VS1 vs VVS2: How to Choose the Best Diamond Clarity for Your Ring?

When it comes to proposing to the love of your life, diamond rings are always the first preference. And why not – diamonds are indeed, the perfect expression of your love for the most special person in your life. When it comes to diamond rings, the first thing that crosses our minds is the budget, and your thought is justified, considering the exorbitant prices diamond rings are priced at.

But apart from the price of the ring, there’s another factor that you need to look into – the clarity of the diamond you’re considering purchasing. The clarity of the diamond is an essential aspect impacting its value, appearance, durability and brightness. Checking the clarity value is important – After all, you don’t want to end up with a sub-standard diamond after shelling out a bomb for it! So let’s find out more about two types of diamond clarity – VS1 vs VVS2 – and how it impacts diamond value.

What is Diamond Clarity?

Diamond clarity refers to the absence of flaws, inclusions, blemishes, or any other impurities in a diamond. These precious stones are graded according to the extent of clarity they display. The clarity scale of diamonds begins from Flawless, Very Very Slightly Included, Very Slightly Included, Slightly Included, and lastly, Included.

It’s unusual to find a perfectly flawless diamond, and it’s relatively easier to find diamonds with the VS1 and VVS2 clarity gradings. The clarity of diamonds is assessed by experienced gemologists under standard viewing conditions with 10x magnification. Both VS1 and VVS2-rated diamonds display different characteristics, so let’s find out more about them.

Is VS1 clarity good?

VS1 stands for ‘Very Slightly Included’ and diamonds with this clarity value have few inclusions. These inclusions may be visible at 10x magnification. A VS1 diamond may feature any of the different inclusions such as feather, etch channel, feather, internal graining, cavity, or twinning wisp.

The prime focus of the VS1 grade isn’t the number or types of inclusions present in the diamond – rather, the VS1 rating focuses on how the inclusions impact the appearance of the diamond. So for example, if a diamond has a number of inclusions, but if they have a minimal or negligent impact on the appearance of the diamond, it will still be given the VS1 grading by gemologists.

Is VVS2 clarity good?

VVS2 stands for ‘Very Very Slightly Included’ and diamonds in this category feature inclusions that are difficult to view and identify, even under magnification. Skilled gemologists often scan through the diamonds multiple times in order to locate the inclusions while grading diamonds.

Just like the VS1 grading, the VVS2 grading too is not related to the number or type of inclusions in the diamonds but is focused on the impact of these inclusions on the diamonds. In VVS2 graded diamonds, the most commonly found inclusions are feather, pinpoint, natural and cloud.

Diamond Clarity VS1 vs VVS2

The differences between VS1 and VVS2 diamonds are very minor. For both types of diamonds, careful observation and thorough analysis are expected from gemologists so that they are in a position to grade the diamonds accurately.

In VVS2 diamonds, the flaws are minor and are less visible under magnification, as compared to the VS1 diamonds. The extent of the impact on appearance (in both clarity grades) isn’t too vast either – despite this, when it comes to the value of diamonds, the VVS2 diamonds are more valuable than the VS1. But of course, the value of a diamond is not solely dependent on its clarity – there are other factors such as the colour, cut and carat of the diamond too, that have an impact on its price.

Which Is Better VS1 or VVS2?

Clarity-wise, both VS1 and VVS2 diamonds will appear the same with the naked eye. It’s only under magnification that you can notice the presence of any inclusions or flaws in them. Both types of diamonds are just as beautiful and brilliant in their appearance!

So now, which one to purchase totally depends on your priorities – are you looking for a diamond that has excellent clarity? Or are you looking for a stone that’s just as beautiful and fits your budget? Whatever you choose to go ahead with, do ensure you seek the assistance of an expert gemologist to help you determine the true value of your diamond.

Purchasing a diamond ring (for a loved one or for yourself) isn’t something you do often – so make sure you make a careful, informed decision when choosing which one to purchase! We hope our VS1 vs VVS2 points help you select the right precious stone!