VVS2 vs VVS1 Diamond Clarity: Is the Upgrade Worth It for Your Diamond?
Diamond clarity is determined by the presence of inclusions and blemishes. Considering clarity is essential when selecting a loose diamond for your ring, as it can potentially have a profound impact on the diamond's overall appearance.
Diamonds are composed of carbon atoms arranged in a lattice pattern. In addition to the diamond lattice, other elements and minerals (impurities) may be included during the growth process, which can affect the diamond's color and/or clarity.
Valoria Amphora Diamond Engagement Ring
Inclusions, blemishes, size, type and relief of diamonds are measured for clarity. This is an extremely complex area of diamond grading that requires seasoned experts to complete accurately. Distinguishing between the different clarity grades can prove to be a formidable task due to their abundance.
Two of the most elite clarity grades you'll hear about during your diamond search are
VVS1 and
VVS2 - (meaning ‘very, very slightly included’). Diamonds of these two grades are immaculately clean and fall just shy of the ‘
IF’ (internally flawless) or ‘
FL’ (flawless) grades, but what's the difference between these stunning diamonds?
In order to help you make sense of what VVS2 vs. VVS1 diamonds are and if the upgrade is worth it, let's look into the differences between them.
First, the Four Cs
By now, you have probably heard of The Four Cs of diamond quality - cut, color, clarity and carat weight. A diamond's price, and often beauty, is determined by these four factors. Our diamond education section is recommended if you haven't heard of them already.
Intro to VVS1 Clarity
In the 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 (meaning ‘very, very slightly included’) clarity diamonds are a rare sight to behold. To the naked eye, VVS1 diamonds appear microscopically clean and only fall short of the grades IF and FL.
There is a large difference between VVS1 clarity diamonds, and the average clarity grade in engagement rings in the USA. They are rare, remarkable diamonds and their scarcity is reflected in their cost.
What Is A VVS1 Diamond?
In the diamond classification system, VVS stands for 'very, very slightly included'. There are two subcategories of VVS grades; VVS1 and VVS2 - a diamond with a number one indicates that it is in the top tier of the VVS scale.
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.
Inclusions can only be detected by a trained professional using a microscope, so diamonds in this category are guaranteed to be eye-clean.
Salespeople sometimes push customers to opt for VVS1 or higher diamonds, claiming that VVS2 diamonds and below can still contain problematic inclusions. And there are also some cultural preferences for VVS1, especially in certain parts of the world.
Since we have been working in the diamond industry for decades, we have never encountered a VVS grade diamond that had problems with transparency or durability. Does this mean that a diamond with VVS1 will be beautiful by default? No, all diamonds, regardless of clarity, must be scrutinized for color and especially cut quality, as well.
Diamond grading laboratories GIA and AGSL are sister organizations. Our diamonds are only sold with reports from one of these highly respected institutions. The AGSL specializes in light performance cut grading that is scientifically rigorous, with color and clarity grading consistent with the GIA. Learn more about
diamond clarity grading here.
VVS1 CLARITY DIAMONDS
1.733 F VVS1 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$29,309
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1.510 F VVS1 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$22,750
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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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VVS2: At a Glance
A VVS2 clarity diamond is at the upper end of the scale in terms of clarity; still much higher than the average clarity grade for a diamond ring in the United States.
In combination with an ideal cut and good color, VVS2 diamonds are truly spectacular.
If you are looking for a diamond of VVS2 clarity, it will depend on your budget and personal preferences.
What Is A VVS2 Diamond?
In the
VVS Diamond category, a VVS2 clarity is the lowest tier. However, if you place a VVS1 diamond next to a VVS2 diamond, you cannot tell which is the higher clarity diamond. Neither would have any eye-visible inclusions. Both still require a microscope to grade accurately.
Clarity grading was developed by the GIA, and most labs use its terminology, but not all labs grade accurately against it. AGS, a sister organization to GIA, offers diamond grading that is consistent and reliable - you can read more about how the AGS and GIA clarity grades compare on
this page.
VVS2 CLARITY DIAMONDS
1.101 F VVS2 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$9,700
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1.105 G VVS2 Round Ideal
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$8,150
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1.108 F VVS2 Round Ideal
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$9,675
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1.112 G VVS2 Round Ideal
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$8,200
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VVS2 vs VVS1 Diamond Clarity: The Breakdown
In short, it’s completely up to personal preference and ultimately budget. Several key factors influence the choice of diamond; budget, beauty, and taste are just a few.
Rare diamonds may not be important to some people; they only care about how beautiful a diamond looks within their budget. And it is possible to find gorgeous diamonds in the VS and even Si clarity range. Other people place a significant emphasis on owning something extraordinary that meets the highest standards of purity. Both VVS2 and VSS1 are top tier diamonds, we’ve delved into some deeper considerations below.
Price:
Compared to FL or IF diamonds, VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds are significantly less expensive. There is, however, a significant price difference between VVS grades as well.
Prices of diamonds are determined holistically by the 4Cs. As a result, VVS diamond prices can be low if the color is a low grade, or if the diamond is very small, or if the diamond is poorly cut.
A VVS1 diamond and a VVS2 diamond with similar cut, color, and carat can differ by as much as 25 percent. Among the two grades, VVS1 diamonds are the most expensive. Best part? It is highly unlikely that you will be able to differentiate between the two with your naked eye alone.
When you are looking at diamond clarity, ensuring a diamond is ‘eye-clean’ and without problematic inclusions is the best way to balance beauty against budget.
Rarity:
In addition to being an eye-clean diamond, a VVS2 diamond falls into the category of rare, collection-worthy diamonds; this exceptional rarity drives the price up.
A VVS1 diamond combined with a high color grade and an exquisite cut would be considered a ‘collectors’ quality’ diamond. At this level of purity, you are paying not only for beauty but for rarity – a quality well beyond that which can be determined by the naked eye.
Inclusions:
In VVS1 diamonds, there are generally few imperfections that are extremely tiny (usually pinpoint and natural). The average VVS2 diamond will usually more numerous inclusions (or slightly larger ones), including very small crystals, clouds or other features.
An eye-clean diamond with a lower clarity grade and a truly incredible cut can still deliver a truly stunning diamond within a budget. 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.
Best Cut for VVS Grades
Having worked with thousands of clients, each with unique desires and goals, Whiteflash does not believe in the concept of 'the average buyer'.
It's the cut that makes a diamond sparkle and brilliance. The clarity grade of a diamond, whether it's VVS or VS, does not really affect its beauty. It is possible to make even a flawless diamond look lifeless and dull if the cut is poor.
The most popular engagement ring choice in the USA (and among our customers as well) is a round brilliant diamond with a carat weight of 1.00ct. When a VVS2 clarity diamond is out of your budget, you can choose a lower clarity grade and still find a stunning diamond.
VVS1 inclusions are so small that they are impossible to see without high magnification, even in step-cut diamonds known for their more revealing facet patterns.
If you are looking at larger diamonds (2.00ct and above) or step-cut diamonds (such as
Emerald or
Asscher) choosing VVS clarity is a good way to ensure an eye-clean diamond.
Some customers choose a VVS1 to make sure their fancy shape diamonds, such as emeralds or
ovals, or larger-carat diamonds, appear visually flawless.
Is the Upgrade Worth It for Your Diamond?
Lab Grown VVS Diamonds
When it comes to premium diamond quality and clarity, a VVS grade in a natural diamond is at the upper end of the scale, and is accordingly rare and expensive. But diamond shoppers today have another more affordable alternative;
laboratory grown diamonds. These are real diamonds with essentially the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds.
In the past few years, the quantity and quality of lab diamonds on the market have enticed many shoppers for the cost savings they represent. And because lab diamonds are produced in factories, the rarity value is not a driver of price and high clarities and colors are much more available in a wider range of budgets.
It is no longer necessary to compromise on top clarity or color grades for a lab diamond. And of course, cut quality should never be compromised for either natural or lab created diamonds if you want the best light performance.
Whether you purchase lab-grown or natural diamonds, any significant diamond purchase should come with a grading report from a top tier gem laboratory such as GIA and IGI.
Though they share the same basic properties there are different issues to be aware of when looking at lab grown vs natural diamonds.
Summary
Natural diamonds are the best option if you are looking for an Earth mined gem that is more likely to hold its value. VVS 1 and VVS2 clarities in natural diamonds will entail a premium price in larger stones of high color and cut.
If that's what you still desire, as long as you're aware that you don't need a VVS clarity rating, then we wholeheartedly approve! The pursuit of perfection is appealing to some people, who enjoy knowing they have a stone that is almost flawless. It is also true that VS and SI diamonds can offer superb value for money, but they must be assessed individually based on their own merits.
VVS Lab diamonds may be a good choice if you want to maximize carat size, cut, and clarity. There is little reason to compromise on any of the 4C’s in lab diamonds.
As both VVS1 and VVS2 natural diamonds carry a premium, most astute diamond shoppers will shop online to find the best value. When purchasing diamonds at this level, or indeed with any diamond purchase, you should only trust vendors who provide you with complete transparency and exceptional quality information.
There is a stunning selection of VVS1 and VVS2 clarity diamonds available at Whiteflash, and the filter tools help you find the perfect diamond. Furthermore, you can search for diamonds with the highest pedigree through our
A CUT ABOVE® Collection Series.
Featuring the world's most superb diamonds, this collection incorporates the internationally lauded
A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut quality along with top quality color and clarity grades (DEF and FL-VVS).
Purchasing loose diamonds involves more than just shopping for a commodity.There are a number of factors that must be viewed in combination. To ensure peace of mind and comprehensive value in your purchase, you should choose a merchant who does a lot of things exceptionally well - helping you to make a confident decision when it comes to buying, upgrading and getting the most value. When making your diamond purchases, we hope you carefully consider Whiteflash!