Before making such a significant investment, there are numerous crucial details to grasp, such as the 4Cs of diamonds and their implications. Clarity, one of these Cs, is particularly vital to consider, even though it’s often overshadowed by primary concerns like carat and cut until later in the buying process.
Diamond clarity relates to the sparkle and visual appeal of the stone under light. It is graded on a scale that indicates the number of visible imperfections (called diamond inclusions) and how these imperfections impact the stone’s brilliance. This scale — from completely flawless (Flawless) to heavily included (Included) — influences how appealing your diamond will appear to the naked eye.
VVS is a term you’ll encounter while searching for a diamond engagement ring, but what does it signify, and is it a wise choice?
What are VVS Diamonds?
VVS diamonds sit just below Flawless and Internally Flawless diamonds on the clarity scale.
VVS stands for “Very, Very Slightly Included,” meaning the diamond has minute imperfections that are extremely difficult to spot even with 10x magnification. These imperfections are virtually invisible without magnification. (Not all inclusions impact the sparkle of your diamond equally; some have negligible effects. Therefore, a diamond having some inclusions isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker and doesn’t always dim its brilliance significantly.)
The VVS clarity category is divided into two subcategories: VVS2 Diamond vs VVS1 Diamond”>VVS1 and VVS2
VVS1 vs. VVS2: What’s the Difference Between VVS1 and VVS2 Diamonds?
Although both are stunning, VVS1 diamonds have fewer inclusions, which are smaller in size and often less centrally located than those found in VVS2 diamonds.
VVS1 stones typically possess minuscule inclusions that are microscopic and located off-center, whereas VVS2 inclusions are more frequently found closer to the table facet. The inclusions in VVS diamonds can range from a single inclusion to multiple ones. VVS1 diamonds generally have no more than one or two inclusions.
The positioning of inclusions can significantly affect the diamond’s grade. Inclusions located off to the side can often be concealed by prongs; thus, once set in your engagement ring, the flaw can become virtually invisible. However, inclusions in the center are impossible to hide.
diamond clarity” />How is a VVS Diamond Graded?
Certified diamond experts grade diamonds based on several criteria. For clarity, they use specialized microscopes to detect any inclusions that affect the overall appearance of the stone.
Using tweezers, the diamond is held from girdle to girdle, and magnification is adjusted so the grader can inspect it. A standard loupe and 10x magnification are also employed to ensure inclusions are accurately recorded under various lenses. It’s essential to note that any inclusions listed on the GIA grading report are observed under such extreme magnification — a level of detail you likely won’t replicate when examining your diamond in its ring setting.
Diamonds are graded based on the size, number, and position of inclusions, as well as whether they’re internal or external and their coloration. All these factors collectively determine the diamond’s clarity grade. Even with several inclusions, a diamond can still be graded as VVS if the inclusions aren’t visible to the naked eye.
Additionally, all reputable labs can detect if a diamond’s clarity has been altered through laser drilling or other treatments. Reputable dealers disclose this information when selling diamonds. Artful Bracelets does not carry altered or fake diamonds, though we do offer lab-created diamonds (a separate topic altogether).
How to Choose a Diamond
Clarity is a crucial component of the 4 Cs of diamond purchasing, alongside cut, color, and carat.
Watch our company’s founder explain how to evaluate which combination of the 4 Cs will provide the best diamond for your budget.
How Much Do VVS Diamonds Cost?
VVS diamonds offer a favorable balance in terms of cost, allowing you to pay significantly less than for flawless or internally flawless diamonds while still owning a stone that looks nearly identical.
Moreover, the value of VVS diamonds appreciates over time, with their value having increased more than that of IF and FL diamonds in the past five to ten years.
The actual price of your VVS diamond will depend on whether it’s VVS1 or VVS2, and how it fares in the other 3Cs. To see prices for actual natural diamonds in this clarity grade, you can browse our collection of VVS clarity diamonds here.
Where to Buy a VVS Diamond
There’s good news and a bit of bad news when it comes to purchasing a VVS diamond.
Let us explain: VVS diamonds are extremely popular for engagement rings and other diamond-centric jewelry, such as earrings and necklaces. This popularity means that nearly every jeweler offers them — both the reputable ones and the less ethical ones.
How can you avoid buying a VVS diamond from unscrupulous jewelers?
It’s simple: Only purchase from a retailer who can provide an authentic certification from a credible lab, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI).
The GIA certification is the most widely recognized and respected, so it’s best to err on the safe side and choose a GIA-certified diamond. Always make sure you can view the GIA certificate before making your payment. Artful Bracelets has access to every GIA-certified diamond on the market, ensuring that the diamond you buy is legitimate, with certification readily accessible on its listing page.
The International Gemological Institute, established in 1975 with headquarters worldwide, also offers independent verification and certification of colored stones, jewelry, and lab-grown diamonds (including those from Artful Bracelets). For clarity grading, IGI employs the same letter grading system as GIA, from “I” (included) to “FL” (flawless). Whether for natural or lab-created diamonds, inclusions form the same way. Learn more about IGI Certification.
If you’re uncertain about any details, our expert gemologists are available to assist you.
