VVS diamonds – VVS1 and VVS2 clarity grades

VVS diamonds are top quality diamonds in terms of clarity. Most shoppers who are looking for them are looking for unique and high-end diamonds. In many cases, they are collectors aim for owning a rare gem.

VVS clarity diamonds definition

VVS diamonds stand for: “very very small” inclusions. Diamonds graded as VVS have flaws that are known to be so small which are very difficult to be spotted even for a very experienced diamonds grader while using a 10x magnification loupe.

VVS1 diamond flaws are extremely difficult to spot and visible only when looking at the diamond from the pavilion (bottom part). With VVS2 clarity grade, flaws are still not easily found, but can be spotted from the table (top).

When testing VVS diamonds with a loupe or better with a microscope, it is amazing to see the inclusions are not more than a tiny spot or pinpoint. At the pictures below you will see how spotless are they and why it is very important to observe diamonds which were cleaned before, as the smallest amount of dust can be mistaken for a flaw. If looking at a VVS diamond in a store make sure the diamond is well cleaned ahead.

VVS 1 and VVS2 clarity grades in the diamond clarity chart

There are 11 clarity grades in the diamond clarity chart; Flawless is the highest grade and it stands for being absolutely clear from internal and external flaws when observing it with a 10X loupe. On the other end, there is the I3 clarity grade which stands for Industrial diamonds. Most parts of diamonds graded as I3 are not intended for jewelry, but for industrial use. VVS1 and VVS2 are third and forth in the chart order.

VVS1 diamonds characteristics

VVS clarity diamonds have a very small flaw or flaws that can only be spotted by a professional using a 10X loupe. For an ordinary person even when looking at the diamond with a 40X microscope such flaws are very hard to be spotted Here are a few pictures of VVS graded diamonds. When looking for a VVS clarity diamonds more important than the pictures that do not reveal much, is looking at the GIA certification. It will assist you in understanding the nature of flaws , which are usually are pinpoints or tiny feathers.

Here are 3 samples of VVS diamonds pictures and flaws placing in the certification. As you can see, none of the mentioned flaws are visible.

VVS diamonds pricing

VVS diamonds are positioned almost at the top of the clarity chart. In terms of pricing, when comparing apples to apples: meaning two diamonds that are equal in all other attributes (color, weight, cut, and shape), except the clarity. The diamond with the better clarity grade will be priced higher. You can see it in the Rapaport sheet below: higher the clarity grade is, higher is the price.

VVS diamonds for investment

For very good reasons most buyers prefer diamonds with lower clarity grade than VVS, since it enables them to go for diamonds with higher color grades and/or larger weight (size). Many VVS diamonds buyers doing so for investment reasons, since VVS diamonds are rarer in nature, they are performing well as an investment.

VVS diamonds Buying tips

The most important thing when buying VVS clarity diamonds is not to compromise a gemological certification. GIA and AGS (which has a different clarity grading chart) are doing a good job in terms of accuracy and consistency, The rest of the labs are notorious (some more and some less) for “upgrading” diamonds they examine. If you finally decide to go for a diamond with a high clarity grade, you should go for one that is also graded by best.

Another advice if clarity is very important for you, but the rest of other 3 C’s are not that important (especially color), is that you can find well priced VVS diamonds in the J, K, and even lower colors. Actually, a well cut round diamond with a low color wouldn’t show so much color as one might expect.