What Does VVS Diamond Clarity Mean? Is It Worth Choosing?

You’d have come across terms like VVS1, VVS2, VS1, and VS2 while buying a diamond. They may sound technical at first, but understanding them is easier than we might think.

A VVS diamond, for example, has extremely small inclusions that are difficult to detect even under magnification. Yet, a diamond with a lower clarity grade can look just as beautiful to the naked eye. So, is paying more for VVS clarity always worth it?

To make that decision, we need to understand what clarity tells us, how it affects price, and why factors like cut, color, and design deserve just as much attention.

What does VVS mean in diamond clarity?

VVS stands for Very, Very Slightly Included, one of the highest clarity grades a diamond can receive. It means the diamond contains extremely small internal characteristics, known as inclusions, that are difficult for even an experienced diamond grader to identify under 10× magnification.

These inclusions may be tiny crystals, pinpoints, or fine internal features formed during the diamond's growth. Diamonds can also have surface imperfections called blemishes. Their presence doesn't automatically make a diamond less beautiful, but their size, number, location, nature, and visibility determine its clarity grade.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) uses an 11-grade clarity scale, with VVS diamonds positioned near the top:

• Flawless (FL): No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10× magnification.
• Internally Flawless (IF): No internal inclusions visible, although minor surface blemishes may be present.
• VVS1 and VVS2: Minute inclusions that are difficult for trained graders to detect.
• VS1 and VS2: Minor inclusions that can be identified with effort under magnification.
• SI1, SI2, and I1–I3: Progressively more noticeable inclusions, some of which may affect appearance or durability.

As per GIA's diamond clarity grading guide, the above grades are determined through examination at 10× magnification.

What is the difference between VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds?

Both VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds belong to the same high-clarity category, but VVS1 is the higher grade. The difference lies in how easily a trained diamond grader can identify inclusions under 10× magnification.

• In a VVS1 diamond, inclusions are exceptionally difficult to detect, often requiring careful examination from different angles. 
• In a VVS2 diamond, they remain extremely small but are slightly easier for a trained grader to locate.

When assigning these grades, gemologists consider five factors:

• Size: How large the inclusions are relative to the diamond.
• Number: How many inclusions are present.
• Position: Whether they appear near the center, edges, or other areas of the stone.
• Nature: What type of inclusion is present, such as a pinpoint, tiny crystal, or feather.
• Visibility: How easily the inclusions can be identified under magnification.

If we're comparing two otherwise similar diamonds, choosing VVS1 is primarily about owning a higher clarity specification rather than gaining an obvious visual advantage.

How do VVS diamonds compare with VS diamonds?

When comparing diamond clarity grades, VVS and VS are two categories worth understanding. While both indicate relatively small inclusions, the main difference is how easily those inclusions can be seen under magnification.

VVS stands for Very, Very Slightly Included, while VS stands for Very Slightly Included. VVS diamonds have smaller or less noticeable inclusions, but that doesn't always translate into a visible difference when we look at the jewelry.

Here's how the two compare:

The interesting part is that a well-selected VS1 or VS2 diamond can look virtually identical to a VVS diamond without magnification. We may be paying for a higher clarity grade without seeing an obvious difference in everyday wear.

However, several factors influence how noticeable inclusions might be:

• Diamond shape: Step-cut diamonds, such as emerald cuts, have broad, open facets that can make certain inclusions easier to notice than in brilliant-cut diamonds.
• Carat weight: Larger diamonds may make some inclusions easier to spot, although size alone doesn't always determine whether a stone is eye-clean.
• Inclusion placement: An inclusion near the center of a diamond may be more noticeable than one positioned near the edge or concealed by the setting.
• Lighting and viewing distance: A diamond examined closely under bright lighting may reveal details we wouldn't notice when wearing it normally.

So, should we always choose VVS over VS? Not necessarily.

If we're choosing between two diamonds that look equally clean, a VS diamond may leave more room in our budget for a better cut, preferred carat weight, or more detailed jewelry design.

Do VVS diamonds sparkle more than lower-clarity diamonds?

Not necessarily. While VVS diamonds have extremely small inclusions, a higher clarity grade doesn't automatically mean more sparkle. 

A well-cut VS diamond can appear more brilliant than a poorly cut VVS diamond because sparkle depends primarily on how the diamond interacts with light.

Cut determines how the diamond interacts with light

When light enters a diamond, its cut and facet arrangement determine how that light is reflected and dispersed. This creates three visual effects:

• Brightness: The white light reflected to our eyes.
• Fire: The rainbow-colored flashes produced as light separates into different colors.
• Scintillation: The flashes of light and dark we notice as the diamond moves.

A diamond with well-balanced proportions, symmetry, and polish can produce beautiful sparkle even at a lower clarity grade.

What else affects how a diamond looks?

Beyond cut, other characteristics influence how a diamond looks when worn. Its color determines whether it appears colorless or slightly warm, while its shape and dimensions influence how light interacts with the stone.

The jewelry setting adds another layer. For example, a solitaire pendant draws attention to a single diamond, while a halo setting surrounds the center stone with smaller diamonds for a different visual effect.

This is why we should evaluate the diamond as part of the finished jewelry. VVS clarity tells us how few visible inclusions a diamond has under magnification, but its cut, color and design determine much of what we actually see and appreciate.

Can both natural and lab-grown diamonds have VVS clarity?

Yes. Both natural and lab-grown diamonds can have VVS1 or VVS2 clarity grades. Clarity measures how visible a diamond's inclusions and blemishes are, regardless of its origin.

Natural diamonds form deep within the Earth, while lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments. Both can develop inclusions during formation and are assessed for clarity.

For example, the International Gemological Institute (IGI) uses VVS1 and VVS2 grades in its lab-grown diamond grading reports.

When comparing diamonds, we should consider both origin and clarity. A natural VVS1 diamond and a lab-grown VVS1 diamond may have the same clarity grade but very different prices.

How much do VVS diamonds cost, and is the higher price worth it?

VVS diamonds generally cost more than comparable VS diamonds because their inclusions are less noticeable under magnification. However, the price depends on several factors, including diamond origin (natural or lab-grown), carat weight, cut, color, and shape.

For a fair comparison, we should look at diamonds with similar specifications. For example, a 1-carat VVS1 diamond will typically cost more than a 1-carat VS1 diamond of the same origin, cut, color, and shape.

Is the extra cost worth it? If we prefer a higher clarity grade, VVS may be worth choosing. But if a VS diamond looks equally clean to the naked eye, we may be better off spending the difference on a preferred design or larger diamond.

We should also remember that a higher clarity grade doesn't guarantee better resale value. Resale prices depend on market conditions and the jeweler's buyback policy, including any deductions. A grading report confirms a diamond's characteristics, not its future value.

What should we check on a diamond grading report before buying?

A diamond grading report provides an independent assessment of a diamond's quality and characteristics. It helps us verify the diamond's specifications and make a more informed purchase.

Here are the details we should check:

• Issuing laboratory: Look for a report from a laboratory such as GIA or IGI.
• Report number: Verify the report through the laboratory's official website. If the diamond has a laser inscription, check whether it matches.
• Diamond origin: Confirm whether the diamond is natural or lab-grown.
• The 4Cs: Review carat weight, color, clarity, and cut, along with the diamond's measurements.
• Report type: Check whether the report covers an individual diamond or a finished piece of jewelry containing multiple stones.

We should also be aware that laboratories may follow different reporting formats. For example, IGI uses VVS1 and VVS2 clarity grades in its lab-grown diamond reports, while GIA uses Premium and Standard assessments for eligible colorless to near-colorless lab-grown diamonds.

For jewelry containing multiple diamonds, we should confirm whether the stated clarity applies to every stone or represents a range, such as VS–VVS.

Why choose DAIMANTÉ for diamond jewelry with clear specifications?

At DAIMANTÉ, we believe diamond jewelry should reflect both quality and personal meaning. Our designs feature IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds with E–F color and VS/VVS clarity, set in 14K or 18K gold.

For example, our Stellore North Star Pendant features nine lab-grown diamonds weighing a total of 0.145 carats, with E–F color and VS/VVS clarity. Its North Star design symbolizes direction and purpose, making it a thoughtful choice for self-gifting.

We encourage you to compare each piece's diamond specifications, design, and certification details before choosing. Because at DAIMANTÉ, the right jewelry is about choosing a symbol that reflects who we are and what we aspire to become.

Frequently asked questions

1. Is a VVS diamond the same as a flawless diamond?

No. A VVS diamond has extremely small inclusions that are difficult to detect under 10× magnification. A flawless diamond has no visible inclusions or blemishes at the same magnification. Both can look identical to the naked eye.

2. Can we identify VVS clarity from a photograph?

No. Even high-resolution photographs cannot reliably distinguish VVS1, VVS2, and VS clarity grades. A laboratory grading report from GIA or IGI is the most reliable way to confirm a diamond's clarity.

3. Is VVS clarity necessary for small accent diamonds?

No. Small accent diamonds generally don't need VVS clarity to look beautiful. Many VS-grade diamonds appear eye-clean, making them a practical choice for pendants, earrings, and other jewelry with multiple small stones.

4. Can a diamond's clarity grade change if it is damaged?

Yes. Although a diamond's original inclusions generally remain unchanged, new chips or fractures can affect its clarity. If the diamond is regraded after damage, it may receive a lower clarity grade.

5. Does a VVS grade tell us whether a diamond is natural or lab-grown?

No. VVS only describes a diamond's clarity. Both natural and lab-grown diamonds can receive VVS1 or VVS2 grades. We need to check the diamond's grading report to confirm its origin.