An eye-clear diamond (of any quality) looks like VVS diamonds, all else being equal (but they cost much less). Becauseinclusions and imperfectionsboth in VVS andVS DiamantAs they are only visible at 10x magnification, we recommend choosing a VS diamond (or lower) to get the most value without compromising on beauty.
Diamond plumbing
When shopping for diamonds you will be faced with a whole new set of acronyms and vocabulary. When it comes to VVS diamonds, we're talking aboutclarity. The clarity of a diamond refers to the visual appearance of any inclusions or blemishes. By definition, VVS diamonds are those that contain very, very little.
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diamond clarity.
| clarity | clarity description |
|---|---|
| Florida | Flawless: no inclusions less than 10x. A completely flawless stone. This is an extremely rare find. |
| AND | Internally Flawless: No internal defects. A stone that has no internal flaws but has surface flaws. It is also an extremely rare find. |
| VVS1-VVS2 | Very, very slightly included – A stone with very tiny internal inclusions that are extremely difficult to see at 10x magnification. |
| VS1-VS2 | Very Lightly Included - A stone with very small internal inclusions that are difficult to see at 10x magnification. |
| SI1-SI2 | Slightly Closed: A stone that has imperfections visible at 10x magnification and can be seen with the naked eye. |
| I1-I3 | Contains: A stone with significant inclusions normally visible to the naked eye. Inclusions of this level drastically reduce the value of diamonds. |
Diamond clarity chart.
Inclusions indicate compositional features such as cavities or internal veins. Blemishes are imperfections such as chips, scratches or dark spots. The fewer inclusions and defects there are, the better the degree of purity.
The VVS grade is divided into two levels: VVS1 and VVS2, with VVS1 being the highest grade. Diamonds graded VVS have such slight imperfections that they cannot easily be seen by trained diamond professionals, even with a magnifying glass or microscope.
While clarity can affect a diamond's value and beauty, inclusions in VVS diamonds are largely invisible to the naked eye. HeFAMILYuses the international diamond clarity scale shown above.
VVS1-Diamonds
VVS1 diamonds rank higher than VVS2 diamonds on the diamond clarity chart and are closer to an internally flawless diamond, which is incredibly rare. The inclusions found in VVS1 diamonds are not visible at all at 10x magnification. A trained eye can see the inclusions in a VVS1 only under a powerful microscope.
Certain aspects of inclusions are checked when a lab professional determines a diamond's grading. On the one hand, evaluators pay attention to the extent of involvement. In other words, if the inclusion is larger and visible at 10x magnification, the diamond will be rated below VVS1.
Examiners also look at the number of inclusions in a diamond. The more inclusions that are easily visible (not necessarily the number of inclusions), the lower the grade.
As a further element to assess, laboratory evaluators observe where the inclusion is located. For example, elements placed directly under the diamond table stand out more strongly than those on the pavilion and crown faces. Light or dark color also affects the clarity level.
VVS1 inclusions are not visible to the naked eye. Diamonds graded as VVS1 appear sparkling clear unless viewed by a professional with greater than 10x magnification.
Diamonds VS2
VVS2 diamonds are diamonds that fall into the second category, "Very, Very Slightly Included". Inclusions at this level are barely visible at 10x magnification and are then evaluated by an expert. Even then, it usually takes a long time for a trained eye to spot the imperfections.
Like VVS1 diamonds, VVS2 diamonds are classified by size, number, color and location of inclusions. A key difference from VVS1 diamonds is that VVS2 inclusions are visible from the crown at 10x magnification. To the naked eye, VVS2 diamonds look identical to VVS1 diamonds and even internally flawless diamonds.
A gemmological microscope is usually required to identify a VVS2 inclusion. This is often due to the inclusion pattern, which consists of a few individual dots of VVS1 size that together correspond to a VVS2 definition level (rather than one larger dot). Because the individual dots are too small to be seen with a jeweler's lens, a powerful microscope is required to identify them.
Difference between VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds
Although both are beautiful diamonds, VVS1 diamonds have fewer inclusions than VVS2 diamonds in terms of number, size and setting.
The size of the inclusions in the VVS1 calculations tends to be small and tiny, the location tends to be off-center in VVS1 and closer under the panel face in VVS2. The number of inclusions in VVS diamonds can range from single to multiple inclusions. VVS1 diamonds usually have only one or at most two inclusions.
VVS1 diamonds usually have one or two flaws (usually sharp and natural). The average VVS2 diamond has multiple inclusions ranging from multiple pointed inclusions to winged and jagged natural stones. VVS2 diamonds tend to have more inclusions than VVS1 diamonds.
The location of inclusions is important enough to remove a diamond from the VVS1 rating. Inclusions on the side of the stone can often be hidden with teeth. So once the stone is placed in the engagement ring setting, it's as if the flaw didn't exist at all. But there is nothing that can hide an inclusion in the middle of your stone.
VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds: classification
Certified diamond professionals grade diamonds using a range of grades. Diamond clarity is specifically evaluated under special microscopes, which can help identify inclusions that affect the overall clarity of the stone.
Using tweezers, the diamond is held from band to band and the magnification is adjusted so that the examiner can see the diamond. The sorter also uses a standard lens and 10x magnification to ensure that inclusions are viewed under different lenses and captured accurately. And this is important to remember. All of the inclusions you see on the GIA grading report have been captured by this extreme increase.
All inclusions found in the diamond are classified based on various factors such as size, number and location in the diamond. They also check whether the inclusion is on the outside or inside of the diamond and the color of the inclusions. All of these factors affect the quality of the diamond in the order listed. Even if a diamond has multiple inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye, a diamond can be classified as VVS.
All labs can also easily determine if clarity has changedpiercing or laser treatmentson the diamond. All reputable retailers will share this information when selling diamonds.
VVS1 and VVS2 Diamonds - Cost
VVS clarity diamonds are in high demand due to price, so they actually hold a higher value over time than IF and FL diamonds.
Both VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds are significantly cheaper than FL or IF diamonds, but you still have a diamond that looks almost like FL or IF diamonds.
VVS1.
VVS2.
Diamond transparency VVS1 and VVS2.
VVS diamonds increase in value over time. In fact, the full value of VVS clarity diamonds has increased more than IF and FL diamonds over the past five to ten years.
However, there is also a large price difference between the VVS grades. The actual price of your VVS diamond will of course depend on whether you are looking for a VVS1 or VVS2 diamond and where the diamond is classified in the other 3Cs. VVS1 diamonds differ by about 25 percent. VVS1 diamonds are the more expensive of the two grades. The best part; You probably won't be able to tell the difference between the two.
VVS1 and VVS2 Diamonds - Buy
The most common mistake people make when buying diamonds is to buy a diamond with a clarity that is too high to grade, thus buying a "good investment".
Some diamonds are a retail product like any other and should not be considered an investment due to their resale value.
When it comes to clarity, there is no added value for a diamond of higher clarity that looks the same to the naked eye as a diamond of lower quality. The only difference is that you pay a lot more, sometimes thousands, for a higher clarity diamond that looks the same to you and the wearer. Always look for the lowest clarity diamond that is clear to the naked eye.
When viewing VVS diamonds or any diamond, it is important to carefully examine each diamond under high magnification. Most importantly, have the diamond examined by an expert and provide a recommendation, so you don't end up spending on a feature that goes completely unnoticed by the naked eye.
VVS diamonds are among the most popular choices forengagement ringsand others focused on diamondsJewelry store. Due to their popularity, almost every jeweler has them for sale.
Buy only from a reputable retailer that can provide an authentic certification of your diamond from one of the accredited laboratories, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The GIA is the most widely used and respected diamond certification and you should always be able to consult it before making a payment.
VVS and VS clarity difference
VS or very light including first and second grade diamonds (VS1 and VS2), contains a small number of inclusions when viewing the diamond at 10x magnification. Flaws are easier to see than those in VVS diamonds, but are still difficult to spot and locate under magnification.
However, VVS diamonds have smaller inclusions and fewer visible flaws than VS diamonds when both are viewed under a microscope. Embeddings in VS diamonds are easier to see at this view level. Some of the more common inclusions you will see in VVS2 diamonds include clouds, teeth, feathers, and natural inclusions.
VVS2.
VS1.
Difference in VVS2 and VS1 clarity.
In addition to size, VS diamonds often, though not always, have a higher number of inclusions. Because a clarity grade takes into account the size, location, color, and number of inclusions, a VS diamond does not necessarily mean that it has more imperfections than a VVS diamond. For example, inclusions in a diamond may be closer to the center of the crown or larger. The most common VS1 inclusions include clouds, feathers, needles, crystals, and jagged natural rocks.
Generally, in most cases, the difference between VS and VVS diamonds cannot be seen with the naked eye. Inclusions in both types of stones are almost always indistinct unless viewed carefully at 10x magnification or higher.
In terms of price, VVS diamonds are almost always significantly more expensive than VS diamonds, although several factors affect the price of a diamond, including:Sectionquality andColour. However, in some cases, the price of two identical diamonds can differ by $1,000 or more based on clarity alone.
For this reason, we always recommend choosing a VS (or lower) diamond over a VVS diamond, as the difference between these two properties is subtle to the naked eye. There's no reason to pay more for something that goes unnoticed. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you find a diamond that is clear to the eye. Each diamond must be thoroughly tested for clarity.
final thoughts
Although it may seem that choosing a VVS (or even a VS Diamond) is the right way to choose the "best", the difference will go unnoticed to the naked eye. Because inclusions of this size are only visible at 10x magnification or higher, it is best to focus your efforts and your wallet on locating a clean diamond.