If you’re comparing clarity grades and pricing, our in‑depth diamond buying guide provides essential context on how clarity, color, and certification work together.
Same specs, different sparkle—cut quality makes the real difference.
VVS diamonds sit near the top of the clarity scale, just below Flawless and Internally Flawless grades. The “Very Very Slightly Included” designation means these diamonds contain minute inclusions that challenge even trained gemologists to locate under 10x magnification.
But does VVS clarity actually matter for your engagement ring? Should you pay premium prices for characteristics invisible to the naked eye? Understanding what VVS truly means helps you decide whether this grade deserves your budget or whether lower grades deliver identical visual results at better prices.
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Juli “Jewels” Church, Certified Diamondologist at LearningJewelry.com, provides perspective: “VVS diamonds represent exceptional clarity, no question. But exceptional and necessary are different things. Most buyers cannot distinguish VVS from VS clarity without laboratory equipment. The premium you pay purchases invisible perfection rather than visible beauty.”
What Is VVS Diamond Clarity?
VVS diamond clarity indicates a diamond graded “Very Very Slightly Included” according to the Gemological Institute of America’s clarity scale. The GIA established this grading system as the universal standard for evaluating diamond quality.
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The complete GIA clarity scale includes:
| Grade | Name | Description |
| FL | Flawless | No inclusions or blemishes at 10x magnification |
| IF | Internally Flawless | No inclusions, minor surface blemishes only |
| VVS1-VVS2 | Very Very Slightly Included | Minute inclusions are extremely difficult to see at 10x |
| VS1-VS2 | Very Slightly Included | Minor inclusions are difficult to see at 10x |
| SI1-SI2 | Slightly Included | Noticeable inclusions at 10x may be visible to the eye |
| I1-I2-I3 | Included | Obvious inclusions visible to the naked eye |
For a complete breakdown of each grade with visual examples, see our Diamond Clarity Chart Explained guide.
According to the GIA, only about 5% of diamonds they grade achieve VVS clarity. This rarity, combined with the near-flawless appearance, drives premium pricing for VVS stones.
Understanding VVS Inclusions
When gemologists grade diamond clarity, they assess inclusions and blemishes based on size, number, position, nature, and relief (how visible they appear against the diamond background).
VVS diamonds contain inclusions so minute that they prove difficult to locate even under standard 10x magnification. Common VVS inclusion types include:
- Pinpoints: Microscopic crystals appearing as tiny specks
- Needles: Thin, elongated crystal inclusions
- Internal graining: Subtle growth irregularities
- Minor feathers: Tiny internal fractures
These characteristics pose no durability concerns. Unlike inclusions in lower clarity grades that might reach surfaces or create weak points, VVS inclusions remain too small and too isolated to affect diamond integrity.
All VVS diamonds qualify as “eye-clean”, meaning inclusions cannot be detected without magnification during normal observation.
VVS1 vs VVS2: The Two VVS Grades
The VVS tier contains two grades with subtle but meaningful distinctions.
VVS1 Diamonds
VVS1 diamonds represent the higher VVS grade. Inclusions in VVS1 stones prove extremely difficult to locate even under 10x magnification, often requiring examination from the pavilion (bottom) side rather than the crown (top).
Many gemologists need extended time and multiple viewing angles to identify VVS1 inclusions. Some VVS1 diamonds appear virtually flawless under standard examination.
VVS2 Diamonds
VVS2 diamonds contain slightly more visible inclusions than VVS1, though still extremely minor. A trained grader can typically locate VVS2 inclusions under 10x magnification from the crown side, though average observers would still struggle.
Comparing VVS1 and VVS2
| Factor | VVS1 | VVS2 |
| Inclusion Visibility at 10x | Extremely difficult to see | Very difficult to see |
| Typical Inclusion Location | Often pavilion-side only | Maybe crown-side visible |
| Eye-Clean Status | Always | Always |
| Relative Rarity | More rare | Slightly less rare |
| Price Premium | Higher | Lower |
| Practical Difference | None visible | None visible |
For a detailed comparison, see our VVS1 vs VVS2 guide.
The price difference between VVS1 and VVS2 can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on carat weight. Yet both grades appear identical to the naked eye and even under casual magnified inspection.
VVS Diamonds vs VS Diamonds
The comparison between VVS and VS clarity grades matters most for practical buying decisions.
Both VVS and VS diamonds are considered eye-clean. Both appear flawless during normal wear. The distinction exists primarily under laboratory magnification.
| Factor | VVS Clarity | VS Clarity |
| Eye-Clean | Always | Always (VS2 guaranteed) |
| Inclusions at 10x | Very difficult to find | Somewhat easy to find |
| Inclusion Types | Pinpoints, minor features | Small crystals, feathers |
| Price Range (1ct) | $5,000-$15,000+ | $3,500-$10,000+ |
| Value Proposition | Premium for rarity | Excellent balance |
| Practical Appearance | Flawless to the eye | Flawless to the eye |
A VS2 diamond may contain inclusions more readily visible under magnification, perhaps a small crystal or feather. But during daily wear, nobody examines engagement rings under 10x magnification. The visual difference between a VVS2 and VS2 diamond on someone’s finger: none.
A closer look at brilliance—where setting meets sparkle.
The price difference between comparable VVS and VS diamonds often reaches $1,000-$3,000 or more. That budget could upgrade carat weight, cut quality, or color grade, characteristics that actually affect visible appearance.
VVS vs Flawless and Internally Flawless
VVS diamonds rank just below the top clarity grades, with meaningful price implications.
| Grade | GIA Frequency | Price Premium vs VVS |
| Flawless (FL) | Less than 0.1% | +30-50% or more |
| Internally Flawless (IF) | Less than 1% | +15-25% |
| VVS1 | ~2% | Baseline comparison |
| VVS2 | ~3% | -5-10% vs VVS1 |
Flawless diamonds contain absolutely no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification, exceptionally rare and priced accordingly. The jump from VVS to FL can add tens of thousands of dollars for high-quality stones.
For most buyers, the premium for FL or IF over VVS purchases characteristics distinguishable only in laboratory reports, not on fingers.
How Much Do VVS Diamonds Cost?
VVS diamond pricing depends on the complete quality picture, cut, color, carat weight, and specific clarity grade, all contribute.
General VVS Price Ranges
| Carat Weight | VVS2 Range | VVS1 Range |
| 0.50ct | $1,200-$2,500 | $1,400-$3,000 |
| 1.00ct | $4,500-$9,000 | $5,500-$12,000 |
| 1.50ct | $8,000-$18,000 | $10,000-$22,000 |
| 2.00ct | $15,000-$35,000 | $18,000-$45,000 |
These ranges assume good to excellent cut quality and G-H color. D-E color or exceptional cut grades push prices higher. Lower color grades reduce pricing.
Lab Grown VVS Diamonds
Lab-grown VVS diamonds offer 60-80% savings versus mined equivalents. A 1-carat lab-grown VVS diamond might cost $1,500-$3,000 compared to $5,000-$12,000 for a natural.
Lab diamonds possess identical optical, chemical, and physical properties to mined diamonds. The VVS clarity grade means the same thing regardless of origin; minute inclusions are difficult to detect under magnification.
Is VVS Clarity Necessary?
VVS clarity represents excellent quality, that fact stands undisputed. The question is whether excellent translates to necessary for your purchase.
When VVS Makes Sense
- Budget comfortably accommodates VVS without sacrificing other qualities
- Top-tier documentation matters for investment or resale purposes
- Personal satisfaction from knowing you own a near-flawless quality
- Purchasing very large diamonds where any inclusion might become more visible
When Lower Clarity Delivers Equal Results
- Budget constraints require trade-offs between quality factors
- Practical appearance matters more than laboratory specifications
- The maximum carat weight within budget represents your priority
- The ring setting will hide potential inclusions anyway
The honest assessment: VS clarity diamonds appear identical to VVS during normal wear. The premium for VVS purchases invisible characteristics and documentation rather than visible improvement.
For engagement rings worn daily and admired at normal distances, VS1 or VS2 clarity delivers the same eye-clean beauty as VVS at significantly lower cost.
Case Study: David’s VVS Decision
David, a 34-year-old attorney from Boston, carefully evaluated his clarity options:
“My initial budget was $15,000 for the center diamond. I assumed higher clarity meant better, so I started looking at VVS1 options around 1.10 carats with G color.
Then I spent time actually comparing diamonds at James Allen. I examined VVS1 and VS2 stones side by side using their 360° imaging at 40x magnification. Even under extreme magnification, both diamonds looked beautiful.
Here was my actual comparison:
VVS1 Option: 1.08ct, G color, Excellent cut, $14,200
VS2 Option: 1.31ct, G color, Excellent cut, $13,800
The VS2 diamond showed a tiny inclusion under magnification that I could barely locate, even when actively searching. At normal viewing? Completely invisible.
I chose the 1.31ct VS2. The size difference between 1.08ct and 1.31ct is immediately noticeable. The clarity difference between VVS1 and VS2 is not noticeable at all without magnification.
My fiancée constantly receives compliments on her ring. Nobody has ever asked about clarity grade. Everyone notices the impressive size. Choosing VS2 over VVS1 saved money while delivering a larger, more impressive diamond.”
Design your perfect ring—your diamond, your setting, your way.
Video Resource
For visual comparison of VVS clarity diamonds:
[Embed YouTube Video: “VVS Diamond Clarity Explained” or similar educational content]
Where to Buy VVS Diamonds
Reputable retailers offer certified VVS diamonds with detailed imagery for informed purchasing.
James Allen: Extensive VVS inventory with 360° HD imaging showing actual diamond appearance. Non-commissioned gemologists provide guidance. Competitive pricing with 30-day returns.
Blue Nile: Large VVS selection with educational resources. Strong reputation and reliable certification.
Brilliant Earth: VVS options emphasizing ethical sourcing. Both natural and lab-grown selections.
Video Resource
For visual comparison of VVS clarity diamonds:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VVS mean in diamonds?
VVS stands for “Very Very Slightly Included.” This clarity grade indicates diamonds containing minute inclusions extremely difficult to see under 10x magnification. VVS diamonds always appear eye-clean and rank among the highest clarity grades available.
Is VVS clarity worth the extra money?
For most buyers, no. VVS clarity provides invisible improvements over VS clarity; both grades appear identical without magnification. The premium purchases documentation and rarity rather than a visible quality difference. VS clarity offers better value for practical purposes.
Can you see inclusions in VVS diamonds?
Not without magnification. VVS inclusions prove difficult to locate even under 10x magnification by trained gemologists. During normal wear and observation, VVS diamonds appear completely flawless.
What is the difference between VVS1 and VVS2?
VVS1 inclusions are slightly more difficult to detect than VVS2 inclusions under magnification. VVS1 often requires pavilion-side examination, while VVS2 may show crown-side under careful inspection. Both appear identical to the naked eye.
Is VVS better than VS clarity?
VVS ranks higher on the clarity scale than VS. However, “better” depends on the definition. Both grades produce eye-clean diamonds. VVS costs significantly more for differences visible only under laboratory magnification. For practical purposes, VS delivers equal visible quality at a lower cost.
Are VVS diamonds rare?
Yes, approximately 5% of diamonds graded by GIA achieve VVS clarity. Flawless and Internally Flawless grades are rarer still, but VVS represents uncommon quality among gem-quality diamonds.
To see how clarity fits into the bigger picture of diamond selection, revisit our diamond buying guide and compare all quality factors side by side.
