Curious about whether you’ll have a VS2 diamond in your future? Well, you’ve come to the perfect spot.
In this informative Twirl Weddings guide, I’ll provide you with all the essential information regarding purchasing a diamond with VS2 clarity. I’ll also address frequently asked questions such as:
- What sets apart VS1 and VS2 diamonds?
- What is the typical cost of VS2 diamonds?
- Is a VS2 clarity grade suitable for an engagement ring?
What is a VS2 Clarity Grade?
A diamond with a VS2 clarity grade has undergone a thorough evaluation by an expert in diamonds and has been classified as “Very Slightly Included.” The category of Very Slightly Included includes two grades: VS1 and VS2.
Diamond clarity is one of the four essential factors used to determine the quality of a diamond. These factors, known as the 4Cs, were established by the Gemological Institute of America in the 1940s. The four major aspects of diamond quality are clarity grade, cut quality, color grade, and carat weight.
The disparity between higher and lower clarity grades lies in the presence of natural imperfections and flaws within a diamond. Every diamond has inclusions, but some are more noticeable than others. The visibility of imperfections directly impacts the diamond’s clarity grade.
A VS2 diamond is the first grade where a diamond is generally considered to be “eye clean,” meaning that its clarity characteristics cannot be observed without the aid of magnification. However, it’s important to note that under magnification of 10 times or more, slight inclusions may still be visible in a VS2 diamond.
Diamond Inclusions
The term “inclusions” is a general word used to describe both imperfections and blemishes found in a diamond. However, it’s important to understand that there is a clear distinction between an inclusion and a blemish.
Blemishes are flaws that exist on the surface of the diamond, even after it has been polished. Some types of blemishes can impact the diamond’s durability. Blemishes located near the diamond’s edge or girdle have a higher risk of chipping if accidentally struck.
On the other hand, inclusions are internal flaws. Sometimes, blemishes are referred to as external inclusions. Internal inclusions are trapped inside the diamond and do not affect its durability, unless they start internally and reach the surface.
When experts in diamond grading assess the “characteristics” of a diamond, including inclusions, blemishes, flaws, and imperfections, they consider the following attributes related to diamond clarity:
Size – The dimensions of the inclusions and blemishes present in the diamond.
Location – Inclusions and blemishes found in the central table facet of the diamond tend to be more noticeable compared to those on the outer edges or in the pavilion.
Color – Most commercial diamonds have either white or dark-colored inclusions. Dark inclusions are more visible than white ones. In some cases, diamonds can contain brightly colored inclusions caused by other gem materials like garnets or emeralds. However, these types of diamonds are not typically sold in stores.
Variety -There are numerous categories of inclusions and features. Certain types have an impact on the diamond’s durability, while others only affect its visibility. Some inclusions occur naturally during the diamond’s formation, while others arise during the cutting and polishing stages.
Contrast – The way an inclusion or blemish stands out compared to the surrounding area. Essentially, it refers to how an inclusion appears based on the facets around it.
In certain diamond shapes, like step cuts and brilliant cuts, long facets can make dark inclusions more noticeable than in diamonds with more irregular facet patterns. The way light interacts with different diamond shapes can also make inclusions appear less prominent.
The GIA Clarity Scale
Although there are multiple diamond grading labs, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) stands out as the most esteemed one. The majority of individuals in the diamond trade adhere to the GIA’s diamond grades, including their clarity scale.
The recognized clarity grade scale established by the GIA includes the following grades:
VS2 vs VS1 Clarity Diamonds
Both VS2 diamonds and VS1 diamonds belong to the category of diamonds with “Very Slightly Included” clarity. Generally, there are only slight disparities between clarity grades within the same category.
However, when comparing VS2 diamonds to VS1 diamonds, you may observe a more noticeable distinction when examining them with high-quality imagery or magnification exceeding 10 times.
A VS2 diamond might contain dark-colored inclusions or small dark inclusions. In contrast, VS1 diamonds typically have lighter-colored inclusions and are less likely to have dark inclusions.
It’s important to note that not all VS2 diamonds have dark inclusions, but in my experience of browsing through numerous loose diamonds, I have noticed this tendency among many VS2 diamonds.
Although VS2 diamonds are considered to be free of visible imperfections to the naked eye, I may personally notice them if I specifically look for them. However, if the imperfections are not visible to you, then it shouldn’t be a major concern.
Here are some examples of VS2 diamonds with the aforementioned inclusions. Please keep in mind that these images are magnified at 40 times, so the inclusions appear larger than they actually would under 10 times magnification.
Is VS2 a Good Clarity Grade for a Diamond?
Perfect diamonds don’t really exist, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a perfect diamond engagement ring out there for you.
You might think that diamonds with flawless clarity have no imperfections at all. However, even flawless diamonds have extremely tiny imperfections that can only be seen under high magnification.
In reality, there are no truly flawless diamonds.
But here’s the thing: you can’t see the imperfections with your naked eye. Diamonds with a clarity grade of VS2 or higher are considered “eye clean,” meaning most people won’t notice any difference in clarity when looking at them without magnification.
However, there can be significant differences in price.
So, is a VS2 diamond a good choice? In most cases, yes. But it’s always a good idea to be a bit cautious when selecting a VS2 diamond.
What makes a VS2 diamond good? Well, it depends on other factors too. Clarity grading is a precise science, but it also comes down to what the average person can see. What may be a noticeable imperfection to some may be virtually invisible to others.
Speaking from personal experience in the diamond industry, I tend to notice imperfections even with my poor eyesight. But that’s just part of my job.
So, the concept of “eye clean” is relative.
When assessing diamond quality, clarity grade is just one factor to consider. A good VS2 diamond would also have other high-quality grades.
Experts may have different opinions on what defines good clarity or high-quality diamonds. But generally, VS2 diamonds with minor imperfections under magnification are considered to be of good quality.
For example, here’s what I would consider a good VS1 diamond with standard grades:
- Very Good to Excellent Cut Quality (ensuring better light performance)
- Color grade of H or higher (near colorless to colorless)
- 1-carat diamond weight (relative to other chosen grades)
- Any diamond shape (make sure to view a 360-degree video for all shapes)
Of course, there are other details that need further analysis, but these are the main factors I would consider. Additionally, I would ensure that my VS2 diamond is certified by a reputable grading laboratory.
Grading Reports for VS2 Diamonds
If you’re not familiar with terms like “diamond certifications,” “grading reports,” or “certified diamonds,” now is the perfect time for a quick crash course.
If you want all the details, head over to our guide on Diamond Certification. It not only covers different labs that certify diamonds but also explains why diamond certification is crucial.
In a nutshell, different labs may grade diamonds differently. The grading report of your diamond is the evidence that it has the grades it was advertised with.
However, since not all labs follow the same standards, there have been cases where the same diamond sent to different labs received different grades.
Let me give you an example.
Imagine you purchased a certified VS2 diamond with a grading report from a less well-known lab instead of the highly respected GIA (Gemological Institute of America). The GIA is considered the top authority in diamond grading worldwide. The American Gem Society (AGS) is also known for its consistent grading, although they use a slightly different scale than the GIA.
You have the option to send any diamond for a GIA grading report, even if it already has another report. But what if you discovered that the GIA graded your diamond’s clarity as an SI2 instead of a VS2, which is what you paid for?
That’s a lower grade and a significant difference in value. Essentially, you paid for a diamond of lower quality than you anticipated.
That’s why we recommend sticking to specific grading laboratories when purchasing certified diamonds. There are certain diamond labs you should avoid depending on whether you’re buying mined or lab-created diamonds.
Best Diamond Shapes for a VS2 Diamond
When it comes to clarity grades, a VS2 diamond is considered to be “eye clean.” However, certain diamond shapes can make clarity imperfections more noticeable in a VS2 diamond compared to the same location in a different diamond shape.
This is particularly true for step cut diamonds. Their long facets and striking flashes of light have a tendency to make dark inclusions more visible. However, it’s important to note that not all VS2 diamonds have a dark inclusion right in the middle. But if it does, you’ll definitely see it more prominently in emerald cuts than in round brilliant shapes.
How Much Do VS2 Clarity Diamonds Cost?
If you’re not familiar with the diamond buying process, it can be quite confusing. Luckily, we have several Learning Guides that can help you navigate through it.
There’s been a lot of confusion and some truths surrounding diamonds that have negatively impacted the industry. From misinformation about conflict diamonds to scandals involving jewelry companies, it’s no wonder that people are becoming more skeptical about diamonds.
After all, it seems like diamonds are everywhere. So how can they be considered rare? These thoughts make people suspicious about diamond prices.
Determining the price of a diamond is a complex task, just like everything else in the jewelry trade. There are many factors beyond the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight) that affect the price of a diamond.
Some diamond details that can influence the price of a VS2 clarity diamond include:
– Cut quality
– Color grade
– Carat weight
– Colorless diamonds versus colored diamonds
– Diamond shape
– Fluorescence
– Grading report
– Brand
– Retailer
– Online versus in-store purchase
– Custom-made versus pre-set designs
– Mined diamonds versus lab-grown diamonds
Some of these factors have a greater impact on price than others. For instance, diamond fluorescence may only slightly affect the price of a VS2 diamond, usually by a few hundred dollars. It’s more of a personal preference, but diamonds with no fluorescence are generally considered higher quality. On the other hand, diamonds with strong fluorescence are usually cheaper.
On a different note, some people might assume that a 2-carat diamond with VS2 clarity would be priced the same as two 1-carat diamonds with VS2 clarity (assuming all other factors are the same).
However, as you increase the carat weight of a diamond, the price goes up significantly. Carat weight plays a major role in driving up the cost, regardless of the clarity grade. Additionally, minor inclusions can appear more noticeable in relatively large diamonds.
Lab Grown Diamonds with VS2 Clarity
One important factor that affects the price of a diamond is its origin. We’re not referring to the country where it was mined, but rather whether it is a natural, mined diamond or a lab-grown diamond.
In the past decade, there has been a significant increase in interest towards lab-grown diamonds, especially among those who are concerned about the environmental and social impact of diamond mining.
Although not all lab-grown diamonds are completely sustainable, many people are opting to purchase engagement rings with lab-grown diamonds. These diamonds are typically priced 20-40% lower than mined diamonds of the same clarity grade.
In fact, I’ve often seen them discounted even more.
Lab-grown diamonds may not hold the same resale value as mined diamonds, but it’s worth noting that diamonds, in general, are not great investment assets unless we’re talking about fancy colored diamonds.
However, lab-grown diamonds possess the same fundamental characteristics as mined diamonds. They still have inclusions, which occur during the growth and cutting processes. However, the type of inclusions found in lab-grown diamonds is limited due to the controlled laboratory environment in which they are created.
Take a look at this price comparison between a mined diamond with a VS2 clarity grade and a lab-grown diamond with a similar level of quality.
Where to Buy a VS2 Clarity Diamond
When it comes to finding a VS2 clarity diamond, your best bet is to search for it online rather than in physical stores. Online diamond retailers have the advantage of showing you a wide range of loose VS2 diamonds through high magnification.
Brick and mortar jewelry stores have their own policies and expenses to consider when stocking their cases. Most of them tend to carry pre-set engagement rings instead of loose diamonds and empty mountings.
Chain retailers like Zales and Kay typically don’t have VS2 diamonds or larger stones available in-store. Your selection will be more limited, and they might try to convince you to purchase your desired VS2 diamond at one of their events to meet their sales goals for that event.
However, this may not fit everyone’s timeframe. Additionally, it’s difficult to compare loose diamonds side by side in a physical store. It’s much easier to view 360° videos online rather than relying on a jeweler’s loupe or a gem microscope.
Considering these factors, we recommend turning to the internet rather than a chain retailer at the mall when buying a VS2 clarity diamond engagement ring. Nevertheless, it’s essential to be cautious as not all diamond retailers or sellers online are trustworthy. It’s best to stick with reputable online retailers that have years of experience and plenty of customer reviews.
If you’re looking for more specific information, we have a comprehensive guide for you. Take a look at our “Where to Buy VS Diamonds Online” guide, where we recommend online diamond stores for purchasing both VS1 and VS2 diamonds.
FAQs on VS2 Diamonds
Are all VS2 diamonds the same when it comes to clarity and quality?
No, not all VS2 diamonds are equal in terms of clarity and quality. While they all have visible inclusions when magnified, the type and location of these imperfections can vary. Each diamond needs to be individually evaluated to determine its overall quality and desirability.
How do VS2 diamonds compare to other clarity grades?
VS2 diamonds are a grade lower than VVS2 (very, very slightly included) and two grades lower than the Flawless and Internally Flawless categories. They strike a good balance between quality and value, offering decent clarity without reaching the highest clarity grades.
Are VS2 diamonds a good choice for an engagement ring?
Absolutely! VS2 diamonds are a popular choice for engagement rings. They provide excellent clarity without compromising on their beauty and can create a dazzling sparkle that catches the eye.
How can I make sure I’m buying a high-quality VS2 diamond?
To ensure that you’re purchasing a high-quality VS2 diamond, it’s important to obtain a grading report from a reputable gemological laboratory such as GIA or AGS. This report will give you detailed information about the specific characteristics of the diamond, including its clarity grade. By relying on a reliable grading report, you can have more confidence in the quality of the diamond you’re buying.