When shopping for a diamond, there are so many factors to consider. One factor is thinking about the pros and cons of VVS1 vs VVS2 diamonds.

You may have heard the terms VVS1 and VVS2 but don’t know the difference between them. VVS stands for very very slightly included; it describes diamonds with very few inclusions or blemishes. This category is subdivided into two categories, VVS1 and VVS2.

We’ll explore what these categories are and how to decide if a VVS diamond is the best choice for you.

What Are Inclusions and Blemishes?

Diamonds form when carbon atoms bind together. This process happens over billions of years and deep under the Earth’s surface. The carbon atoms form in a tetrahedron structure where each carbon atom binds to four other carbon atoms.

This process is not always perfect and can cause inclusions or blemishes on the diamond. If the structure is not perfect, small black spots or tiny holes can form in the diamond. Cracks can also form. Inclusions are also possible if another material other than carbon forms within the diamond.

If the imperfections are internal, they are inclusions. Blemishes affect the surface of the diamond. Both inclusions and blemishes are important for diamond clarity grading.

GIA Diamond Clarity Scale

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is an independent institution that grades diamonds based on their quality. They have created a very specific scale for the categories of diamond quality, including cut, color, and clarity. Every diamond on the market receives a grade based on these factors. Therefore, you know the quality and value of the diamond before you buy it.

The GIA categorizes diamonds into eleven clarity grades based on a diamond clarity chart. Each one has its own specific characteristics to keep the grading standardized.

Flawless

Flawless diamonds (FL) are essentially perfect. They have no inclusions or blemishes visible to a skilled grader even under 10x magnification.

Internally Flawless

Internally flawless diamonds (IF) may have slight blemishes on the surface. They are flawless on the inside with no inclusions visible under 10x magnification.

Very, Very Slightly Included

Very very slightly included diamonds (VVS) have small inclusions or blemishes that are difficult to see under 10x magnification; however, they are still there. VVS is further divided into VVS1 and VVS2.

In VVS1 diamonds, the inclusions are not visible under 10x magnification. In VVS2 diamonds, the inclusions are barely visible to a trained eye under 10x magnification. Also, they may take time to find.

Very Slightly Included

Very slightly included diamonds (VS) have minor inclusions that may be visible. VS diamonds can be divided into VS1 and VS2 categories.

VS1 diamonds have minor inclusions that are difficult to spot under 10x magnification. VS2 diamonds have minor inclusions that are highly visible under 10x magnification.

Slightly Included

Slightly included diamonds (SI) tend to have noticeable inclusions under magnification and sometimes to the naked eye. SI is divided into SI1 and SI2.

SI1 diamonds have inclusions that can easily be spotted with magnification. They tend to be clean to the naked eye. SI2 diamonds have visible inclusions that are likely to be seen with the untrained eye without magnification.

Included

Diamonds that are included (I) have obvious inclusions that are visible without magnification. Included diamonds have three categories.

I1 diamonds tend to have clear inclusions. I2 and I3 diamonds have even more inclusions that greatly affect the overall look of the diamond. Jewelry designers tend not to use these in jewelry.

VVS Diamonds

VVS diamonds have a higher clarity grade than most diamonds. Although they’re not flawless, they are still perfect to the naked and untrained eye.

Most of the time, this is all that matters when shopping for a diamond. It’s okay to look for a lower clarity grade to save money. Nowadays, people are choosing to spend more on the wedding or honeymoon rather than the engagement ring.

A VVS diamond is a great choice for any engagement ring or other jewelry. You don’t have to sacrifice any of the sparkle or shine, and you get a diamond at a lower price.

Why Choose VVS Diamonds Over Flawless Diamonds

A VVS diamond will have only very minimal inclusions that are invisible to the naked eye. When looked at normally, it will appear the same as a flawless diamond.

Shopping for an engagement ring and do not need the diamond to be flawless? A VVS diamond is a great choice because it resembles a flawless diamond without costing as much.

VVS clarity diamonds are popular for diamond engagement rings. They are on the upper end of the clarity scale but not too pricey. They may be referred to as “eye clean” diamonds. This is because they won’t show any blemishes or inclusions when you look at them in natural light. You’d have to be a skilled grader using magnification to see any flaws.

VVS Diamond Prices

Diamond prices depend on other factors besides the clarity–like carat weight. So look to see if the price is per carat or the total price of the diamond.

A one carat, ideal cut, D color, VVS1 diamond can cost around $9,000. The same diamond with a VVS2 clarity grade costs closer to $7,000. Even though there is a very slight difference in quality, the price difference is pretty big.

Also keep in mind that natural diamonds will cost significantly more than lab grown diamonds even with the same quality.

For lab grown diamonds, a one carat, ideal cut, D color, VVS1 diamond costs around $2,000. A diamond with the same features except for a VVS2 clarity costs around $1,600.

VVS1 vs VVS2 Diamonds

The two subcategories of VVS diamonds are very similar to each other. So it may be hard to choose between the two clarity grades.

The main difference between a VVS1 diamond and a VVS2 diamond is how visible the inclusions are under magnification vs the naked eye.

Generally, a skilled grader cannot detect inclusions of a VVS1 diamond under 10x magnification. They can, however, detect the inclusions of a VVS2 diamond under magnification. That being said, it is still difficult to detect blemishes or inclusions of any VVS diamond.

A VVS1 diamond is a slightly higher clarity diamond than a VVS2 diamond. This small difference may matter to some people and it may not to others.

If you want to save a little more money, then we recommend a VVS2 diamond. If the clarity grade is really important to you, then a VVS1 diamond may be the better choice.

In some instances, it may be hard to find the perfect diamond with all the characteristics you want. You may not have a choice between VVS1 and VVS2 if all the other aspects are perfect. In that case, both grades will give you a stunning diamond.

Clean Origin Diamonds

Clean Origin sells only 100% ethical lab grown diamonds. If you’re looking for a VVS diamond, consider shopping with Clean Origin. We have a large selection of diamonds, and you will save money in the process.

With a lab grown diamond, you could use the money you save to get a bigger diamond. You can also use it for a more expensive band. You can even save it for your honeymoon–your options are endless!