VVS1 Diamond Clarity: Everything You Need to Know

• What to look for when choosing VVS1 diamond clarity
• What’s the difference between VVS1 diamonds and VVS2 diamonds?
• How much should you pay for a VVS1 clarity diamond?

What is a VVS1 Diamond Clarity Grade?

A VVS1 diamond clarity grade is a grade assigned to a diamond whose clarity is determined to be Very Very Slightly Included. The VVS1 diamond is the higher clarity grade in the VVS tier. VVS2 is the other VVS diamond clarity grade.

What Does VVS Diamond Clarity Mean?

If a diamond expert describes a diamond's clarity as VVS, it means that it is either a VVS1 diamond or a VVS2 diamond. VVS clarity stands for Very Very Slightly Included.

A Very Very Slightly included diamond may have very, very, slight inclusions or blemishes when viewed under magnification. Inclusions are your diamond's natural characteristics. There are many types of diamond inclusions and surface blemishes.

A diamond inclusion is a characteristic encased inside the diamond. It can also reach the surface from the inside. Blemishes are characteristics and irregularities that are on the surface of a diamond.

The Gemological institute of America (GIA) describes clarity grading as the assessment of the size, number, position, and color or relief in a gemstone. In this case, a diamond. VVS diamonds shouldn't have any visible inclusions to the naked eye. If they do, don't buy them!

VVS1 vs VVS2

The VVS clarity tier is divided up into two clarity grades, VVS1 diamonds and VVS2 diamonds. Many people want to know the difference between these clarity grades. The answer is not much.

The differences between a VVS1 diamond and VVS2 diamond is minimal. The average person wouldn't be able to tell them apart. Even the GIA has a master grading set they match diamonds to distinguish between VVS1 and VVS2 diamond grades.

The main similarities between a VVS1 diamond and VVS2 diamond are:

• Both grades are classified as an eye clean diamond (no visible inclusions to the naked eye)
• Both VVS1 diamonds and VVS2 diamonds are more expensive diamond clarity grades
• VVS1 diamonds and VVS2 diamonds may have very, very, slight pinpoints under 10x magnification

The main differences between a VVS1 diamond and VVS2 diamond are:

• A VVS1 diamond is in the top 1% of diamonds mined commercially, whereas a VVS2 diamond accounts for a little more than that.
• A VVS2 diamond is usually cheaper than a VVS1 diamond, assuming all other grades are the same.
• More people will be able to spot inclusions in a VVS2 diamond under magnification,

We delve more deeply into VVS1 vs VVS2 diamonds here.

VVS1 vs FL (Flawless) vs IF (Internally Flawless) Diamond

VVS diamonds, internally flawless diamonds (IF), and flawless diamonds (FL) are all eye clean clarity grades in the GIA's clarity scale. There's very little visible difference between these three diamond clarity grades, but there's a big difference in price.

Internally flawless diamonds are a clarity tier above a VVS1 diamond. Under magnification, internally flawless loose diamonds won't have tiny inclusions like VVS1 diamonds can. Usually, only an expert can distinguish internally flawless diamonds from flawless ones.

Below is a VVS1 clarity diamond, IF diamond, and F diamond. Though the flawless diamond has a higher color grade than the other two, you really can't tell the difference. This is at 40x magnification. 

Which diamond do you think is a better use of your money?

How Much Does a VVS1 Clarity Diamond Cost?

It can be difficult to determine what is a good price for a VVS1 clarity diamond. Diamond prices aren't reflected on clarity alone, but on a bunch of different factors. Diamond cut quality, color grades, carat weight, and diamond certification are just a few of the factors that can affect price.

A lab created VVS1 clarity diamond will usually cost between 20-40% less than a mined diamond with VVS1 clarity. The rarity isn't the same, but it has all the basic properties as a diamond unearthed from the ground.

A 1 carat mined VVS1 clarity diamond can range from around $10,000 to 50,0000, depending on other grades. A poorly cut VVS1 clarity diamond may be cheaper, but it may lack the brilliance and beauty of a well cut diamond, thus making your purchase kind of pointless. Nobody's going to notice that VVS1 clarity you spent money on if your diamond looks gray and dull, right?

Should You Buy a VVS1 Clarity Diamond?

Since you've come to an expert, you're obviously wondering if you need or should buy a VVS1 clarity diamond.

Only you can decide if a VVS1 clarity diamond can work for your engagement ring budget and situation. Some people value the rarity of flawless diamonds over a VVS1 clarity diamond and that's totally okay. If you want it, flaunt it.

But do you need to to have a VVS1 clarity diamond in order to have a good quality diamond?

No.

If you're wanting a diamond for its rarity, then buying a VVS diamond is the way to go. But if you want your clarity grade to be good enough to show a diamond's beauty, you don't have to buy VVS1 diamonds to do it.

The diamond community agrees that Very Slightly Included tier is a good minimum clarity grade. The inclusions tend to be more noticeable under magnification, but the tiny imperfections can't be seen with the naked eye.

There's no type of inclusions found in VS1 or VS2 diamonds that can affect its light performance or overall appearance. The only difference between a VVS1 clarity and a VS1 clarity diamond grade is the price and the way it may look under magnification. Both grades on the clarity scale are considered to be eye clean.

The average customer could look at a VS2 diamond ring and a VVS1 clarity diamond ring and it'd be extremely difficult for them to tell the difference between the two clarity grades.

But if I were to show you the price of a VS2 diamond compared to a VVS1 clarity diamond with similar grades, the price difference of the two engagement rings would be very noticeable.

Don't believe me? Check it out below:

This VS2 Diamond has a small inclusion on its table, as well as two inclusions seen from the underside. Keep in mind this is at 40x magnification, not 10x, like diamond clarity is usually graded.

There's nothing wrong with buying an engagement ring with VVS1 diamond clarity. Just make sure that you aren't prioritizing a high clarity grade over other factors like diamond cut quality. Your diamond grades should be a nice balance in order to make the most of your diamond engagement ring and budget.

How to Pick a VVS1 Diamond

So your heart is set on buying a VVS1 clarity diamond. Here's how I would pick the best one out of all the diamonds in an inventory.

1. Shop online. Brick and mortar chain jewelry stores don't tend to have thousands of loose diamonds in their cases to show you at any given moment. Online diamond retailers do.
2. I keep in mind that clarity grades need to be higher if I'm choosing loose diamonds with high carat weights. For example, a 1-carat diamond with VVS1 clarity may look much different than a 4-carat diamond with VVS1 clarity. Tiny crystals and inclusions in a one carat diamond would look slightly more prominent in a 4 carat diamond when compared.
3. I don't sacrifice diamond cut quality. The cut quality has a direct effect on the light performance and beauty of your diamond. A well-cut diamond ring will reflect the clarity of a VVS1 diamond. For round diamonds, I only recommend choosing a VVS1 diamond with a good cut, very good cut, or ideal cut. Personally, I wouldn't go below an ideal cut diamond. But that's just me.
   If I'm choosing a fancy diamond shape (shapes besides round cut), I go with the approximate proportions for that particular diamond shape.
4. I utilize comparison tools from different diamond retailers. This allows me to narrow down diamond grades easily. The filter tools are great to select your VVS1 clarity and any other grades for your diamond, like color and carat weight.

If you decide to purchase both a VVS1 clarity diamond and an engagement ring setting from the same retailer, make sure to check out any service warranties, diamond upgrades, and return policies and procedures. Always buy from a reputable retailer and DO NOT buy uncertified VVS1 diamonds.

Where to Buy a VVS1 Diamond

Wondering where you should buy or look for VVS1 diamonds from? Lucky for you, we've got another article specifically for the Best Places to Buy VVS diamonds online. This guide will help you get the best value when choosing a VVS1 clarity diamond. It'll also give you a few tips and trick to use to save you some money too.

VVS1 Clarity Diamond FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about VVS1 clarity diamonds.

How rare are VVS1 diamonds?

VVS1 diamonds are considered rare and are only found in a small percentage of all diamonds mined. While they're not as rare as Flawless or Internally Flawless diamonds, they're still highly sought after for their beauty and rarity.

How does the clarity grade affect the value of a VVS1 diamond?

A diamond's clarity grade can have a significant impact on its value. VVS1 diamonds are considered high-quality and valuable, but their value can vary depending on other factors such as carat weight, cut, and color.

Are VVS1 diamonds a good choice for engagement rings?

Yes, VVS1 diamonds are an excellent choice for engagement rings because of their high clarity grade, which ensures that the diamond will sparkle brilliantly. They're also considered a symbol of luxury and quality.

How can I ensure that I'm buying a genuine VVS1 diamond?

To ensure that you're buying a genuine VVS1 diamond, look for diamonds that come with a reputable grading report from a third-party organization such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Additionally, work with a trusted and reputable jeweler who can provide you with the necessary information and guidance.