Diamond specifications have many moving parts, but understanding diamond clarity and its importance is key to finding the perfect fit for your engagement ring.
The Gemological Institute of America developed a clarity chart that assigns diamonds standardized clarity grades based on the presence and visibility of internal or external imperfections, known as inclusions and blemishes.
This clarity scale ranges from Flawless (F), diamonds free from any inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification, to Included (I3), where inclusions and flaws are visible to the naked eye and may compromise the structure of a diamond.
The clarity scale is widely used by grading laboratories worldwide, aiding diamond enthusiats to easily compare diamonds, whether lab-grown or mined.
Why is this clarity important?
One of the most loved characteristics of a diamond is it’s unique sparkle. Although this is mainly determined by the quality of the cut, it can also be significantly influenced by the amount and severity of impurities in the diamond.
Diamonds with fewer impurties can better reflect and refract light passing through them, enhancing their fire and brilliance.
Obvious blemishes and inclusions can also detract from the beauty of a diamond and become an eye-sore to the wearer.
What Are VVS Diamonds?
VVS diamonds, or Very, Very Slightly Included diamonds, are one of the highest clarity grades on the diamond clarity scale.
These diamonds contain minor inclusions that are difficult to detect, even under 10x magnification, which is the standard level of magnification used by most jewelers. They are 100% eye clean, even on larger diamond sizes.
VVS diamonds are a single grade below flawless on the clarity scale, making them truly prized and rare.
Their exceptional quality make them an aspirational choice for diamond engagement rings and other high end jewelry.
Differences between VVS1 and VVS2 Diamonds
The VVS grade has two subcategories: VVS1 and VVS2. These grades are differentiated based on the size, number, and location of the inclusions.
What are VVS1 Diamonds?
VVS1 diamonds are the higher clarity grade within the VVS category. Inclusions are few, minute and benign.
These inclusions are incredibly small, making them difficult to detect even under 10x magnification. The exceptional clarity of VVS1 diamonds makes them a preferred choice for those seeking near-flawless diamonds.
What are VVS2 Diamonds?
VVS2 diamonds, have slightly more inclusions than VVS1 diamonds.
However, these inclusions are still incredibly minor and challenging to see, even under 10x magnification.
VVS inclusions are typically located closer to the table of the diamond, but due to their size remain unvisible to the unaided eye.
Regardless of wether you opt for a VVS1 or VVS2 – they offer a flawless appearance.
Price of VVS Diamonds
The price of VVS diamonds is significantly higher than lower clarity grade diamonds due to their rarity.
VVS diamond prices are influenced by several factors, including the diamond’s cut grade, weight, color, and shape.
While VVS diamonds are more expensive than VS (Very Slightly Included) or SI (Slightly Included) diamonds, they are still more affordable than Internally Flawless or Flawless diamonds.
It’s important to note that the price difference between VVS and lower diamond clarity grades can be substantial, even though the difference in appearance is often not noticeable to the naked eye.
| Shape & Origin | Color | Clarity | Price |
| Round Brilliant – Mined | F | VVS1 | $8665 |
| Round Brilliant – Mined | F | VS1 | $5942 |
*That’s a $2700 difference between two diamonds that look identical!
Note on VVS Lab Grown Diamonds
Since the process of creating lab grown diamonds is finely controlled, producers often invest their resources into creating diamonds with top clarity grades. This results in superior clarity quality lab-grown diamonds being more readily available and significantly affordable than their natural counterparts.
| Shape & Origin | Color | Clarity | Price |
| Round Brilliant – Lab Grown | F | VVS1 | $720 |
| Round Brilliant – Lab Grown | F | VS1 | $550 |
*These two lab diamonds, as with the mined ones, look identical. And the lab diamonds look identical to the mined diamonds since they’re 100% real diamonds graded by the exact same diamond grading laboratories. Neat.
If this alone doesn’t pique your interest in lab grown diamonds, I recommend you head over to: Lab Grown Diamonds vs Mined Diamonds: 45 Questions.
VVS vs VS Diamond Quality
The Very Slightly Included clarity grades (VS1 & VS2) are a notch below VVS on the clarity scale, yet they still fall within the desirable range of being eye-clean.
The distinction between VVS and VS diamonds becomes evident only under 10x magnification, with VVS diamonds exhibiting fewer and tinier inclusions compared to VS diamonds.
In my 16 years of experience in the diamond industry, I’ve yet to encounter a client who can discern the difference between a VVS diamond and a VS without the aid of a loupe.
I recommend prioritizing clarity within the VS range, and instead focus on enhancing attributes that you can appreciate every time you gaze at your diamond ring: its size or color.
Pros and Cons of VVS Diamonds
Pros
They’re Almost Flawless
VVS diamonds offer near-flawless clarity, making them a popular choice for those who value this characteristic.
Any Shape and Size Will Be Fine
Due to their high clarity, VVS diamonds look stunning in any diamond shape and carat weight.
Whether you prefer the brilliance of a round cut or the unique silhouette of an emerald cut diamond, a VVS diamond will deliver exceptional clarity.
Prestige
Owning a VVS diamond carries a certain prestige due to their rarity and exceptional clarity.
Cons
Trade-offs in Color and Carat
To afford a VVS diamond, you might have to compromise on other aspects like color and carat weight. For example, you might need to choose a lower color grade or smaller carat weight to fit a VVS diamond into your budget.
Diminishing Returns
The significant increase in price from VS to VVS usually isn’t accompanied by an improvement in the appearance of a diamond.
Tips for Buying VVS Diamonds
When buying a VVS diamond, it’s essential to consider the following:
Understand the Four Cs: The four Cs – carat weight, color, clarity, and cut – are critical factors in determining a diamond’s quality and price.
While VVS diamonds offer exceptional clarity, it’s important to balance this with the other Cs to ensure you’re getting a diamond that fits your preferences and budget.
Consider the Diamond Shape: Some diamond shapes, like the round brilliant, hide inclusions well, while others, like the emerald or other step cut diamonds, highlight the diamond’s clarity. Emerald, baguette and asscher shape diamonds over 3,00ct might call for VVS clarities to appear eye clean.
Buy from a Reputable Jeweler: Always buy diamonds from a reputable jeweler who provides a grading report from a recognized gemological laboratory, such as the GIA or IGI. This report will confirm the diamond’s clarity grade and other characteristics.
Examine the Diamond: If possible, examine the diamond under magnification. This will allow you to see the diamond’s inclusions and understand why it received its clarity grade. While you’re at it, also view a VS under magnification. Indiscernible? Probably.
Where Can You Buy VVS Diamonds
VVS diamonds, lab grown and mined, can be purchased from a variety of sources. Brick-and-mortar jewelry stores often carry a range of diamonds, including VVS diamonds.
However, they typically have higher overhead costs, which can translate into higher prices.
VVS and VS diamonds are also available from online sources like Lumen Diamonds.
Whether you choose to buy in-store or online, always ensure the diamond comes with a grading report from a recognized gemological laboratory.
This report will confirm the diamond’s clarity grade and other characteristics, ensuring you get what you pay for.
VVS diamonds in Engagement Rings
Regardless of whether they’re set in yellow gold, white gold, or platinum, the exceptional clarity of VVS diamonds imparts brilliance and beauty to any piece of diamond jewelry.
And since you have no inclusions to hide they work splendidly in all engagement ring settings.
Both VS and VVS diamond rings have minimal inclusions and are considered eye-clean. Once these diamonds are set into jewelry, their clarity becomes even more challenging to distinguish.
Engagement rings set with VVS diamonds are typically significantly more expensive than those set with VS diamonds – assuming the cut, weight, and color of the diamonds are identical.
Paying a premium for a higher clarity grade that won’t be discernible to the naked eye may not be the most judicious use of your budget.
Conclusion & Recommendation
An eye-clean diamond of any grade will appear identical to a VVS diamond, assuming all other factors are equal, yet it will cost significantly less.
Since inclusions and blemishes in both VVS and VS diamonds are only visible at 10x magnification, we recommend opting for a VS diamond to maximize value without compromising appearance.
Prioritizing an eye-clean diamond allows you to allocate more of your budget to other critical aspects like cut quality, diamond color and size.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We’ll gladly assist.
The Lumen Diamonds Clarity Guarantee
At Lumen our diamonds are guaranteed to be eye-clean, so we’ve removed the need to peruse an endless supply of diamonds in an effort to find the best eye-clean option.
FAQ
Internally Flawless (IF) and Flawless (F) grades are the only clarity grades above VVS. These diamonds have either no inclusions (Flawless) or only insignificant blemishes (Internally Flawless) visible under 10x magnification.
Diamond quality is determined by a number of factors, including carat weight, clarity, color and cut grade. The highest clarity grade is Flawless, color D, Ideal or Excellent cut grade.
Two, VVS1 and VVS2. VVS1 diamonds have fewer and smaller inclusions than VVS2 diamonds.
The shine and brilliance of a diamond is mainly determined by its cut grade. It is worth noting lower clarity diamonds can have impurities that compromise the path light can travel through a diamond and thereby having a detrimental effect on the shine and sparkle of a diamond.
VVS diamonds are higher on the clarity chart and command a premium over VS diamonds.
VVS1 diamonds have fewer and smaller inclusions than VVS2 diamonds.
Mother Earth and laboratories can make high-quality VVS diamonds. Lab grown diamonds are chemically and optically identical to mined diamonds, and their clarities are graded to the exact same standards.
All diamonds are graded by trained gemologists at laboratories under strict lighting conditions and 10x magnification. The grade is issued based on the type, size, number of, and severity of inclusions and blemishes.
VVS diamonds will be 100% eye-clean even in larger diamond sizes and revealing shapes like asschers and emeralds. Most people will have a tough time spotting any VVS inclusions under 10x magnification.
One step up would be Flawless (F), but the wiser move would be one down into the Very Small Inclusions (VS) range.
Where VVS diamonds have minuscule inclusions, internally flawless diamonds have none visible under 10x magnification. They look identical, but the jump in price from VVS to internally flawless is steep.
As with all diamonds the value comes down to the combination of specifications a diamond has. VVS clarity diamonds are rare, but to be valuable the color and cut grade also needs to be high.
You can’t go wrong with either. If clarity is your top priority the premium for VVS might be well justified. In my opinion VS diamonds offer considerably higher value.