Whether natural or lab-grown, diamonds come in various sizes, shapes, clarities, colors, and cuts. The quality of a diamond is determined by grading the gemstone based on the 4 Cs, clarity being one of the most influential factors.
Among the 6 primary clarity grades, VVS is one of the most valuable and popular options. But what does VVS mean and where do VVS diamonds rate on the clarity scale?
Understanding the VVS meaning is essential as it not only affects the appearance of a gemstone but can also have a significant impact on its price.
Basically, VVS stands for Very Very Slightly Included diamonds, making them among the highest-grade diamonds in terms of clarity. VVS diamonds feature minimal inclusions that are extremely (VVS1) or very difficult (VVS2) to see under 10x magnification.
In this article, we explain the basics of the diamond grading scales while focusing on diamonds with VVS clarity. To better illustrate the characteristics of VVS diamonds, we compare VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds with other clarity grades, such as VS and SI.
Lastly, we share some tips and recommendations to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a VVS diamond.
What are VVS diamonds?
The basic characteristic of VVS diamonds or diamonds with very slight inclusions is the presence of tiny inclusions, which can only be seen under a magnifying glass.
VVS diamonds are flawless to the naked eye - that is to say, no flaws are visible to the naked eye. In terms of clarity level, VVS diamonds are one level lower than internally flawless (FL) diamonds.
In fact, these inclusions are very small and difficult to see even under a 10x magnifying glass. Usually, VVS diamonds are divided into subcategories VVS1 and VVS2.
The inclusions of VVS1 diamonds are closer to the edge of the diamond, while the inclusions of VVS2 diamonds are closer to the edge of the diamond.
The basic characteristic of VVS diamonds or diamonds with very slight inclusions is the presence of tiny inclusions, which can only be seen under a magnifying glass.
VVS diamonds are flawless to the naked eye - that is to say, no flaws are visible to the naked eye. In terms of clarity level, VVS diamonds are one level lower than internally flawless (FL) diamonds.
In fact, these inclusions are very small and difficult to see even under a 10x magnifying glass. Usually, VVS diamonds are divided into subcategories VVS1 and VVS2.
The inclusions of VVS1 diamonds are closer to the edge of the diamond, while the inclusions of VVS2 diamonds are closer to the edge of the diamond.
Understanding Diamond Clarity
Very Very Slightly Included diamonds rank third on the clarity scale (right after internally flawless and flawless diamonds). The VVS grade is divided into two levels: VVS1 and VVS2, with VVS1 being the higher grade.
Because inclusions can’t be recognized by the naked eye in VVS diamonds, it’s best to go lower on the clarity scale. You can get a lower-graded clarity diamond that’s still eye-clean for a much lower price.
To see where VVS diamonds rank on the diamond clarity scale, review GIA’s diamond grading charts.
The 4 Cs of Diamonds
To establish and communicate the quality of any diamond in a universal language, GIA has created a grading system that is based on the evaluation of the 4 Cs of diamonds. These are the color, clarity, cut, and carat weight of a diamond.
While the 4 Cs are equally important for grading diamonds, clarity is a crucial factor that has a significant impact on diamonds’ visual aspects.
Diamond clarity can enhance the overall appearance of the gemstone. With fewer inclusions and blemishes, a diamond looks cleaner and has improved light performance. More inclusions, on the other hand, contribute to a diamond’s dull and less sparkly look.
Besides, the price and value of a diamond also largely depend on its clarity. Higher-clarity diamonds are more expensive than those with visible inclusions or blemishes.
Clarity Grading Scale
The clarity of a diamond is measured based on the amount, size, shape, position, and visibility of inclusions and blemishes under 10x magnification.
The clarity scale ranges from Included (I) diamonds with internal imperfections and natural inclusions to Flawless (FL) diamonds without any inclusions or blemishes. The 6 primary clarity
- grades of diamonds include:
- Flawless (FL) Diamonds
- Internally Flawless (IF) Diamonds
- Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS) Diamonds
- Very Slightly Included (VS) Diamonds
- Slightly Included (SI) Diamonds
- Included (I) Diamonds
On the clarity scale, VVS diamonds come right after Flawless (FL) and Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds. Therefore, a VVS diamond is the third most valuable diamond in terms of clarity.
The difference between “VVS1” and “VVS2”
Now, onto the next gem of the day, the difference between VVS1 and VVS2. You may think they're identical, but we assure you, there’s more to it than meets the eye.
Think of these two as siblings in the diamond family rather than twins. VVS1 is the elder sibling, a little more flawless and a little harder to critique.
The inclusions in VVS1 diamonds are so microscopic, located on the pavilion or the bottom half of the diamond towards the edge of the diamond.
They are the Beyonce of the diamond world - practically perfect in every way.
Then comes VVS2, the younger sibling. It's still pristine but with inclusions that, while incredibly hard to find, are located closer to the surface and in the center of the diamond.
What should you focus on when purchasing diamonds?
While diamond clarity parameters such as VVS and VS are important parameters that one should consider when buying diamonds, there are other important factors that buyers should not miss. As you understood from this diamond quality guide, VVS and VS are technical grading methods, and it’s difficult for customers to assess them.
One of the most important factors that diamond buyers consider is the VVS diamond price. Just like other diamonds, the price of VVS diamonds, too, depends on the cut, color, shape, and carat weight. Let’s look at the key factors that diamond graders would look at when grading diamond clarity.
Size: The larger the inclusions and flaws, the more visible they would be, and hence, the lower the clarity grade.
Number: The number of inclusions is another factor that decides the diamond’s clarity grade.
Location: If the position of the inclusions is at the center of the table, it will impact the clarity grade.
Nature: The characteristics of the inclusions are also a deciding factor in the clarity grading.
If you go for a high-clarity diamond, it’s going to cost you a lot. And the fact is that it looks the same as a lower-grade diamond to the naked eye. But you still paid a lot more for it. Then why should you bother spending more? Hence, experts suggest you always go for a diamond that has a lower clarity grade, but you can’t make out the flaws with the naked eye.
Buying a VVS diamond thinking that its performance would be better is not a wise decision. As mentioned, VS diamonds that have many more flaws than VVS diamonds look the same to the naked eye. And hence, both VVS and VS are good choices. Whether you’re looking for a diamond for an engagement ring or for any piece of jewelry, you can now make a more thoughtful decision after reading this diamond clarity guide.
Conclusion
Nothing is perfect. Nor are diamonds. Most diamonds have flaws. They are called inclusions. Now, while some inclusions are obvious and can be spotted by the naked eye, some inclusions are so small that they can’t be seen without microscopic equipment. We’re talking about VVS diamonds Very, Very Slightly diamonds.
If you’re uncertain about identifying an eye-clean diamond, contact us and we’ll be happy to review and evaluate diamonds for you.
