Are you curious about the comparison between VVS2 and VVS1 Diamonds? I’m here to assist you!
In this informative Twirl Weddings guide, I will demonstrate the resemblances and distinctions between the VVS Clarity Grades. Additionally, I will provide answers to some common queries, such as:
- How significant is the variance between VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds?
- What is the reason behind the relatively lower cost of VVS lab diamonds?
- Are both VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds a worthwhile investment?
Differences between VVS1 vs VVS2 Diamonds Clarity
- VVS1 diamonds are harder to find, while VVS2 diamonds are more common.
- Typically, VVS1 diamonds come with a higher price tag, whereas VVS2 diamonds are generally more affordable.
- VVS1 diamonds are free from inclusions visible under 10x magnification, whereas VVS2 diamonds may have some.
- When it comes to cost, natural VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds are pricier, while lab-grown VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds can be 20-40% cheaper without compromising durability.
What Is VVS Clarity?
When we talk about VVS diamond clarity, it means that a diamond’s clarity has been evaluated as “Very Very Slightly Included.” The VVS clarity category includes two grades: VVS1 and VVS2.
Gemological grading laboratories are responsible for determining diamond clarity grades. Highly knowledgeable scientists carefully examine the natural features of the diamond and assign grades based on the established clarity grading scale provided by the Gemological Institute of America.
While there are no significant disparities between a VVS1 diamond and a VVS2 diamond, they are not entirely identical either.
Visual Differences – VVS1 vs VVS2 Diamonds
It’s really hard for customers to distinguish between VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds. Even most diamond graders struggle to tell them apart.
At the GIA, there’s a special collection of diamonds with the correct clarity grades. Graders compare incoming diamonds to this collection to ensure accurate and consistent grading. They then assign a clarity grade on their reports. The same process applies when determining the color grades of VVS diamonds.
To the naked eye, there’s no visible distinction between VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds, assuming all other grades are the same. Both types are considered to have excellent clarity, meaning they are clean to the naked eye.
When magnified beyond 10 times, differences may become noticeable. VVS2 diamonds are more likely to have small inclusions under magnification. The placement of these inclusions in VVS2 diamonds is random and may be more noticeable. However, it’s important to remember that the magnified view may not accurately reflect how it looks when worn.
With VVS1 diamonds, you may observe very tiny inclusions when using magnification beyond 10 times. VVS1 diamonds are quite rare as they are the last clarity grade before internally flawless and flawless diamonds.
Just because VVS2 inclusions are visible under 10x magnification doesn’t mean they affect the durability or beauty of the diamond. Inclusions at this high clarity level don’t impact those aspects.
Apart from the appearance of inclusions under magnification, VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds look very similar. For most consumers, telling them apart is mostly a guess.
Value and Resale – VVS1 vs VVS2 Diamonds
A VVS1 diamond is considered to be more uncommon than a VVS2 diamond. Only a small percentage, less than 2%, of diamonds graded by the GIA receive the VVS clarity rating.
However, it’s important to note that the value of a VVS1 diamond doesn’t always surpass that of all VVS2 diamonds. The worth of a diamond encompasses more than just its clarity. Various factors contribute to determining the price and value of all VVS diamonds.
Many people believe that comparing diamonds based on their clarity, color grade, and carat weight provides an accurate price comparison. While these are significant quality factors, there are other aspects to consider as well, such as:
- Diamond shape
- Certification (certified vs uncertified diamonds)
- Grading lab
- Brand
- Retailer
- Lab-grown diamonds vs mined diamonds
- Specialty cuts
- Colorless vs fancy color diamonds
- Proportions
- Fluorescence
- Treatment
It’s nearly impossible to precisely measure and compare each VVS diamond based on all these quality factors. It’s recommended to start with general grades provided by online retailers and then narrow down your options by comparing the specific details mentioned in the diamond descriptions.
Diamond prices are not an exact science. The value and prices of diamonds can fluctuate based on availability and demand.
Some individuals consider investing in diamonds and believe that high clarity grades like VVS diamonds are the best choice. Although VVS clarity is rare, other grades can also yield substantial profits when combined with a large carat weight.
However, diamonds are generally not worth investing in. When it comes to resale value, you would likely have to significantly reduce the price of your diamond for others to purchase it through various resale platforms. The diamonds that are truly worth investing in often cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and are sold at prestigious auction houses like Christie’s or Sotheby’s. These diamonds often feature fancy color variations.
Moreover, it’s important to remember that although lab-grown diamonds possess the same chemical structure, visibility, and durability as mined diamonds, they might not always be valued equally. Diamond upgrades, resale, and pawn shops may or may not accept lab-grown diamonds. While they were restricted in some places in the past, they are becoming more widely accepted now.
Price Difference – VVS1 vs VVS2 Diamonds
Let’s explore the fascinating world of diamond clarity grades! As you may already know, the prices of VVS2 and VVS1 diamonds can vary based on other diamond details. Assuming that all other specifics of the diamonds are similar, you’ll notice that the price difference between a VVS2 diamond and a VVS1 diamond falls within the range of $100 to $800. This price difference also applies when comparing a VVS1 lab-grown diamond with a VVS2 mined diamond.
When it comes to comparing a VVS1 mined diamond with a VVS1 lab-grown diamond, you can expect lab-created diamonds to be around 20-40% less expensive. This same assumption holds true for lab-grown VVS2 diamonds compared to mined VVS2 diamonds.
If you’re eager to delve deeper into the realm of diamond clarity grades, feel free to explore our guides on the following topics:
VVS1 vs VVS2 Diamonds – Which One Is Better?
By the end of the day, a diamond with VVS1 clarity is considered to be technically superior and more valuable compared to a diamond with VVS2 clarity of similar quality.
However, from an objective and informative standpoint, I don’t believe either clarity grade is necessarily better to choose, unless you’re specifically interested in fancy-shaped diamonds of larger carat weights.
Typically, the average diamond purchased weighs somewhere between 1 to 2 carats. At this size and distance from your hand, it’s unlikely that you would notice any inclusions in diamonds with VVS or VS clarity.
Nevertheless, the price difference between a VS1 diamond and a VVS1 diamond can be approximately $1000, assuming other factors are similar.
So, once again, I pose the question:
Why would you pay more for something that you or others looking at your ring wouldn’t be able to see anyway? Is the difference in inclusions visible only under magnification worth the extra $1000? Only you can answer that question.
If you have indeed decided that you want to acquire such dazzling jewelry, you can check out our guide on VS diamonds price.