If you've shopped for lab-grown diamond jewelry, you've probably seen "D color, VVS1 clarity" or just "D/VVS." It looks like code, but it's two separate grades: one for color and one for clarity.
Our manufacturer in China uses IGI grading reports, so this guide focuses on reading those grades, with GIA's current approach explained for comparison.
The short answer: D is the top color grade, meaning colorless. VVS stands for Very, Very Slightly Included, a high clarity grade. Neither one tells you whether a diamond is lab-grown or natural. The report does that separately.
What Does D Color Mean?
The D-to-Z color scale was developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). For standard-range diamonds, it works like this:
- D, E, F: Colorless
- G, H, I, J: Near colorless
- K, L, M: Faint
- N through R: Very light
- S through Z: Light
D is the top grade, a completely colorless diamond. Moving toward Z, more light yellow or brown shows up. The differences between neighboring grades are subtle, often too subtle for an untrained eye. IGI also grades color in the D-to-Z range.
Fancy-color diamonds, such as blue or pink, are described with a color name rather than a D-to-Z letter.
What Does VVS Clarity Mean?
Clarity describes inclusions (internal features) and blemishes (features on the surface). On GIA's scale, VVS inclusions are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10× magnification.
There are two grades, VVS1 and VVS2, and VVS1 is the higher of the two. Both sit just below Internally Flawless and Flawless, so VVS is not the same as flawless. IGI also assesses clarity at 10× magnification and lists VVS1 and VVS2 on its scale.
IGI and GIA: Two Labs, Two Approaches
Both are established gemological laboratories, and they now report lab-grown diamonds differently. We're not ranking them. The goal is to help you read whichever report comes with a stone.
- IGI continues to apply color and clarity grades, such as D and VVS1, to lab-grown diamonds the same way it does for natural ones. Its lab-grown reports identify the stone as laboratory grown, and may note the growth method or treatments in the comments. For finished jewelry, IGI's report describes the piece and provides center-stone details as the mounting permits.
- GIA developed the D-to-Z color scale and the clarity scale used for natural diamonds. Since October 1, 2025, its service for D-to-Z lab-grown diamonds is a Laboratory-Grown Diamond Quality Assessment. It describes a stone as "Premium" or "Standard" based on an overall assessment of clarity, color, and cut, instead of giving color and clarity grades. A stone that doesn't meet GIA's minimum criteria receives no assessment.
Why Read the Actual Report?
The terms on two reports may look alike, but they may not mean the same thing. GIA's "Premium," for example, has its own published criteria: D color, VVS or higher clarity, Excellent polish and symmetry, and, for round brilliants, an Excellent cut. A D/VVS1 on an IGI report and a "Premium" on a GIA assessment are different documents and not interchangeable labels.
So don't rely on shorthand. Check which lab issued the report, what it's titled, its date, and which details it lists. Reports from different labs also handle details like cut differently.
What Does D/VVS Mean When Shopping?
"D/VVS" is shorthand that combines two grades:
- D: the color grade
- VVS: the clarity category, which could be VVS1 or VVS2
If a listing or quote says only "VVS," don't assume VVS1. Ask for the exact grade or look for it in the report.
Does a Higher Grade Always Mean a Better Purchase?
Not necessarily. Grades can affect price, but they don't make a diamond right for everyone. Look at the whole picture:
- Cut: Where a cut grade is provided, it describes how the diamond's proportions and finish contribute to its appearance.
- Color and clarity: Decide how much each matters to you.
- Carat weight: Check the weight and the stone's dimensions.
- Report: Confirm it matches the diamond being offered.
- Design and budget: The setting, metal, and total price matter as much as the grades.
How to Check That a Report Matches Your Diamond
Ask for the exact color and clarity grades, carat weight, and the lab that issued the report. Then:
- Compare the report number and details (shape, carat weight, measurements) with the stone being offered.
- Look up the report with the issuing lab. IGI offers report verification, and GIA offers Report Check.
- When possible, check that the laser inscription on the stone's girdle matches the report number.
A lookup shows what the lab recorded. Matching the details and inscription is what connects that record to a specific stone. If a stone is already set in a piece, the inscription may be hard to see, so ask how the report was matched to it.
How Our Custom Process Works
We don't keep a large inventory of expensive lab-grown diamonds. Instead, we source a diamond or design a custom piece when you're interested, and we confirm the details with our manufacturer or supplier before anything is finalized.
Looking for a particular lab-grown diamond or a custom design? Start with our Custom Design Consultation. It's a required first step: a $150 consultation and CAD rendering deposit that is credited toward your final build balance if you move forward. It's not the price of the finished piece. We'll discuss your preferences, then confirm supplier availability, specifications, grading documentation, pricing, and estimated production timing. You'll review your CAD design, and we'll send a final itemized quote before production begins. We can't guarantee any specific stone until our supplier confirms it. Please read the deposit and cancellation terms on the Custom Desk page before you purchase.
Sources: GIA color guide, GIA clarity scale, GIA lab-grown services announcement, IGI's 4Cs statement, IGI lab-grown report page. Last reviewed October 2026.
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