The clarity of a diamond is based on its inclusions. Flaws appear within a diamond, affecting its appearance, luster and durability.
"VVS" stands for "very, very slightly limited" and is one notch below "internal sound" on the definition scale. There are two levels in the VVS class: VVS2 and VVS1.
The main difference between the clarity of VVS2 and VVS1 diamonds is that VVS2 diamonds have slightly more noticeable inclusions that are easier to see under magnification. VVS1 diamonds are near perfect but still have minor imperfections such as dots or nature.
Let's compare VVS2 and VVS1 diamonds, including an overview of each diamond, their differences and similarities, and how to decide which one is right for you.
What is the clarity of VVS2 diamonds?
The clarity of VVS2 diamonds is one step lowerVVS1 and one larger than VS1(included very easily).
When gemologists examine inclusions, they use 10x magnification and look at the diamond under a magnifying glass.
A grade of VVS2 means that the inclusions were barely visible at this magnification.
ControlThis high resolution image of a diamond with VVS2 resolutionJames Allen, where I bought my wife's engagement ring.
Note that it looks clean even at high resolution.
there are no specific onestypes of confinementsB. Will-o'-the-wisps, voids or twin clouds that provide a VVS2 clarity level.
Instead, it is based on the visibility, location and impact of the inclusions.
It could be a small transparent feather on the table, with a few black spots or dots scattered in various places on its surface.
For example,this 0.99 carat diamondReceived a VVS2 clarity grade from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
The GIA report has the following shortcomings:
- clouds
- Fender
- natural bleeding
- Of course
Here is the overview feature chart identifying the location.
In the Key to Symbols section, defects are classified by their degree of impact.
Comments on the report also indicate surface stains and internal stains.
The common feature of inclusions in a VVS2 diamond is that they are often invisible to the naked eye and have minimal impact on overall performance.
What is the clarity of VVS1 diamonds?
VVS1 diamonds have inclusions that are only visible at 10x magnification. They are often the types that have the least effect on a diamond, such asPoints, wings and nature.
This one carat diamondDue to the tiny edge and natural hollow, it was named VVS1 by GIA.
If you rotate the image 360 degrees on the seller's website, you still won't find the defects.
The feather is so small that it is barely visible in the inclusion diagram, and so are the dots.
However, since these flaws were visible under a jeweler's magnifying glass, he was unable to get the correct grade internally.
It is rare to find a VVS1 diamond with more than three types of inclusions, even if they are small.
VVS1 is one level below internal integrity.
To achieve this grade, a diamond must have no visible inclusions under 10x magnification.
May have surface imperfections.
To the naked eye, a VVS1 diamond looks like a diamondVVS2 or a flawless one.
As the diamond rotates, inclusions do not prevent light from penetrating the diamond, nor do they cause light to reflect off the diamond in a way that affects its brilliance.
How does the sharpness of VVS2 and VVS1 differ?
1. VVS2 diamonds have more inclusions
In most cases, VVS2 diamonds have a higher number of inclusions compared to VVS1 diamonds.
Going down the clarity scale, from flawless toDiamanten i3, a larger number of inclusions starts to have a more noticeable effect.
While most VVS1 diamonds will have one or two types of inclusions, it is not uncommon for VVS2 diamonds to have three to five different flaws.
This 0.90 carat diamondrated VVS2 by GIA.
The following report mentions the discovery of feathers, natural feathers and lace feathers.
For comparison, I saw diamonds withVVS1 degrees of sharpness, which have only points.
When a diamond weighs less than one carat, the GIA report often does not include a table of clarity characteristics. So check the tips in the left pane.
VVS1 diamonds could only have one inclusion preventing them from receiving oneInternally flawless grade, while in the latter there are usually several types, each of which has little effect on the quality of the diamond.
2. VVS1 diamonds are sold at a higher price
Buyers are willing to pay a higher price for VVS1 diamonds, as inclusions negatively affect their durability, brilliance and aesthetics.
At one end of the spectrum, flawless diamonds are devoid of annoying blemishes, while diamonds that contain them have the potential to significantly reduce their value.
The best way to understand the impact of inclusions on a diamond's price is to compare diamonds of different clarity grades that are equivalent in all other respects.
I analyzed the prices of dozens of round cut diamondsJames Allenwith the following properties:
- Carat weight: 0.90
- Color: G
- Cut: very good
Some had VVS1 purity and some VVS2.
The average price for a VVS1 diamond was $6,025, ranging from $4,810 to $6,650.
For VVS2 diamonds, the average was $5,243. The range was between $4,580 and $5,990.
That's a 15 percent premium for a VVS1 diamond over a VVS2 diamond.
You can save on the price of your diamond by choosing a VVS1 diamond.
At first glance, it's hard to tell the difference between the two, but you could invest those savings in a quality setup or higher rating on someone elsethe four c.
3. Places of confinement
Gemologists do not only consider the size and type of inclusions when assigning a VVS1 or VVS2 clarity.
Location also makes a difference.
For example, the inclusions near thediamond sheetThis can cause tearing, especially if the belt is extremely thin. It often leads to a lower level of clarity.
I have marked the sheet in the image below for reference.
Likewise, inclusions on your table are often more depreciated in value than those in the booth or off-center.
If the gemologist looks at the diamond from the bottom up and sees small inclusions, he may give it a grade of VVS1.
On the other hand, inclusions visible at 10x magnification from the table view above and below can result in a VVS2 cleanliness level.
The reason for this is that this can affect the light output as the light hits the sides of the table first. Inclusions in the flap or near the vessel are unlikely to have this effect.
Look at the relative placement of the inclusions on the GIA report and determine if they are visible from top to bottom or bottom to top.
In the sharpness panel, the image on the left is the top one. The right picture is from the booth.
This is another factor to consider when deciding how inclusions will affect a VVS1 and VVS2 clarity diamond.
4. VVS1 diamonds have more sparkle
Inclusions reduce the brilliance of a diamond by distorting the way light enters and exits.
A quality, flawless diamond allows light to enter and penetrate the diamond unhindered and returnfire and shineto the viewer.
In the example of an engagement ring below, a clarity level of VVS2 means that the inclusions have little effect on the sparkle, but the very fine cut level makes it appear matte compared to an ideal ring.
When light hits a bruise, cavity, or double tuft inclusion, it may not return to the viewer in the same way.
For this reason, all other things being equal, VVS1 diamonds are brighter than VVS2 diamonds. But the difference is often not visible to the naked eye.
Blemishes like dots are usually negligible, so I recommend paying more attention to cut than clarity when it comes to gloss.
What are the similarities?
Both are often clear to the eye
The first similarity is that both are considered clear to the eyes, which is essential when buying a diamond.
Most buyers don't care about how it looks under a magnifying glass. Rather, the focus is on the fact that it looks flawless to the naked eye.
VVS1 and VVS2 clarity diamonds almost always meet these criteria.
Even with high-resolution photos, the differences are hard to see.
Exceptions are diamonds over two carats. Their large surfaces can reveal inclusions.
So I recommend viewing it in person or via high quality images.
Popular as center diamonds
Another similarity is that both are often used as the center diamond in an engagement ring rather than as tones that line the ring or complement the main diamond.
Below is an example of an engagement ring with a VVS2 center diamond.
Prioritize cleaning the center diamond as this will require the most attention.
You don't want a large black spot, a deep hollow, or an obvious dark spot to appear on the main gemstone.
It should be noted that manySI1 and VS1 diamondsachieve this quality, but buyers sometimes opt for VVS2 or VVS1 for a cleaner look.
Should I choose a VVS2 or VVS1 diamond?
If you are deciding between a VVS2 diamond or a VVS1 diamond, you now understand their main differences and similarities. Here is a summary of the instructions.
Consider a VVS2 diamond and:
- Small inclusions on the table or near the sheet do not worry you.
- You want a diamond that is optically clear but can have different types of inclusions.
- You are willing to pay a premium compared to eye clean diamonds, which are lower on the GIA clarity scale, but want to save money compared to VVS1 or higher.
Choose VVS1 if:
- You want a diamond that looks flawless but isn't as expensive as one of this quality.
- It is important that the inclusions are not located in places that could affect their light output or durability.
By comparing VVS2 and VVS1 diamonds and pairing them with different setting styles, you can find the perfect setting for you.