What is a VS1 Clarity Diamond?
A diamond graded as VS1, or Very Slightly Included 1, contains minute inclusions only visible under 10x magnification by a trained gemologist, with no imperfections discernible by the naked eye.
Is VS1 or VS2 Clarity Better?
As diamond clarity grades increase on the GIA scale, the grading ranges narrow. This means it’s “easier” for a diamond to receive a VS2 grade than a VS1 grade because fewer diamonds meet the criteria for VS1. But which grade is superior? Two factors come into play. Firstly, VS1 diamonds often come with a higher premium. However, there are occasions when VS1 can be less expensive—take advantage of these opportunities. Secondly, a VS1 diamond will never have inclusions visible to the naked eye, whereas a VS2 diamond might have visible inclusions roughly 5% of the time, typically in stones larger than 1.00 ct. Therefore, we recommend VS1 diamonds over VS2 when the price difference is not substantial, ensuring you get maximum value for your purchase.
For fancy shapes (non-round shapes), especially step cuts like emerald or asscher, consider opting for VS1 over VS2. Diamonds with larger, open facets tend to reveal inclusions more readily, making a VS2 inclusion potentially eye-visible and distracting. Also, look for VS diamonds with inclusions that are off-center or not directly beneath the table facet. Always purchase diamonds accompanied by GIA grading reports so you can verify their quality and purity. Beware of deals that seem too good to be true; there’s often a reason behind them. You can confidently buy a VS1 clarity diamond without needing to see images or videos because you know it will be eye-clean and its sparkle unaffected. To begin your search, explore Artful Bracelets’s diamond search and pair the clarity with the other 4 C’s of diamonds to determine if VS1 is the best clarity range for you, given your budget. As with all aspects of choosing a diamond, balance clarity according to your personal priorities.