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VVS vs. VS Diamonds: How Much Clarity Matters When Buying Your Perfect Diamond
Introduction
Buying a diamond is a memorable and often emotional experience. Among the four Cs of diamondsβcut, color, carat, and clarityβclarity often confuses buyers the most. If you are trying to choose between VVS vs. VS diamonds, understanding the subtle differences can help you make an informed decision. The clarity of a diamond affects not only its visual appeal but also its value, rarity, and overall brilliance.
In this guide, we will explore the distinctions between VVS vs. VS diamonds, explain how clarity impacts beauty, and provide tips for choosing the perfect diamond for your engagement ring or fine jewelry collection.
What Is Diamond Clarity?
Diamond clarity refers to the internal and external imperfections present in a diamond. Internal imperfections are called inclusions, and surface blemishes are simply known as blemishes. These natural features occur during a diamond's formation, deep within the Earth under intense heat and pressure.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) clarity scale ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (1). Within this range, VVS and VS diamonds represent high-quality clarity grades that are difficult to distinguish with the naked eye.
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VVS (Very Very Slightly Included): Almost flawless diamonds with inclusions that are extremely difficult to detect under 10x magnification.
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VS (Very Slightly Included): Diamonds with small inclusions that are visible under magnification but generally invisible to the naked eye.
Both types are considered eye-clean diamonds, meaning they appear flawless without special tools.
VVS vs. VS Diamonds: The Key Differences
When comparing VVS vs. VS diamonds, the main difference lies in the size, location, and number of inclusions.
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VVS Diamonds: These stones are exceptionally rare and include minimal imperfections. VVS diamonds are graded as VVS1 or VVS2, depending on how difficult it is to spot inclusions under magnification. Their near-perfect clarity makes them highly desirable.
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VS Diamonds: These diamonds are divided into VS1 and VS2. While they have slightly more inclusions than VVS diamonds, these imperfections are not visible to the naked eye. VS diamonds offer a balance between beauty and affordability.
In essence, both VVS and VS diamonds can appear flawless in jewelry, but VVS diamonds are more rare and command higher prices.
How Clarity Affects a Diamond's Appearance
Many buyers assume clarity dramatically changes a diamond's sparkle. While clarity matters, its visual effect is often less significant than cut and color.
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Naked-Eye Appearance: Most VS diamonds appear flawless without magnification. Only experts using a loupe can detect minor inclusions.
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Brilliance and Sparkle: A diamond's cut has the most significant impact on brilliance. A well-cut VS diamond can appear more dazzling than a poorly cut VVS diamond.
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Investment and Rarity: Higher clarity grades, such as VVS, are rarer and hold higher long-term value. VS diamonds provide excellent quality at a lower cost, making them an attractive choice for many buyers.
Choosing Between VVS vs. VS Diamonds
Your choice depends on several key factors:
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Budget Considerations: VVS diamonds are rarer and more expensive, often costing 15-25% more than VS diamonds of similar size and quality. VS diamonds offer a more cost-effective option without sacrificing visual appeal.
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Diamond Size: In larger stones, inclusions become more noticeable. If you are purchasing a diamond over 1.5 carats, opting for VVS may reduce visible imperfections.
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Personal Preference: Some buyers prioritize perfection and prefer VVS for peace of mind. Others are content with VS diamonds, which offer the same stunning appearance to most viewers.
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Jewelry Setting: Certain ring settings can hide minor inclusions. A VS diamond in a well-chosen setting may look identical to a VVS diamond.
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Long-Term Value: VVS diamonds maintain value slightly better due to rarity. However, a VS diamond with a great cut can be just as brilliant and appealing.
Understanding Magnification and Grading
Clarity grading relies heavily on 10x magnification, which allows gemologists to inspect a diamond's internal and external features.
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VVS1 and VVS2: Minor inclusions that are nearly impossible to detect, even under magnification.
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VS1 and VS2: Small inclusions that are visible under magnification but remain invisible to the naked eye.
Professional grading ensures you know exactly what you are purchasing. It also provides a certificate of authenticity, adding trust and authority to your diamond purchase.
Clarity in Relation to Other Diamond Features
While clarity is crucial, it should not be the only factor considered when buying a diamond. Other features can have an equal or even greater impact on beauty:
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Cut: The cut determines how light interacts with the diamond. Even a VVS diamond can appear dull if cut poorly.
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Color: Color grades influence the diamond's whiteness. Colorless or near-colorless diamonds allow inclusions to blend in better.
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Carat Weight: Larger diamonds may make inclusions more noticeable, affecting clarity choice.
Ultimately, a well-cut VS diamond may appear more brilliant than a VVS diamond with a less precise cut, highlighting the importance of balance between clarity, cut, and color.
Cost Considerations Between VVS vs. VS Diamonds
Price differences between VVS and VS diamonds can be significant.
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VVS Diamonds: Due to rarity and high clarity, VVS diamonds are priced higher. Larger carat stones increase the cost difference further.
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VS Diamonds: Offer nearly identical visual beauty at a more affordable price, making them ideal for engagement rings and other fine jewelry.
When investing in diamonds, balancing clarity with cut, color, and carat ensures the best combination of beauty and value.
Practical Tips for Selecting the Perfect Diamond
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Look for eye-clean diamonds to avoid visible imperfections.
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Compare VVS vs. VS diamonds under magnification to understand subtle differences.
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Choose a setting that complements the diamond and can conceal minor inclusions if needed.
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Prioritize cut and color over clarity if you want maximum sparkle for your budget.
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Seek diamonds certified by reputable gemological laboratories to ensure authenticity and trustworthiness.
The Final Verdict: VVS vs. VS Diamonds
Choosing between VVS vs. VS diamonds comes down to personal priorities and budget.
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VVS Diamonds: Offer unmatched clarity and rarity. Ideal for buyers seeking perfection and long-term investment value.
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VS Diamonds: Deliver excellent brilliance and beauty at a lower price point. Perfect for buyers balancing value, appearance, and quality.
While clarity matters, cut, color, and carat significantly influence how a diamond looks on your hand. A well-cut VS diamond can rival the brilliance of a VVS stone. By understanding VVS vs. VS diamonds, you can confidently select a stone that combines elegance, sparkle, and lasting value. With careful consideration, your diamond will shine beautifully for a lifetime.
About the Author
Winfred Mwakairu
Winfred Mwakairu designs jewelry that merges bold creativity with meticulous detail. His work reflects a deep appreciation for form, material, and innovation.
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FAQ's
VVS stands for "Very Very Slightly Included." These diamonds have inclusions that are extremely difficult to see even under 10x magnification. They represent one of the highest clarity grades and are near flawless to the naked eye, requiring a trained gemologist to detect inclusions.
VS stands for "Very Slightly Included." VS diamonds have minor inclusions visible under 10x magnification but typically invisible to the naked eye. They offer very good clarity but have slightly more inclusions compared to VVS diamonds.
VVS diamonds have fewer and smaller inclusions that are much harder to detect, while VS diamonds have minor inclusions that are easier to spot at 10x magnification. Visually, both appear flawless to the naked eye, but VVS diamonds are higher clarity and more rare, reflecting in price differences.
Yes, VVS diamonds are rarer and offer superior clarity, making them more expensive. However, VS diamonds provide excellent clarity for a lower price, offering a great balance for buyers wanting quality without the premium VVS cost.
Usually not. Both VVS and VS diamonds look flawless to the naked eye. Differences are only detectable under magnification by a trained professional.