The mesmerizing sparkle and timeless allure of diamonds have captivated human beings for centuries. Diamonds are well known for their overall beauty, which comes largely from their clarity as well as cut.
The clarity grade of a diamond is determined by the presence or absence of internal and external flaws, known as inclusions and blemishes, respectively. Highly trained experts working under microscopes are necessary to complete this complex area of diamond grading.
Classic 6 Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring
You can make the most of your engagement ring budget by balancing what you absolutely have to have in terms of the
4C's of diamonds, and what you can compromise on. To increase your diamond's carat or cut, you may be able to sacrifice some clarity. Considering the number of clarity grades and how close they are to one another, distinguishing between them can be a daunting task.
As we discuss VS1 vs VVS1 clarity, we'll refer to the Gemological Institute of America's clarity scale, which divides diamonds (natural or lab grown) into 11 grades, from Flawless(FL and IF) to Included (I1, I2, I3). The majority of diamonds fall somewhere between Very, Very Slightly Included, and Slightly Included.
Technically,
VS1 vs
VVS1 diamonds are only two clarity steps apart - with VVS1 only one step away from IF, the rarest grade of diamond clarity that constitutes less than 1% of gem quality diamonds in the world.
Which would be the best choice for you? Depending on what you absolutely must have for your diamond - and what you want to have, it all depends.
We'll examine how clarity and brilliance interact in order to clarify the difference between VS1 and VVS1 and how you can choose between the two. To find out whether upgrading to VVS1 is worth the cost for you, let's look at the differences.
Understanding Diamond Clarity: How to Evaluate Yourself
In contrast,
Included diamonds have prominent flaws that may compromise their durability as well as their appearance.
We mentioned cut quality earlier; this is the single most important aspect determining fire, brilliance, and scintillation. Whether evaluating diamonds online or in person, light performance imaging can give you valuable information about diamonds you wouldn't be able to find by visual inspection alone. We can diagnose light leakage, optical symmetry faults, contrast issues, and other problems using diagnostic tools like ASET, Ideal Scope, and Hearts and Arrows viewer.
Light performance elements can be viewed dynamically through high-definition video. In addition, magnified HD video allows inspection of any clarity features, giving you that added peace of mind. A diamond's quality and beauty can be determined comprehensively
by diamond images in combination with a laboratory report.
If you would like to learn more, we have extensive education pages covering
diamond clarity and the
clarity grading process which can give you a detailed view of this important aspect of diamonds.
VS1 Clarity Diamonds
With VS1, you get a diamond that is at the top of the ‘Very Slightly Included’ category and has no inclusions visible to the unaided eye. Even a trained grader has some difficulty finding inclusions in a VS1 at 10X magnification.
Those who are new to diamonds may wonder why not just buy the top-tier diamond grades such as (
Flawless and
Internally Flawless). This is a decision that most buyers have to make based on their budget. Due to the rarity of natural diamonds, elite clarity grades come with a significant premium. VS1 diamonds are eye-clean, so they look exactly the same as flawless diamonds to the eye, but they cost much less - sometimes thousands less.
Many purchasers prefer higher purity diamonds because of their rarity and believe they are worth the extra price, while others simply want a diamond that sparkles beautifully within their budget. When you choose a VS1 clarity grade, you'll have an excellent all-around clarity option.
VS1 DIAMONDS
1.046 D VS1 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$9,950
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1.078 D VS1 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$9,975
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1.088 F VS1 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$8,650
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1.101 E VS1 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$9,650
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VVS1 Clarity Diamonds
A VVS diamond is one that is very, very slightly included in the diamond classification system. VVS grades are subdivided into two subcategories; VVS1 and VVS2 - a diamond with a number one is the highest grade in this category.
The GIA, which developed the grading scale used by most laboratories in the world, defines VVS1
diamonds as having inclusions that are difficult for a skilled grader to observe under 10x magnification.
2ct VVS1 Diamond Magnified Photographs
The inclusions in these diamonds can only be detected by an expert with the aid of a microscope, so these diamonds are guaranteed to be better than eye-clean.
In some cases, salespeople push customers to choose VVS1 diamonds or higher, claiming that diamonds with VVS1 grades or lower may contain inclusions that affect a diamond’s' performance.
During our decades in the diamond industry, we have never encountered a correctly graded VVS grade diamond that had issues with transparency or durability. Would a diamond with VVS1 be beautiful by default? Unfortunately no - there is no such thing as a diamond that is not subject to scrutiny for color, and especially for cut quality, regardless of clarity.
Our diamonds are only sold with reports from highly respected institutions. GIA, with the acquisition of The AGSL, specializes in light performance cut grading that is scientifically rigorous, and with the global reputation for accuracy and consistency in color and clarity grading. Learn more about
diamond clarity grading here.
In a perfect world, we'd all wear ‘
IF’ (internally flawless) or ‘
FL’ (flawless) grades. Although these are the closest-to-perfect diamonds available, their price also reflects their rarity - which sometimes makes them feel out of reach for the diamond shopper.
Representing less than 1% of the world’s diamonds,
VVS1 clarity diamonds are a rare sight to behold. Visually, VVS1 diamonds are microscopically clean and are only slightly inferior to grades IF and FL. Their scarcity explains their price. They are rare, remarkable diamonds.
VVS1 DIAMONDS
1.067 G VVS1 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$8,450
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0.915 D VVS1 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$10,004
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0.947 E VVS1 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$10,283
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0.707 I VVS1 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$2,275
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VS1 vs VVS1: Differences in Clarity, Rarity & Price
The VVS1 grade (part of that range of very, very slightly included) is awarded to diamonds that have very minor inclusions that are extremely small and difficult to see even under 10x magnification. Clouds, pinpoints, and tiny feathers are the most common inclusions in VVS1 diamonds.
The inclusions in diamonds will appear differently depending on the cut. For example, brilliant cuts conceal inclusions better due to faceting, while step cuts, such as
Emerald or
Asscher, make inclusions more apparent.
For engagement rings or fine jewelry, VS1 diamonds are a wonderful choice if you are enamored with brilliant cuts. There is no doubt that VS1 diamonds are among the most popular diamond clarity grades, so don't be afraid to take advantage of one if you find one you adore!
Among ‘collection quality’ diamonds, a step below VVS1 is also a good choice - VVS2 diamonds are considered the best value and, if cut with precision, their brilliance will not be compromised. A VS1 diamond, on the other hand, will be significantly less expensive than a VVS1 all other things being equal. It is important to note, however, that color, cut, and carat weight all contribute to your diamond's price.
At Whiteflash, we only offer
diamonds that we believe will make you fall in love over and over with every glance. With fine quality diamonds in a broad range of sizes, you do not have to compromise on exceptional cuts, icy colors, or outstanding clarity in order to get a diamond that rocks!
VS1 vs VVS1: The Breakdown
To put it simply, the choice is completely up to personal preference and ultimately budget. In choosing a diamond, several factors should be considered: budget, beauty, and taste, to name a few.
Some people don't care about diamond rarity; they are focused how beautiful the diamond is within their budget. And it is possible to find gorgeous diamonds in the VS and even SI clarity range.
Others place a high priority on owning something exceptional that meets the highest purity standards. Both VS1 and VVS1 are worthy considerations for diamonds, we’ve delved into some deeper considerations below.
Price:
Compared to FL or IF diamonds, VS1 and VVS1 diamonds are significantly less expensive. There is, however, a significant price difference between VS and VVS grades as well.
There are four main factors that determine a diamond's price: cut, color, clarity, and carat (the 4 c’s). Consequently, VVS diamond prices can be low if the color is low, the diamond is small, or it is poorly cut.
A VVS1 diamond with a similar cut, color, and carat can differ in price by 10% to 30% higher to a comparable VS1 diamond with the same grading. However, this is a rough estimate and the actual price difference could be outside this range based on the specific characteristics of the diamonds and the current market conditions.
And of course, the total dollar difference increases dramatically as the carat weight increases.
In general, the difference between a VS1 and a VVS1 diamond is rarely if ever noticeable to the naked eye, especially when the diamond is set in a piece of jewelry like a ring and is being viewed under normal lighting conditions.
The best way to balance beauty against budget is to select diamonds that are 'eye-clean' and without problematic inclusions.
Rarity:
A VVS1 diamond is not just eye-clean but also highly sought-after for its purity; this exceptional rarity increases its value. Combining a color grade in the colorless range (DEF) and an exquisite cut is what the diamond trade considers a “collection” quality diamond. It is clear that you are paying for more than beauty at this level of purity - rarity - a quality that goes beyond what the naked eye can see.
While it is possible to find eye-clean diamonds in the VS1 clarity grade and even lower - provided you are able to examine the diamond using
high-resolution imaging - for some, the rarity factor of VVS diamonds is non-negotiable.
Inclusions:
In VVS1 diamonds, there are generally few imperfections that are extremely tiny (usually pinpoints or tiny feathers). The average VS1 diamond will usually have more numerous inclusions (or slightly larger ones), including very small crystals, clouds or other features.
As long as a diamond is eye-clean and transparent with a precision cut, it can still deliver a truly stunning performance within a reasonable price range.
Nevertheless, if you're looking for a
collector's quality diamond and are a connoisseur of finer things, then a VVS1 might be the perfect choice.
What about Laboratory Grown Diamonds?
Lab Grown VS & VVS Diamonds
Natural diamonds with a VVS grade are in the top echelon of the clarity scale, so they are rare and expensive as a result. However, diamond shoppers today have a new and super affordable option;
laboratory-grown diamonds. They are real diamonds, with essentially the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as a natural diamond.
In recent years, lab diamonds have attracted many shoppers due to their quality, availability, and affordability. As lab diamonds are produced in large quantities, rarity is not a determining factor of price, and high-clarity and color diamonds are more widely available.
It is no longer necessary to sacrifice top clarity or color grades for a lab diamond. When it comes to natural diamonds or lab-created diamonds, cut quality should never be compromised.
Any diamond purchase, whether lab-grown or natural, should be accompanied by a gem laboratory report such as GIA or IGI.
VS1 vs VVS1: A Summary
Natural diamonds are the best option if you are looking for an Earth-mined gem more likely to hold its value. VVS clarities in natural diamonds will entail a premium price in larger stones of high color and cut.
Nevertheless, if that is what you prefer, as long as you are aware that a beautiful diamond does not require a VVS clarity grade, then we wholeheartedly approve!
For some people, the pursuit of perfection is appealing. They love knowing their stone is almost flawless. The value of VS and SI diamonds can also be excellent, but they must be evaluated individually.
If you like the look of VVS Lab diamonds, they may be the right choice for you if you want to maximize carat size, cut, and clarity. In lab diamonds, there is little reason to compromise on any of the 4C's.
Most astute diamond shoppers will shop online to find the best value since VVS1 natural diamonds carry a premium and VS diamonds require comprehensive grading and imagery. The merchant you choose should provide full transparency and comprehensive information when offering diamonds at this level, or indeed with any diamond purchase.
Whiteflash offers a wide selection of VS and VVS clarity diamonds, and the filter tools make it easy to find the perfect diamond. Additionally, you can search our
A CUT ABOVE® Collection Series for elite diamonds with the ultimate pedigree.
With the world's most superb diamonds, this collection combines the internationally acclaimed
A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut quality with the highest color and clarity grades (DEF and FL-VVS).
A loose diamond purchase goes beyond simply shopping for a commodity. A number of objective and personal factors must be taken into account together in a holistic way.
When it comes to buying, upgrading, and getting the most value from your purchase, you should choose a jeweler who does many things exceptionally well. When making your diamond purchases, we hope you confidently consider Whiteflash!