When shopping for diamonds, one of the crucial factors to consider is clarity. Clarity refers to the presence of internal or external imperfections, known as inclusions and blemishes, respectively. These imperfections can affect a diamond’s brilliance and overall visual appeal. Among the clarity grades used to assess diamonds, VS (Very Slightly Included) and VVS (Very, Very Slightly Included) are two of the higher grades that denote high-quality gemstones. Understanding the distinctions between these two grades can help you make an informed choice when purchasing a diamond.

What is Diamond Clarity?

Diamond clarity is one of the "Four Cs" used to evaluate diamonds, alongside cut, color, and carat weight. Clarity grades range from Flawless (FL) to Included (I), with several grades in between. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), a leading authority on gem grading, categorizes diamonds into the following clarity grades:

  1. Flawless (FL): No internal or external imperfections visible under 10x magnification.
  2. Internally Flawless (IF): No internal imperfections visible under 10x magnification, though minor external blemishes may be present.
  3. Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2): Minute inclusions that are extremely difficult to detect even under 10x magnification.
  4. Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2): Inclusions that are noticeable under 10x magnification but are generally not visible to the naked eye.
  5. Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2): Inclusions that are noticeable under 10x magnification and may be visible to the naked eye.
  6. Included (I1, I2, and I3): Inclusions that are obvious under 10x magnification and may affect the diamond's durability and appearance.

VS vs. VVS: Key Differences

1. Inclusion Visibility

  • VVS Diamonds: VVS diamonds have inclusions that are extremely difficult to detect even under 10x magnification. The inclusions are so minute that even expert gemologists may struggle to find them. This grade is divided into VVS1 and VVS2, with VVS1 having fewer and less noticeable inclusions than VVS2.
  • VS Diamonds: VS diamonds have inclusions that are visible under 10x magnification but are generally not visible to the naked eye. The inclusions are more noticeable compared to VVS diamonds, and there are more of them. This grade is divided into VS1 and VS2, with VS1 having fewer and less visible inclusions than VS2.

2. Price and Value

  • VVS Diamonds: Due to their superior clarity, VVS diamonds typically command higher prices than VS diamonds. The rarity and high quality of VVS diamonds make them more valuable and often sought after by collectors and those seeking the highest quality gemstones.
  • VS Diamonds: While still considered high-quality, VS diamonds are generally less expensive than VVS diamonds. They offer excellent value for those who want a high degree of clarity without the premium price associated with VVS stones.

3. Visual Differences

  • VVS Diamonds: The inclusions in VVS diamonds are so small that they rarely affect the diamond’s brilliance or overall appearance. To the naked eye, VVS diamonds appear flawless, and their high clarity contributes to their exceptional sparkle and beauty.
  • VS Diamonds: Although VS diamonds may have inclusions visible under magnification, these inclusions usually do not impact the diamond’s overall visual appeal. To most viewers, VS diamonds appear nearly flawless, and their clarity still contributes to a beautiful and brilliant gemstone.

Choosing the Right Clarity Grade

When choosing between VS and VVS diamonds, consider your budget and personal preferences. Both grades offer excellent clarity and will typically appear flawless to the naked eye. If you desire the highest possible clarity and are willing to invest in a premium gemstone, VVS diamonds are an excellent choice. However, if you are looking for a high-quality diamond with great value, VS diamonds provide a fantastic balance of clarity and affordability.

In summary, while VVS diamonds are slightly higher in clarity than VS diamonds, both grades offer exceptional quality and beauty. Understanding these differences can help you select the perfect diamond that meets your preferences and budget.