As you search for that perfect diamond, you’ve probably encountered some terms referring to cuts, colors, and clarity, such as VS1 or VS2. Surely you want to find out exactly what these terms mean so you can make sure you spend your money on the right jewelry.
That is where we can help! In this article we are going to talk about VSS diamonds and answer the commonly asked question “Are VSS Diamonds Real?”.
What Is A VVS Diamond?
Diamonds categorized as VVS are visually flawless or eye clean, but that does not mean they are perfect. VVS diamonds may look flawless to the naked eye but they actually have microscopic imperfections.
“VVS” stands for “very, very slightly included”. Included are natural flaws that affect the value of a diamond. In terms of value and price, VVS diamonds still rank second only to the flawless and internally flawless grades of diamonds. VVS diamonds have small inclusions, sometimes insignificant, such as pinpoints, clouds, graining, or feathers.
Is A VSS Diamond Real?
The answer is yes, VSS diamonds are real diamonds. These diamonds are not only real, but they have one of the best clarity grades that you can get on the market today. The clarity of VSS diamonds are only second to FL and IF diamonds.
What Are Diamond Clarity Grades?
In diamond buying, one of the four Cs is clarity, which measures a stone’s purity by measuring its inclusions from flawless to heavily included. In addition to size, position, color, and quantity of a stone’s imperfections, jewelers must also examine each stone’s clarity under a 10x magnifying glass. Clarity Grade Charts show the resulting categories.
Diamond Clarity Grade Chart
Here are the different clarity grades for diamonds to keep in mind when looking for a diamond:
- FL (flawless): designation represents a stone that has no inclusions or blemishes. These diamonds are very rare, making up less than half of all diamonds on Earth.
- IF (Internally Flawless): IF have no visible flaws beyond their eye-cleanness but may have excessive facets or graining on their surfaces.
- VVS1 (Very, Very Slightly Included): These diamonds typically have very small inclusions at the edge of the stone or in the pavilion.
- VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included): These are similar to VVS1 diamonds, but with a slightly greater amount of inclusions. In most cases, microstructure flaws tend to occur close to the center of the diamond.
- VS1 (Very Slightly Included): As the name implies, these diamonds have very subtle inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye.
- VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Will have more or wider flaws than a diamond with VS1 clarity. It is impossible to see most of these flaws with the naked eye.
- SI1 (Slightly Included): In SI1 diamonds, there are inclusions that you may see even without a magnifying glass.
- SI2 (Slightly Included): SI2 diamonds are going to have larger and more obvious inclusions than the SI1.
- I1 (Included): The I1 diamonds generally have cloudy,more visually flawed, and have a reduced sparkle and value.
- Inclusion (I2): As expected, I2 diamonds should have more inclusions than I1 diamonds and fewer inclusions than I3 diamonds. But all will have very visible inclusions.
- I3 (Included): I3 diamonds typically have the most inclusions of any diamond grade, which typically results in the cheapest diamond price.
What Is The Difference Between VVS1 and VVS2?
Now that we have learned what diamond clarity is, we need to understand how VVS1 and VVS2 differ. The first thing you need to know is that every VVS diamond falls into one of two categories: VVS1 and VVS2. While these diamonds are very similar they differ in the location of inclusions and their price.
Location Of Inclusions
Although a VVS1 diamond is technically superior to VVS2, imperfections are difficult to detect with both. Diamonds with VVS1 clarity have inclusions in the pavilion, or lower half, which are very difficult to see with the naked eye.
Diamonds with VVS2 clarity have inclusions on the “top half” or crown of the diamond, but they are still very difficult to see.
Price
Price-wise, VVS1 diamonds tend to be more expensive than VVS2 diamonds, but up close, the difference between the two is just the slightest.
How To Find The Right Diamond
The best way to find the right diamond for you is to learn all of the basics of diamonds so that you understand what each of the terms mean and if you are getting a good deal or not. With that being said, we always recommend that you start by shopping online to get an idea of what you are looking for. Once you have done that, speak with lots of jewelry experts in your area to find the right jeweler who can source or create the perfect diamond ring for you.