Want to know how VVS2 vs VVS1 Diamonds match up when pitted against each other?
I can help you with that. In this comparison guide, I'll show you the similarities and differences between the VVS Clarity Grades as well as answer these questions and more:
- Is there a big difference between VVS1 diamonds and VVS2 diamonds?
- Why are VVS lab diamonds less expensive?
- Are VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds worth investing in?
Main Differences between VVS2 vs VVS1 Diamond Clarity
- VVS1 diamonds are rarer, whereas VVS2 diamonds are less rare.
- VVS1 diamonds usually costs more, whereas VVS2 diamonds generally cost less.
- VVS1 diamonds don’t have inclusions under 10x magnification, whereas VVS2 diamonds do.
Mined VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds are more expensive, whereas VVS1 and VVS2 lab grown diamonds can be 20-40% less expensive with compromising durability.
What Does VVS Clarity Mean?
VVS diamond clarity means that a diamond’s clarity has been graded as Very Very Slightly Included. The VVS clarity tier consists of two diamond grades: VVS1 and VVS2 clarity grades.
Diamond clarity grades are determined by a gemological grading laboratory. Scientists have assessed the diamond’s natural characteristics and graded them according to the standard clarity grading scale put forth by the Gemological Institute of America.
There aren’t any major differences between a VVS1 diamond and a VVS2 diamond. But they’re not completely indifferent either.
VVS2 vs VVS1: Visual Differences
It’s extremely difficult for a customer to point out a VVS1 or VVS2 diamond from one another. In fact, it’s hard for most diamond graders to tell them apart.
At the GIA, there’s a master set of diamonds each with the proper clarity grades. Graders have to match incoming diamonds to the master set in order to ensure accuracy and consistency of diamond grades of incoming diamonds. Then they assign a clarity grade on their gemological reports. This process is also the same when determining the color grades of VVS diamonds.
With the naked eye, there’s no visual difference between VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds. Assuming all other diamond grades are the same. Both a VVS1 and VVS2 diamond are considered to be an eye clean diamond clarity grade.
VVS2 Cushion Cut Diamond at 40 Magnification
VVS2 Radiant Diamond at 40x magnification
Beyond 10x magnification, you may notice the difference. A VVS2 diamond is more likely to have tiny inclusions under magnification. The placement of tiny inclusions in VVS2 diamonds are random and may be more noticeable than others. But remember, just because it’s under magnification, doesn’t mean that’s what it looks like down there on your hand.
You may see very, very slight inclusions in a VVS1 diamond when looking past 10x magnification. VVS1 diamonds are very rare, as it's the last clarity grade before internally flawless diamonds and flawless diamonds.
And just because VVS2 inclusions can be seen under 10x magnification, doesn’t mean they impact your diamond at all. Inclusions at this high clarity level doesn’t impact durability or beauty.
Other than the appearance of inclusions under magnification, VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds basically look the same. Telling one apart from the other is a guess for most consumers.
VVS2 vs VVS1: Value and Resale
A VVS1 diamond is considered to be rarer than a VVS2 diamond. Under 2% of diamonds graded by the GIA are given VVS diamond clarity.
However, don’t expect the value of a VVS1 diamond to always be higher than all VVS2 diamonds. The value of a diamond is more than just its clarity. There are many factors that go into determining the price and value of all VVS diamonds.
A lot of people think the price comparison is accurate as long as you’re comparing diamonds whose clarity, color grade, and carat weight. While these are some of the biggest quality factors in diamonds, there’s other quality factors that matter too like:
- Diamond Shape
- Certified Diamonds vs Uncertified Diamonds
- Certifying Grading Lab
- Brands
- Retailer
- Lab Grown Diamonds vs Mined Diamonds
- Specialty Cuts
- Colorless vs Fancy Color Diamonds
- Proportions
- Fluorescence
- Treatment
Now we know it's sort of impossible to accurately measure each VVS diamond from another according to all of these quality factors. It’s best to start with general grades found in the diamond filters of your online retailer.
As you start narrowing your VVS diamonds down, you’ll be able to compare the other diamond specifics in the description.
Diamond prices aren't an exact science. Value and prices of diamonds can fluctuate based on availability and demand.
Some people want to invest in diamonds and think high clarity grades like VVS diamonds is the way to do so. While VVS clarity is rare, all other grades have to be superior at a large carat weight in order to make big bucks.
Diamonds aren’t worth investing in. And as far as resale value, you’d have to discount your diamond greatly in order for others to buy it through various resale marketplaces. The diamonds that are worth investing in often cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and are sold at luxury auction houses like Christie’s or Sotheby’s. These are often pieces with fancy color diamonds.
Fancy Pink Diamonds are Rare and Worth investing in
Fancy Blue Diamonds are Extremely Rare in Saturation
And remember, though the chemical structure, visibility, and durability of VVS lab diamonds is the same as mined ones, they aren’t always valued the same. Diamond upgrades, resale, and pawn shops may or may not apply to lab grown diamonds. Very few places allowed them, but more places do now.
VVS2 Diamond vs VVS1: Price Difference
You already know that the price of VVS2 and VVS1 diamonds varies according to the other diamond details. Assuming that all other diamond specifics are similar, you can see the price difference between a VVS2 diamond and VVS1 diamond ranges from $100-800 difference. The same goes for a VVS1 lab diamond vs a VVS2 mined diamond.
When comparing a VVS1 mined diamond to a VVS1 lab created diamond, you can expect lab diamonds to be 20-40% less expensive. The same is assumed for a lab grown VVS2 diamond vs a mined VVS2 diamond.
If you'd like to dive deeper into the world of diamond clarity grades, check our guides in these topics
Which is Better: VVS1 Diamonds or VVS2 Diamonds?
At the end of a day, a diamond with VVS1 clarity is going to be technically “better” and more valuable than a VVS2 clarity diamond of similar quality.
But as an objective and informative party, I don’t think either of them are the better clarity grade to choose, unless you’re looking at fancy shape diamonds in larger carat weights.
The average diamond carat weight purchased lies somewhere between 1-2 carats. On average, you shouldn’t notice VVS or VS clarity diamond inclusions at this size and distance from your hand.
But the price difference between a VS1 diamond and a VVS1 diamond can be around $1000 (assuming other factors are similar).
So once again, I ask you:
Why pay more for something you or the people looking at your ring can’t see anyway. Is the inclusion difference under magnification worth the $1000 dollar difference? Only you can answer that.
If you’ve decided you'd like to get your hands some of this bling anyway, here's where you can buy VVS diamonds.
