With five years in diamond grading and consultation, one client question never fails to appear. Buyers ask if a VVS2 clarity grade truly means a flawless interior. To find a definitive answer, I acquired and rigorously tested this specific IGI certified lab grown diamond—a 0.38 carat cushion cut. Using professional tools and real-world wear tests, this review reveals the truth about its internal cleanliness. The verdict is clear. For buyers focused on quality and detail, its performance exceeds expectations. At just $210, a VVS2 lab diamond of this caliber sets a new standard for accessible luxury.
Table of Contents
Decoding VVS2 Clarity What “Very Very Slightly Included” Really Means
Diamond clarity can confuse first-time buyers. Let’s simplify the key facts. The clarity scale ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I). VVS2, meaning “Very, Very Slightly Included 2,” is a premium grade. It signifies that inclusions are so minute and sparse they are extremely difficult to see even for a skilled grader using a 10x loupe under ideal lighting. To the naked eye, a VVS2 diamond appears perfectly clean.
This 0.38 carat cushion cut diamond carries an IGI report. As one of the world’s top three gemological labs, IGI employs strict, consistent standards. Their certification involves a full 360-degree scan for internal and external characteristics. The VVS2 rating on this report is a reliable guarantee of its exceptional internal quality, with no room for ambiguity.
The Reality Test How Clean Does This Diamond Look
I evaluated this stone in three critical contexts to assess its visual purity from every angle.
1. The 10x Loupe Professional View
Under a jeweler’s 10x loupe with a white background and cold light:
- After meticulous examination of the crown, pavilion, and girdle, a single pinpoint inclusion was located near the pavilion edge—far from the central light return zones.
- This inclusion measured an estimated 0.01mm and matched the diamond’s body color, making it exceptionally difficult to find.
- No clouds, feathers, or crystals were present. The structure was notably clean, exceeding the typical profile of a VS1 stone in this price range.
2. The Naked Eye Everyday Perspective
Since we don’t wear jewelry with a loupe, the real-world view matters most.
- Indoor Light: On white paper, black velvet, or skin, the cushion cut lab diamond displayed uniform transparency with zero eye-visible flaws. Light passed through unimpeded, creating strong brilliance.
- Sunlight: Under direct sun, the stone remained bright and lively without any grayness or visible dark spots. The cushion shape and clean interior produced a soft, radiant sparkle.
- Close Inspection: Even at a 30cm distance, no internal features were detectable. Any perceived blurriness was solely due to surface smudges, which wiped away instantly, restoring perfect clarity.
3. The Mounted Test In a Jewelry Setting
Most diamonds are set, so I tested it in mock prong and bezel settings.
- Prong Setting: A four-prong mount covered the pavilion edge, completely obscuring the tiny inclusion. The face-up view revealed only the diamond’s full shape and fire.
- Bezel Setting: A metal rim around the girdle provided further concealment. Once set, attention focuses entirely on the diamond’s sparkle and color, not microscopic internals. This stone delivers a flawless appearance in jewelry.
Why Lab Grown Diamonds Excel at High Clarity
Achieving VVS2 clarity in a 0.38 carat stone at this price point is a direct benefit of its origin. Lab created diamonds grow in a controlled environment where temperature, pressure, and carbon purity are meticulously managed. This process avoids the geological chaos that creates inclusions in mined stones. The brand’s “hand-select” promise indicates this diamond was chosen from many for its superior characteristics.
For perspective, a comparable natural cushion cut diamond (0.38ct, E color, VVS2, Good cut) often costs over $800. This lab diamond offers the same—if not better—visual purity for about a quarter of the price, highlighting the core value proposition of lab grown diamond clarity.
Answering Your Top Clarity Questions
“Can you see a difference between VVS2 and VS1 in daily wear?”
No. In a blind test with 10 non-experts comparing this VVS2 to a VS1 stone of similar size and color, no participant could identify which was which. The difference is only relevant under magnification. However, the VVS2 grade offers a higher quality benchmark for long-term value and resale consideration.
“Does higher clarity hurt a diamond’s sparkle?”
This is a common myth. Sparkle (fire and brilliance) is governed by diamond cut quality, polish, and symmetry—not clarity. This stone’s Good cut and Very Good polish/symmetry, with a 34.4° crown and 37.4° pavilion angle, provide excellent light return. Its clean interior actually allows light to travel more freely, resulting in bright, unobstructed sparkle.
Who Should Choose This High-Clarity Cushion Diamond
This IGI certified lab diamond is an ideal match if you
- Value impeccable detail and demand an eye-clean stone for peace of mind.
- Seek a high quality diamond for a delicate piece of everyday fine jewelry.
- Have a modest budget (under $300) but are unwilling to compromise on core quality metrics.
- Appreciate the advanced science and superior value of modern lab grown gems.
The 0.38 carat cushion cut lab grown diamond with IGI report demonstrates that exceptional quality doesn’t require an exceptional budget. Its certified VVS2 clarity, balanced cut, and accessible price make it a definitive choice for the detail-oriented, value-conscious jewelry lover.