When shopping for a diamond, one of the most important factors to consider is clarity. Clarity refers to the presence of imperfections or inclusions in a diamond, which can affect both its appearance and value. Diamonds are graded on a scale from Flawless (FL) to Included (I), with several categories in between. Among these categories, you'll often encounter VVS (Very, Very Slightly Included) and VS (Very Slightly Included) diamonds.
If you’ve come across these terms and are wondering how VVS and VS diamonds differ and how to choose between them, you're not alone. In this article, we will explain what VVS and VS clarity mean, how they differ, and help you understand which one may be the best choice for you based on your needs and budget.
In this blog, we cover:
- Understanding Diamond Clarity
- What Does VVS Mean?
- What Does VS Mean?
- Key Differences Between VVS and VS Diamonds
- Which is Better: VVS or VS Diamonds?
- Why Clarity Matters in Diamond Selection
- How to Choose the Right Diamond for Your Budget
- Final Thoughts
1. Understanding Diamond Clarity
Diamond clarity is one of the 4 Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight) that determine the overall quality and value of a diamond. Clarity specifically refers to the presence of inclusions (internal flaws) and blemishes (surface flaws) in the diamond.
- Inclusions are tiny imperfections inside the diamond, such as air bubbles, cracks, or other minerals trapped during the formation of the diamond.
- Blemishes are flaws on the diamond’s surface, such as scratches or chips.
Diamonds with fewer inclusions or blemishes are rarer and therefore more valuable. To determine the clarity grade, gemologists use a 10x magnification loupe to examine the diamond and assign a grade.
The clarity scale ranges from:
- Flawless (FL)
- Internally Flawless (IF)
- Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2)
- Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2)
- Slightly Included (SI1, SI2)
- Included (I1, I2, I3)
Now, let’s dive deeper into the two clarity grades that are commonly compared: VVS and VS.
2. What Does VVS Mean?
VVS stands for Very, Very Slightly Included, which is a high clarity grade. Diamonds in this category have minute inclusions that are very difficult to detect, even under 10x magnification. In fact, the inclusions in a VVS diamond are typically so small that they are virtually invisible to the naked eye.
VVS diamonds are divided into two subcategories:
- VVS1: The inclusions are extremely difficult to detect under 10x magnification, even for a skilled gemologist.
- VVS2: The inclusions are still very small, but may be easier to detect by an expert under 10x magnification.
VVS diamonds are considered near-perfect and are among the highest quality diamonds available. They offer excellent brilliance and sparkle because the inclusions do not interfere with the diamond's light performance.
3. What Does VS Mean?
VS stands for Very Slightly Included, a grade just below VVS. Diamonds in this category have small inclusions that are still very difficult to detect with the naked eye but may be more noticeable under 10x magnification.
Like VVS diamonds, VS diamonds are split into two subcategories:
- VS1: Inclusions are minor and hard to detect under 10x magnification, even by a skilled gemologist.
- VS2: The inclusions are still small, but may be slightly easier to detect under 10x magnification.
VS diamonds are still considered high quality and offer impressive brilliance. However, the inclusions are slightly more noticeable than in VVS diamonds, though they’re still virtually invisible without magnification.
4. Key Differences Between VVS and VS Diamonds
While both VVS and VS diamonds are high-quality options, there are some key differences between the two. Let’s break it down:
Inclusion Size and Visibility
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VVS Diamonds: VVS diamonds have inclusions that are extremely difficult to detect, even under magnification. The inclusions are very tiny and positioned in places that don’t affect the diamond’s brilliance. You likely won’t notice any inclusions even if you’re looking closely.
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VS Diamonds: VS diamonds have inclusions that are more noticeable than VVS diamonds, but they are still small and hard to detect with the naked eye. Under magnification, a trained gemologist might be able to spot the inclusions, but they won't significantly impact the diamond's appearance.
Price Difference
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VVS Diamonds: Due to their near-perfect clarity, VVS diamonds are generally more expensive than VS diamonds. The price increase can be quite significant, especially as you move from a VVS2 to a VVS1 diamond.
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VS Diamonds: VS diamonds are more affordable than VVS diamonds but still offer excellent clarity. Because the inclusions are not easily detectable and don’t affect the overall appearance, VS diamonds provide excellent value for those looking for high-quality diamonds at a more affordable price point.
Rarity
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VVS Diamonds: VVS diamonds are rarer because they have fewer imperfections. Only a small percentage of diamonds fall into the VVS category, making them more sought after by collectors and buyers looking for perfection.
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VS Diamonds: While still high quality, VS diamonds are less rare than VVS diamonds. This makes them more accessible to buyers on a budget who still want a diamond that appears flawless to the naked eye.
Appearance
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VVS Diamonds: Due to their near-perfect clarity, VVS diamonds typically exhibit the highest level of brilliance and sparkle, as there are fewer internal imperfections that could interfere with the diamond’s ability to reflect light.
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VS Diamonds: VS diamonds also have great brilliance, but they may have slightly more inclusions than VVS diamonds, which could potentially affect the overall sparkle, though this is often not noticeable without magnification.
5. Which is Better: VVS or VS Diamonds?
The answer to this question depends on what you value most when selecting a diamond.
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If you prioritize perfection and want a diamond that is as close to flawless as possible, a VVS diamond might be the right choice. However, keep in mind that the differences in clarity between VVS and VS diamonds are often not noticeable without magnification, meaning that you’re paying a premium for nearly imperceptible imperfections.
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If you’re looking for excellent value while still getting a high-quality diamond, a VS diamond is a fantastic choice. VS diamonds offer a great balance of quality and price, providing a high level of brilliance and minimal inclusions that are invisible to the naked eye.
6. Why Clarity Matters in Diamond Selection
While clarity is an important factor, it’s not the only factor to consider when choosing a diamond. Other factors like cut, color, and carat weight also play a major role in the diamond's overall appearance and value.
In fact, a diamond with a less-than-perfect clarity grade may still look stunning if it has an excellent cut and high color grade. For many buyers, focusing on the cut and color may be more important than spending extra money on a VVS diamond that may not look much different than a VS diamond.
7. How to Choose the Right Diamond for Your Budget
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If you're on a budget, opting for a VS diamond can provide significant savings while still offering an excellent appearance. Many buyers find that a VS1 or VS2 diamond provides the ideal balance of beauty and affordability.
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If you have a larger budget and want the highest quality, a VVS diamond could be the best option, though the visual difference might be minimal.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the amount you're willing to invest in clarity versus other factors like cut, color, and size.
8. Final Thoughts
Choosing between a VVS and VS diamond comes down to your personal preferences, budget, and what you value most in a diamond. While VVS diamonds offer near-perfect clarity, VS diamonds are still an excellent choice for buyers looking for a beautiful, high-quality diamond without breaking the bank.
Remember, the clarity of a diamond is just one aspect of its overall beauty. It’s important to consider all of the 4 Cs—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight—when selecting the perfect diamond for you. By understanding these factors and finding the right balance for your needs, you can confidently select a diamond that will sparkle for a lifetime.
