Even though VVS and VS diamonds are of a lower grade than IF and FL gems, these beautiful stones often offer the same flawless appearance when observed with the naked eye.
In general, only professionals can determine the difference between a VVS and VS diamond at 10× magnification, but their prices will significantly differ. So, let’s find out the advantages and downsides of VS diamond versus VVS diamond.
Diamond Clarity
Diamond clarity depends on the minor imperfections evaluated within the diamond or on its surface. There are two possible flaws you can see on this precious gem:
- Inclusions – These are internal defects (characteristics). They include knots, feathers, pinpoints, cavities, crystals, needles, clouds, cleavages, indented naturals, and internal graining.
- Blemishes – These surface flaws include dark or light spots, extra facets, abrasions on facet junctions, breaks, chips, pits, nicks, naturals, polish lines, and scratches.
Inclusions will affect all diamond grades, while blemishes significantly affect the clarity grade only in the flawless and internally flawless categories.
Diamonds |
|
| Clarity grade | Visibility at 10× magnification |
| FL | Without visible inclusions and blemishes |
| IF | Without inclusions but with insignificant visible blemishes |
| VVS1 and VVS2 | Insignificant inclusions ranging from extremely to very difficult to see |
| VS1 and VS2 | Minor inclusions ranging from difficult to easy to see |
| SI1 and SI2 | Noticeable, easy, or very easy to see inclusions that ​are not eye visible |
| I1, I2, and I3 | Apparent inclusions that are often visible with the naked eye |
Professionals determine the clarity grade based on inclusions’ characteristics:
- Size
- Position
- Number
- Color and relief
- Nature
Believe it or not, these imperfections won’t affect a diamond’s beauty in most cases since you can’t see most of them. In fact, internal characteristics give a natural stone its unrepeatable character.
Remember that all blemishes and inclusions are inevitable, given the way diamonds form in the ground. Therefore, these precious gems are always unique, but they are not perfect.
Only the diamond clarity scale can show the difference between diamonds. Those with the sporadic and smallest inclusions are the higher-ranged stones and with the highest clarity grades. As a result, their prices are higher.
Clarity Grading
Each diamond needs to be graded before offering on the market. The analysis process is stringent and includes eye check and quality testing under a 10x magnification microscope over darkfield lighting from every possible angle.
The goal is to discover particular characteristics and inclusions present on the stone’s surface and its inside. It is a highly demanding job that requires specialized lighting and equipment.
Therefore, getting a diamond assessed in one of the leading institutes like GIA (Gemological Institute Of America) and AGL (American Gemological Laboratories) is crucial.
VVS Diamond
A VVS diamond contains minor inclusions. They range from extremely to very difficult to see at 10× magnification, making a difference between VVS1 and VVS2 clarity grades. In most cases, found inclusions in the VVS graded diamonds include:
- VVS1 – Pinpoints, clouds, internal graining, or needles visible through the pavilion or extremely hard to spot on face-up diamond at 10× magnification.
- VVS2 – Pinpoints, clouds, internal graining, or needles are very difficult to notice on the face-up stone at 10× magnification.
- Both – Insignificant surface-reaching inclusions like indented naturals, cavities, chips, bearding, feathers, and bruises can appear.
As you can see, there are two VVS categories, VVS1 and VVS2. The difference is in inclusions visibility. VVS1 is of the higher grade with less visible or eye-invisible inclusions under 10x magnification.
Remember that a gem with eye-visible inclusions can’t get a VVS1 or VVS2 clarity grade. However, you will discover that a VVS diamond will look identical to eye-clean diamonds of any grade when all else is equal, but their prices won’t be the same.
So, you will need to pay $5,500 for 1-carat VVS1 round diamond with an I color on average. You should set aside only $5,300 on average for the VVS2 diamond with the same characteristics.
Even though the VVS diamond price will depend on its carat, cut, color, clarity, and shape, you can determine the cost range. For instance, you need to pay:
- $1,150 for 0.50-carat VVS1 diamond
- $3,000 for 1-carat VVS1 princess cut diamond
- $10,000 for 1.50-carat VVS1 radiant cut diamond
- $17,150 for a 1.9-carat VVS1 diamond
- $23,450 for a 2-carat VVS1 round diamond
Keep in mind that these numbers are lower for VVS2 diamonds of the same clarity grade. Basically, there is no need to pay more for something anyone can’t see.
VVS diamond pros & cons
Pros
- A VVS diamond is almost flawless, and its inclusions are visible only under 10× magnification
- Particularly large diamonds look better when they are of higher clarity grades
- You can find more options related to the diamond shape, color, and rare sizes
Cons
- A lower clarity diamond can look eye-flawless and cost less, so there is no need to waste money on a VVS stone
- VVS diamonds are not an excellent investment since their resale prices are low
However, personal preferences should be crucial in your final decision.
VS Diamond
A diamond with VS clarity grade contains tiny inclusions relative to the diamond size, and it is not easy to notice them at 10× magnification. Those imperfections include:
- Crystals
- Distinct clouds
- Knots
- Insignificant surface-reaching features (cavities, feathers, or indented natural)
Typically, the GIA’s diamond clarity scale describes VS1 and VS2 clarity diamonds as very slightly included. You can only see a VS diamond with an eye-visible inclusion in rare cases, usually when it is about a large stone.
VS1 clarity diamond – It has slight inclusions seen under 10x magnification but invisible to the naked eye. Even though it is never flawless, you will hardly see any inclusions even under bright light and magnification. Even VS1 diamonds with high carat often look clean when observed with the naked eye.
VS2 clarity diamond – Such graded gem will have small inclusions primarily invisible to the naked eye, particularly when you have a gem under 2 carats. However, you can notice them under bright light, especially on stones with higher carat weight.
Unfortunately, inclusions will be more visible in larger diamonds, and a VS2 clarity gem is not the best option for specific shapes. Therefore, it is recommended to check each diamond for clarity when purchasing an engagement ring.
VS diamond pros & cons
Pros
- A VS clarity diamond will offer a fantastic combination of beauty and value, and an eye-clean VS clarity diamond inside a ring is almost identical to a gem with a higher clarity grade
- A diamond of VS clarity grade is cheaper than the one with VVS clarity and the same features
Cons
- Sometimes superior color or cut will make a VS diamond more expensive than a VVS stone
VS Diamond vs. VVS Diamond
The difference between VVS and VS diamonds is in the size of the inclusions, plus VVS stone is of a higher quality than VS. You can differentiate a few characteristics that will determine the gem’s class.
- Pinpoint – It is a tiny crystal inclusion inside the diamond visible under 10× magnification.
- Clouds – These inclusions are actually groups of tiny pinpoints you can’t spot individually. However, they make a hazy appearance when gathered together.
- Internal graining – Such inclusions appear as lines, curves, or angles during crystal growth.
Inclusions size
Diamonds of VVS1 and VVS2 clarity only have slight imperfections hardly visible even under a microscope.
Diamonds of VS1 and VS2 clarity contain tiny dark inclusions that are more or less visible under 10x magnification.
Inclusions number
VS gems usually have more inclusions than VSS ones, but it is not carved in stone. Sometimes, both diamond grades have the same number of imperfections, but some are more visible or bigger.
Inclusions location
VS stones always have more significant and darker flaws than VVS diamonds, and they are located closer to their crown center.
Price
Even though no one can spot the difference between VSS and VS diamonds with the naked eye, their price will differentiate for about 30%.
Therefore, don’t be surprised when seeing two identical gems priced differently by more than $1,000. You can’t spot the difference, but their clarity is not the same for sure.
Which One to Choose?
As you can see, there are some technical differences between VVS and VS clarity diamonds, but the question is whether a higher clarity grade is worth the higher gem price. As always, it will depend on your preferences.
The lower clarity won’t be evident to the naked eye. However, the higher characteristic represents a more perfect and rare gem.
You should also keep in mind the diamond cut and shape. For example, emerald cuts will look better at higher clarity grades. On the other hand, clarity won’t have much effect on heart and marquise cuts.
Summary
Buying a diamond with a higher clarity grade is not an excellent investment. Avoid that common mistake and look for a gem with the lowest possible clarity grade clean to the naked eye.
You should avoid the VS clarity grade diamonds with higher carat weight because inclusions will be more visible over the wider surface.
