The Ultimate Guide to Understanding and Choosing VVS Diamonds



When searching for the perfect diamond, one of the key characteristics people consider is the clarity of the stone. Among the different clarity grades, VVS diamonds stand out as some of the most desirable for their near-flawless appearance and brilliant sparkle. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about VVS diamonds, from what they are, why they’re valuable, how they’re graded, and tips for choosing the perfect one for your jewelry collection.

What Does "VVS" Stand For?

"VVS" stands for "Very, Very Slightly Included." This refers to the clarity grade of a diamond, and it means that the diamond contains extremely tiny inclusions (internal flaws) or blemishes (surface flaws) that are difficult to see, even under 10x magnification, which is the standard for grading diamonds.

There are two subcategories within the VVS grade:

  1. VVS1: Inclusions are even harder to detect and are typically only visible from the pavilion (the bottom part) of the diamond.
  2. VVS2: Inclusions are slightly easier to see but are still incredibly small and only visible under intense magnification.

For the naked eye, a VVS diamond will appear flawless, making it an attractive choice for buyers looking for a balance between perfect clarity and price.

Why Is VVS Diamond Clarity So Important?

Diamond clarity refers to the presence of imperfections, such as inclusions and blemishes, within a diamond. These imperfections are a natural part of the diamond formation process, and the fewer imperfections a diamond has, the higher its clarity grade.

Clarity is one of the "Four Cs" used to evaluate the quality and value of a diamond. The Four Cs include:

  • Carat weight
  • Cut
  • Color
  • Clarity

Clarity plays an important role in determining a diamond's brilliance. The fewer inclusions or blemishes a diamond has, the less light it will obstruct, allowing the stone to reflect more light, resulting in better sparkle and fire. Since VVS diamonds have such tiny imperfections, they tend to have exceptional brilliance and are highly sought after for engagement rings, necklaces, earrings, and other types of fine jewelry.

How VVS Diamonds Are Graded

VVS diamonds fall into a high-tier category on the clarity scale used by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The GIA clarity scale grades diamonds based on the size, number, location, nature, and visibility of the inclusions or blemishes within the stone. The scale is as follows:

  1. Flawless (FL): No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification.
  2. Internally Flawless (IF): No inclusions visible, but some minor surface blemishes under 10x magnification.
  3. Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2): Tiny inclusions that are extremely hard to detect under 10x magnification.
  4. Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2): Minor inclusions visible under 10x magnification.
  5. Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2): Noticeable inclusions under 10x magnification and may be visible to the naked eye.
  6. Included (I1, I2, I3): Obvious inclusions that may affect transparency and brilliance.

VVS diamonds, being just one step below flawless, are the epitome of near perfection when it comes to clarity. They are perfect for individuals who want a diamond that looks flawless to the naked eye but may want to avoid paying the premium price of a completely flawless stone.

How Rare Are VVS Diamonds?

The rarity of VVS diamonds is another factor that makes them so desirable. Diamonds with such a high clarity grade are relatively uncommon, as most diamonds formed under intense pressure deep within the earth’s crust contain more inclusions and blemishes. In fact, only a small percentage of all diamonds mined around the world qualify as VVS.

This rarity drives up the value of VVS diamonds, particularly in larger carat sizes. The combination of clarity, carat weight, and color will significantly impact the final price of a VVS diamond. Because of their scarcity and visual appeal, VVS diamonds often command higher prices compared to diamonds with lower clarity grades.

How VVS Clarity Affects Diamond Pricing

One of the most important factors when purchasing a diamond is how the clarity impacts the price. While a flawless diamond commands the highest price, a VVS diamond offers a cost-effective alternative without a noticeable drop in visual quality, especially to the untrained eye.

When comparing diamonds with the same carat weight, cut, and color, a VVS diamond will generally cost less than a flawless (FL) or internally flawless (IF) diamond, but more than a diamond with a VS or SI clarity grade. This makes VVS diamonds an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality stone with the perfect balance of value and visual beauty.

However, it’s important to consider your personal preferences and budget when choosing a diamond. If you’re more concerned with having a larger carat weight or a higher-quality cut, you may decide to choose a diamond with a lower clarity grade, like VS or SI, to get more value for your money.

VVS Diamonds vs. Other Clarity Grades

When deciding between a VVS diamond and diamonds with other clarity grades, it's essential to understand how much of a difference the clarity makes in terms of appearance and price. Here’s a quick comparison of VVS diamonds with other clarity grades:

  • VVS vs. Flawless/Internally Flawless (FL/IF): While flawless diamonds are completely free of inclusions, VVS diamonds appear identical to the naked eye. The cost savings can be substantial, as FL and IF diamonds command a significant premium.

  • VVS vs. Very Slightly Included (VS): VS diamonds contain slightly larger or more noticeable inclusions than VVS diamonds, but they are still difficult to detect without magnification. The difference in price between VVS and VS diamonds is usually smaller than that between VVS and FL diamonds.

  • VVS vs. Slightly Included (SI): SI diamonds may contain inclusions that are visible to the naked eye, making them less visually appealing than VVS diamonds. However, SI diamonds are significantly more affordable.

Ultimately, the choice between a VVS diamond and other clarity grades depends on your priorities. If having a near-flawless appearance is important to you, a VVS diamond may be worth the investment. However, if you’re willing to compromise on clarity to prioritize other factors, you may be able to find a lower-clarity diamond that still meets your needs.

Tips for Choosing a VVS Diamond

If you’re considering purchasing a VVS diamond, here are a few tips to help you make the best decision:

  1. Always Buy Certified Diamonds: Ensure that the diamond you’re buying comes with certification from a reputable organization, such as the GIA or the American Gem Society (AGS). Certification guarantees that the diamond has been accurately graded based on the Four Cs.

  2. Consider the Cut Quality: Even though clarity is important, the cut of the diamond has the most significant impact on its overall sparkle and brilliance. A well-cut VVS diamond will shine beautifully and show off its clarity to the fullest.

  3. Set a Budget: VVS diamonds are highly valuable, so it’s important to set a budget and understand the trade-offs between clarity, carat weight, cut, and color. You may choose to prioritize one characteristic over another to get the best diamond within your price range.

  4. Think About the Setting: The right setting can enhance the beauty of a VVS diamond. For engagement rings, consider classic settings like solitaire or halo that allow the diamond to take center stage.

Conclusion

VVS diamonds offer a near-flawless clarity that ensures breathtaking brilliance and beauty. They are perfect for those who value a high clarity grade but don’t want to pay the premium for a flawless diamond. With their rarity and desirability, VVS diamonds remain a popular choice for engagement rings, earrings, necklaces, and other fine jewelry. By understanding how VVS diamonds are graded, their rarity, and how they compare to other clarity grades, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect diamond for your collection.

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