you balance clarity with other factors like cut, color, and carat weight to find the perfect diamond for your budget.

How to Identify Inclusions in Lab Grown Diamonds

Identifying inclusions in lab grown diamonds requires proper tools and knowledge. Here’s how professionals and consumers can spot these internal characteristics:

Using a Jeweler’s Loupe: A 10x magnification loupe is the standard tool for examining diamond clarity. Hold the loupe close to your eye, then bring the diamond into focus about an inch away. Look through the diamond in good lighting, slowly rotating it to spot any inclusions.

Microscope Examination: Gemological microscopes offer higher magnification and better lighting, allowing for more detailed examination of inclusions. This is how professional gemologists identify and map inclusions for clarity grading.

Diamond Plotting: Gemologists create inclusion plots, mapping the location and type of each inclusion. These plots serve as a diamond’s “fingerprint” and help identify individual stones.

Looking for Growth Patterns: Under certain lighting conditions and with proper equipment, lab grown diamonds may reveal distinctive growth patterns that differ from natural diamonds. HPHT diamonds often show cubic growth patterns, while CVD diamonds may show layer-like growth.

Metallic Inclusions: Distinctive to HPHT lab grown diamonds, metallic inclusions can sometimes be spotted as dark pinpoints that may appear reflective when viewed from certain angles.

At Emerson Fine Jewelry, we encourage customers to view their diamonds under our professional equipment before purchase. Our gemologists can help point out any inclusions and explain how they might affect the diamond’s appearance and value. We believe in transparency and education, ensuring you understand exactly what you’re purchasing.

Remember that most inclusions in high-quality lab grown diamonds are not visible to the naked eye. They become part of the diamond’s unique character rather than detracting from its beauty.

Tips for Buying Lab Grown Diamonds with Minimal Inclusions

When shopping for a lab grown diamond with excellent clarity, consider these helpful tips:

Understand the “Eye-Clean” Concept: An “eye-clean” diamond appears flawless to the naked eye, even if it has inclusions visible under magnification. Many VS2 and even some SI1 lab grown diamonds are eye-clean, offering excellent value compared to higher clarity grades.

Consider the Inclusion Location: The position of inclusions matters as much as their size. Inclusions near the center are more noticeable than those near the edges, which can often be hidden by a prong setting. Our wedding band experts can help you choose settings that minimize the visibility of any inclusions.

Focus on Cut Quality: A well-cut diamond with excellent proportions can mask minor inclusions through its superior brilliance and fire. Sometimes, investing in better cut quality rather than higher clarity provides a more beautiful diamond.

Request Certification: Always choose a lab grown diamond with certification from a reputable laboratory like GIA or IGI. These certificates provide an objective assessment of the diamond’s clarity and other qualities.

Examine Under Different Lighting: View potential diamonds under various lighting conditions. Some inclusions are more visible in certain lights. At Emerson Fine Jewelry, we provide different lighting environments to ensure you see how your diamond will look in real-world conditions.

Consider Fluorescence: Some lab grown diamonds exhibit fluorescence under UV light. While not an inclusion, fluorescence can affect a diamond’s appearance, sometimes making it appear hazy or milky under certain conditions.

Balance All 4Cs: Remember that clarity is just one of the 4Cs. Finding the right balance between cut, color, clarity, and carat weight will help you maximize value and beauty within your budget.

At Emerson Fine Jewelry, our diamond specialists are trained to help you navigate these considerations. We believe that educated customers make confident decisions, and we’re committed to providing the information and guidance you need to find the perfect lab grown diamond.

Conclusion

Yes, lab grown diamonds do have inclusions, just like natural diamonds. These tiny internal characteristics are a natural part of the diamond growth process, whether it occurs deep in the Earth or in a laboratory setting.

The types of inclusions may differ between lab grown and natural diamonds, but both are graded on the same clarity scale. Lab grown diamonds offer the advantage of often achieving excellent clarity grades at more accessible price points than their natural counterparts.

Understanding diamond clarity and inclusions empowers you to make informed choices when selecting a lab grown diamond. By focusing on eye-cleanliness rather than technical perfection, you can often find beautiful, brilliant diamonds that offer exceptional value.

At Emerson Fine Jewelry, we’re proud to offer a stunning collection of lab grown diamonds with excellent clarity characteristics. Our gemologists are available to guide you through the selection process, helping you understand the unique features of each diamond and how they contribute to its overall beauty and value.

Visit our showroom to explore our collection of lab grown diamonds and discover the perfect stone for your special occasion.