Confused about whether to choose VS1 or VVS2 clarity for your engagement ring?
In this informative Twirl Weddings guide, we’ll examine and differentiate all the important information about both VS1 diamonds and VVS2 diamonds, such as:
- Are VVS2 diamonds worth their price?
- Do VS1 diamonds have noticeable flaws?
- Are VVS2 diamonds consistently pricier?
- Is VVS2 considered superior to VS1?
What are VS1 Diamonds?
Diamonds with a clarity grade of “Very Slightly Included” are known as VS1 diamonds. They belong to the highest clarity grade among the two options in the VS diamonds category.
VS1 and VS2 diamonds are the first clarity grades that are considered “eye clean.” This means they have no visible flaws when you look at them with the naked eye.
Even though both VS clarity grades are eye clean, VS1 diamonds have less noticeable flaws compared to the inclusions you can find in VS2 clarity diamonds.
What are VVS2 Diamonds?
Diamonds have different clarity grades, and one of them is called VVS2. This grade belongs to the “Very Very Slightly Included” clarity tier, which also includes VVS1 diamonds. VVS2 is higher on the clarity scale compared to VS1, which is a grade just below it. Both VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds are eye clean, meaning they have very tiny imperfections that are only visible under 10x magnification.
Diamond Clarity
Now, what are these imperfections called? Well, they are known as “inclusions.” Inclusions are natural features found inside all diamonds, even the flawless ones. These imperfections can be classified as internal or external, and external inclusions are also known as “blemishes.”
Blemishes are found on the surface of a diamond, not just on the top but on any facet. So, a diamond can have many facets, and blemishes may be present on any of them, even on the underside.
To determine the clarity grade of a diamond, experts look at several factors related to the inclusions and blemishes:
Size: The size of the imperfections matters.
Location: Inclusions in the center of the diamond are more noticeable than those on the outer edges or in the pavilion.
Color: Inclusions can be white or dark. Dark inclusions are more noticeable than white ones. Sometimes, diamonds can have bright colored inclusions, but these are not sold in stores.
Nature: There are various types of inclusions, and some may impact the diamond’s durability, while others only affect its visibility. Some inclusions occur during the growth process, while others happen during cutting and polishing.
Relief: This refers to how an inclusion or blemish appears in relation to the surrounding area, based on the facet cuts.
Keep in mind that there are different types of inclusions, and most of the time, they are visible characteristics of your diamond. However, in some lower clarity grade diamonds, certain inclusions can make the stone vulnerable to damage if struck in the wrong place.
These more vulnerable diamonds are typically found with marketplace sellers like Facebook and Etsy. So, it’s essential to understand diamond clarity and consider the potential risks associated with lower clarity grades when buying a diamond.
GIA Clarity Scale
The clarity of diamonds is determined using a scale created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The GIA is responsible for establishing the standards for diamond quality that the industry follows.
Let’s take a look at the GIA Clarity Scale:
Similarities Between VS1 vs VVS2 Diamond Clarity
Both VS1 and VVS2 Diamond Clarity are Eye Clean
If you inspect the rings closely, you won’t be able to see any imperfections in either of them. However, most people won’t be examining your engagement ring that closely anyway.
Both the VS1 and VVS2 diamonds have no dark inclusions that would impact the overall beauty of the diamond. You can only see their imperfections under magnification of 10 times or more.
Although both VS1 and VVS2 diamonds are considered “eye clean,” they still have imperfections that are visible under magnification. However, these imperfections do not compromise the diamond’s structure or visual appearance.
Typically, a VS1 diamond should not have any dark inclusions, but there is a slight possibility that a lower-quality grading laboratory may mistakenly identify a singular dark inclusion on the underside or elsewhere.
As for a VVS2 diamond, you should never be able to see any dark inclusions. The surface blemishes on a VVS2 diamond are hardly noticeable and do not affect the diamond’s durability.
Differences Between VS1 vs VVS2 Diamond Clarity
VVS2 Diamonds are relatively expensive as compared to their VS1 counterparts.
A VVS2 diamond typically costs about 15% more than a VS1 diamond of the same size and quality. VVS diamonds are quite rare, accounting for less than 0.5% of commercially graded diamonds. This rarity contributes to their higher price, especially for larger diamonds weighing 3 carats or more.
However, it’s important to note that not all VVS2 diamonds are more expensive than every VS1 diamond. The price of a diamond is not solely determined by its clarity grade. Many other factors come into play when determining a diamond’s value.
The 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight) are important in determining diamond prices, but there are other factors that can also significantly impact the pricing. These factors include the quality of the cut, the color grade of the diamond, its carat weight, the shape of the diamond, the certification it holds, whether it is purchased online or in-store, the brand or retailer, whether it is colorless or a fancy colored diamond, and whether it is a natural mined diamond or a lab-grown diamond.
And these are just the major factors. If the specific details between a VS1 diamond and a VVS2 diamond are mixed, it is possible that the VS1 diamond could be priced higher.
The Cost of VS1 and VVS2 Lab Grown Diamonds
If you want to save money while purchasing diamonds with different levels of clarity, consider opting for lab-grown diamonds. They are genuine diamonds that meet the same quality standards as natural ones.
When you closely examine diamonds with a VS1 clarity grade under magnification, you’ll notice inclusions. These clarity characteristics are more apparent in VS1 diamonds compared to VVS2 diamonds.
RECOMMENDED: How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made
When you purchase a diamond online, you usually have access to tools that let you examine the diamond in detail. The best tools allow you to move the diamond back and forth to observe how its clarity imperfections interact with the way light reflects off the diamond.
These tools provide magnification much greater than the standard 10x used for grading. For example, James Allen’s tools offer a magnification of 40x.
Inclusions commonly found in VS1 clarity diamonds may include mineral crystals, clouds, needles, or bubbles. On the other hand, VVS2 diamonds typically have smaller pinpoints, twinning wisps, naturals, and internal graining as their inclusions.
VS1 vs VVS2 Diamond Clarity – Which One Should You Go For?
VS1 and VVS2 diamonds are both clean to the naked eye and are considered to have high clarity. Although they are neighboring grades on the GIA clarity scale, there are slight variations between them that you should know. VVS2 diamonds can cost about 15% more than VS1 diamonds of similar quality.
Under magnification, you can observe the differences in clarity between VS1 and VVS2 diamonds. However, when viewed without magnification, you can make a rough guess about their clarity.
Neither clarity grade is superior to the other. VVS2 diamonds are more valuable and rare, hence they carry a higher price tag. On the other hand, if rarity and value are not significant factors for you, you may consider the lower price of a VS1 diamond.
From my perspective, as an admirer of diamonds, I hold a deep appreciation for high-quality gems. However, considering my financial constraints, I am unable to indulge in the most exclusive and exorbitantly priced diamonds. Moreover, if VVS2 diamonds bear an indistinguishable visual resemblance to VS1 diamonds when examined, why should I spend more?
Ultimately, no one apart from myself will scrutinize the diamond under magnification before its purchase. Consequently, I would much rather save money while achieving an equivalent visual allure.
In conclusion, I trust that you now possess a comprehensive understanding of the similarities and distinctions between VS1 and VVS2 diamonds. Remember, when making your selection, be sure not to sacrifice other crucial aspects of diamond quality solely to obtain the highest clarity grade.