Diamond Quality Guide

The 4Cs of Lab-Grown Diamonds: A Quick Guide

Understanding diamond quality comes down to four universal standards: Clarity, Cut, Color and Carat (Ct). Because lab grown diamonds share the exact same physical and optical properties as mined diamonds, they are graded on the exact same scale.


Clarity

Diamond clarity measures the purity of a stone. Just like mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are created using extreme heat and pressure. During this process, tiny internal characteristics called inclusions can naturally form. Clarity simply grades how free the diamond is from these microscopic marks.

The Clarity Scale

The jewelry industry grades clarity under 10x magnification:

  • FL / IF (Flawless): Extremely rare; no visible inclusions under magnification.
  • VVS1 / VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included): Minute inclusions, very difficult even for a trained jeweler.
  • VS1 / VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Minor inclusions, completely invisible to the naked eye (eye-clean).
  • SI & I (Slightly Included & Included): Inclusions that may be noticeable to the naked eye and can impact sparkle.

The CaratCult Clarity Standard

We believe your lab grown diamonds should radiate pure, uninterrupted sparkle. Hence we exclusively offer premium clarity grades:

  • VVS1 & VVS2: For those seeking elite purity. The microscopic inclusions in these diamonds are incredibly difficult to spot, even under a jeweler's loupe.
  • VS1: The perfect balance of flawless beauty and incredible value. These diamonds are 100% "eye-clean," giving a brilliant flawless appearance to the naked eye.


Cut

It doesn't refer to the shape (like oval or round), but rather how expertly the stone has been faceted to interact with light. A masterfully cut diamond reflects maximum light back to your eye, creating breathtaking brilliance and fire.

The CaratCult Cut Standard - All diamond solitaires of 1 Ct+ size will have excellent grade cut. 


Color (The Purity)

Diamond color actually measures the absence of color. The grading scale ranges from D (completely colorless) to Z (noticeable yellow or brown tint).

The CaratCult Color Standard

We exclusively offer premium  lab grown diamonds. These fall strictly into the top-tier colorless range, guaranteeing an icy-white, pure appearance without any visible warm tints.

  • All diamond solitaires of 1 Ct+ size will have D/E color 
  • All small diamonds (less than 1Ct) will have E/F color.

 

Carat (The Weight)

Carat measures the physical weight of the diamond, not its exact physical dimensions. 1 carat is defined as 200 milligrams (0.2 g). Because lab grown diamonds offer exceptional value, you can often maximize your budget to choose a larger carat size without sacrificing premium quality.