What is a VVS Diamond and are they worth the price?

What does VVS mean, anyway?

Sweet sweet perfection. Just shy of the Flawless and Internally Flawless grades, VVS diamonds are basically flawless with a few pinpoints thrown in in nondescript locations. They are one of the highest and most expensive diamond clarity grades.

They are significantly less expensive than flawless and internally flawless diamonds and look identical to the naked eye.

Ok, but let’s be serious for a second

Technical speaking, VVS stands for very very slightly included. That means a VVS diamond only has a tiny number of microscopic inclusions that are difficult to see under 10x magnification. The category is subdivided into VVS1 and VVS2, which are the third and fourth-best clarity grades. A VVS diamond will only have inclusions that impact neither the appearance nor the structure of the stone. They’re there, but they might as well not be. 

While many people refer to the category as a group — the VV’s — there are subtle differences between VVS1 and VVS2 for good reason. VVS1 diamonds generally have inclusions on the bottom for the diamonds or the pavilion, while VVS2 diamonds have inclusions located on the top of the diamond or the crown. Regardless of where they’re located, they’re still very (very) difficult to see with magnification, and impossible to see with the naked eye.

The type of inclusions in any VVS diamond will always be inconsequential things like pinpoints, clouds, internal graining or feathers.

Local and luxury jewelers love VVS diamonds because they’re a level of quality that anyone can brag about, without the price tag of the flawless diamonds. But does that does mean you should splurge for one? Maybe.

Here’s why you might want one.

You’re busy

VVS diamonds are easy to shop. That’s because they are always eye clean. 100% of the time. If you’re buying a VVS diamond over the internet there will not be inclusions visible with super 10x magnification minimum. And even then they will be hard to see. This is true if it’s a round or an emerald or an Asscher. We’d bet money on it.

Buying a VVS diamond means you don’t have to spend time sifting through certs in search of a deal on a lower clarity diamond that has an inclusion in just the right location. VVS diamonds are all eye-clean. Don’t believe us, check out our head to head match up of common clarity grades.

You’re shopping steps

If you’re shopping for an emerald or an Asscher you’ll want to take a look at the VS2 — VVS1 range. Inclusions are easier to spot in step cut diamonds, and the bigger the diamond the more visible the inclusions will be.

You’re buying a 3 + carat diamond

Again, the bigger the diamond the more visible the inclusions. While a 3 carat VS2 round brilliant can be eye-clean, it also might not be.

Shopping for a VVS diamond eliminates the need to review the certificate, or, if it’s a round diamond, see it in person.

You can’t stand the idea of imperfection

Buying a diamond is part art, part science. Some people don’t like the idea that their diamond has inclusions and internal flaws, and that’s OK. It’s up to you how you want to balance your budget, and if proposing with an internally flawless diamond helps you sleep at night, you’re not alone. Going with an internally flawless diamond makes quite the statement.

You’re in a hurry to propose

VVS diamonds are perfect for speedy shoppers who don’t want to pour over a bunch of diamond certificates or talk to a salesperson for guidance. You can’t go wrong.

You will pay more for the higher clarity grade, but you’re also not going to waste hours (if not days) researching and evaluating diamonds only to risk choosing one that has a big spot in the middle of the diamond.

Do VVS diamonds look different than VS diamonds?

Not really. While the price tag between a VS and a VVS diamond can vary by thousands of dollars, the look doesn’t really change that much unless you’re under the microscope.

Does a VVS diamond sparkle more?

No. VVS is a measure of clarity, not sparkle. The diamond’s cut determines how it sparkles. While inclusions can impact sparkle if they obstruct the light, this really only occurs in very low clarity diamonds with very large inclusions.

How can I be sure my diamond is eye clean if it’s not VVS?

1. Get a video and zoom out

Magnified videos are helpful for understanding what inclusions look like, and where they’re located. They’re also good at up-selling diamond clarity. Remember, those videos are at a 40x – 60x magnification. So, how do you know if those icky inclusions are going to be visible at scale?

Zoom out. Seriously. Use the zoom controls on your keyboard until the diamond is at or near its actual size. Can you see the inclusions now? No? Success! Still unsure? Ask us to have the stone sent to us for an in-person review. We’ll make videos in different lighting conditions pre-purchase, and make sure it’s a stunner.