VS2 Clarity in a Lab-Grown Diamond

By Alex Klimchenko · Updated November 2, 2026

VS2 stands for Very Slightly Included, one of 11 grades on the GIA Clarity Scale. GIA describes the VS1 and VS2 category this way: "Inclusions are observed with effort but can be characterized as minor." A GIA Laboratory-Grown Diamond Report states the clarity grade of a lab-grown diamond. Below: what the grade measures, how it sits next to VS1 and SI1, and how to read it on a report.

The GIA Clarity Scale has 11 grades, running from Flawless to Included. In order: Flawless (FL), Internally Flawless (IF), Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2), Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2), Slightly Included (SI1, SI2) and Included (I1, I2, I3). VS2 is the sixth grade from the top.

Read the name literally: "VS" stands for Very Slightly Included. The grade is also set under a fixed condition. According to GIA, every diamond is evaluated under 10x magnification and assigned a clarity grade.

GIA says clarity grades are based on the number, size, relief, nature and location of characteristics. A grade summarizes all five and is not a count of inclusions. Two VS2 stones can have different characteristics in different places and still share the same grade.

On the scale, VS2 shares a category with VS1. Both fall under Very Slightly Included, and GIA uses a single description for the pair: inclusions are observed with effort but can be characterized as minor. VS1 sits one step above VS2. GIA publishes no separate description for each number, so we don't write one.

SI1 is the first grade in the next category, Slightly Included. It sits directly below VS2 on the scale.

On visibility, GIA notes that most diamonds in stores fall between VS and SI, and that "many of these characteristics will likely not be visible to the naked eye." That is GIA's wording, not ours. Whether a particular stone looks clean to a particular customer depends on the stone, its cut and the person looking. The grade tells you what a gemologist found at 10x. It does not promise what a customer will see, so a seller shouldn't promise it either.

A lab-grown diamond submitted to GIA receives a GIA Laboratory-Grown Diamond Report, and the report includes color and clarity grades. According to GIA, a laboratory-grown diamond has nearly the same chemical, optical and physical properties as a natural diamond.

When you read a report, check three things:

• The grade itself, for example VS2, and the grading laboratory that issued it.
• That the report is for the stone in your hand. Match the report number to the stone.
• The color grade printed beside it, since clarity is only one of the 4Cs.

Not every lab-grown stone on the market has a report. The same is true in our inventory: certified and non-certified stones are both in stock, and many of the non-certified stones are under 1 ct. If a customer needs a VS2 grade on paper, ask for a stone with a report. Calibrated melee is not certified stone by stone; reports are available on request.

Labrilliante is a US-based manufacturer and wholesale supplier of lab-grown diamonds (HPHT & CVD), serving jewelry retailers and brands since 2017. IGI- and GIA-certified diamonds are available, plus calibrated melee (reports on request), colored diamonds and custom cuts. We have 100,000+ loose diamonds in stock.

If you need a specific clarity grade, tell us the shape, size and the report you require, and we will say what is available. You can browse loose stones at labrilliante.com/diamonds/lab-diamonds. Jewelers and brands can read about supply on the wholesale lab-grown diamonds page. Questions go to info@labrilliante.com or +1 551-321-8771.

What does VS2 mean in a lab-grown diamond?

VS2 means Very Slightly Included on the GIA Clarity Scale. GIA describes inclusions in the VS category as observed with effort but characterized as minor. The grade is assigned under 10x magnification and is based on the number, size, relief, nature and location of characteristics.

Is VS2 the same as VS1?

They share the Very Slightly Included category, and GIA gives one description for both. They are different grades, though: VS1 sits one step above VS2 on the scale. GIA's published scale does not give a separate description for each number.

How many clarity grades does GIA use?

Eleven, from Flawless to Included: FL, IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, I1, I2 and I3. VS2 is the sixth from the top, directly above SI1 and one step below VS1. A GIA Laboratory-Grown Diamond Report states the clarity grade of a lab-grown diamond.

Does a VS2 grade mean the inclusions are invisible?

No grade is a promise of what the eye will see. GIA says many characteristics in the VS to SI range will likely not be visible to the naked eye. "Likely" is the operative word. The grade reflects a gemologist's view at 10x, not a guarantee for any one customer.

Does every Labrilliante stone have a clarity report?

No. IGI- and GIA-certified diamonds are available, and certified and non-certified stones are both in stock. Many non-certified stones are under 1 ct. For melee, reports are available on request. Tell us which report you need and we will check what we have.