If you are on the hunt for a piece of jewelry or a loose diamond, you might have heard the term VVS diamond. But what does it mean? Don’t worry, the experts at Ultimate Jewelry Guide are here to help!
In this blog post we will walk you through everything that you need to know about VVS Diamonds.
What Are VVS Diamonds?
Inclusions that are difficult to see under 10x magnification are considered very, very slightly included diamonds (or VVS1). VVS1 is the highest grade, with diamonds ranging from 1-3.
A diamond that falls into the VS range has inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye and are difficult to discern even at 10x magnification.
What Does VVS Mean?
Diamonds in the VVS clarity grade are one of the most expensive and finest grades of clarity available. Diamonds with VVS are essentially flawless diamonds, but have a few pinpoint inclusions. This means that these diamonds appear to be flawless to the naked eye but these small inclusions are visible under magnification.
However, they are significantly less expensive than flawless (FL) and internally flawless (IF) diamonds which leads them to be very popular to those who are looking to get the best deal possible.
What Are Inclusions?
Inclusions, also known as “Diamond Characteristics” are naturally occurring flaws in the diamond. There are many types of inclusion, each with their own characteristics. Some of these inclusions may even require expert examination to be identified.
Can You See Inclusions In A Diamond?
An inclusion will be more obvious in a diamond if it is found in the center or on the table.
Without magnification, certain inclusions can be clearly seen in some diamonds. Although there are many diamonds with inclusions that are “eye clean,” meaning no inclusions are visible without a 30X magnification.
Types Of Diamond Inclusions
Listed below are the most common types of diamond inclusions:
| Pinpoint | These inclusions are very tiny crystals that are black and white. |
| Natural | Essentially, this is the unpolished portion of a diamond that has not been affected by polishing. |
| Internal Graining | Due to uneven crystal growth, it results in weak lines that seem milky and foggy. |
| Taint Clouds | The taint cloud consists of a group of small pinpoints inside the diamond. As a result of the cloud taint, a diamond may appear hazy. |
| Feather | Diamond feathers refer to a minor break-in of the stone that may compromise the durability of the stone. |
| Chip | A chip is typically found on the girdle and is the result of an accidental hit. |
Diamond Clarity Chart:
When graded by an expert gemologist, all diamonds fall into one of these categories:
| FL (Flawless) | No visible inclusions from the naked eye or under 10x magnification. |
| IF (Internally Flawless) | Under 10x magnification, they have no visible inclusions, but they may still have graining or polish marks. |
| VVS & VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included) | Under 10x magnification, skilled gemologists can see inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye. |
| VS1 & VS2 (Very Slightly Included) | Trained diamond graders will be able to easily see inclusions at 10x magnification. |
| SI1 and SI2 (Slightly Included) | Inclusions are noticeable by anyone at 10x magnification. |
| I1, I2, & I3 (Included) | Numerous inclusions visible with the naked eye and under 10x magnification. |
Are VVS Diamonds Real?
Yes, VVS diamonds are real! If you have been shopping for a loose diamond or diamond jewelry for any amount of time then probably understand the 4 C’s which are critical to getting the perfect diamond.
Diamonds with VVS status simply mean that they have a few natural inclusions and are genuine diamonds.
VVS1 vs. VVS2 Diamonds
Location Of Inclusions
There are two types of VVS diamonds, VVS1 and VVS2. There is no difference between the two, other than the location and size of inclusions. Technically, VVS1 is better than VVS2 because their imperfections are harder to notice, but both have hard-to-see imperfections.
The reason why Inclusions in VVS1 diamond inclusions are harder to notice is that they occur on the pavilion or bottom half of a diamond. While VVS2 diamonds have inclusions that are on the crown or “top half” of a diamond.
Price
Besides having inclusions in different parts of the diamond, VVS1 diamonds are usually more expensive because their inclusions are less noticeable because of where they are.
But if you are not a jeweler or certified gemologist, you will not be able to see any noticeable difference. So in reality, the VVS2 diamonds are the better deal if you do not plan to look at your diamond under a microscope.
Why Should You Buy A VVS Diamond?
A VVS diamond is a great choice for anyone who is looking for a stunning diamond but wants to save a few dollars. This is because VVS diamonds will look perfect to the naked eye even though they have real inclusions that are visible with a microscope. Due to these inclusions, the VVS diamond will be much cheaper than an IF or FL diamond.
Then you can take the savings from your VVS diamond and get the love of your life a diamond with a larger carat.
Where To Purchase VVS Diamonds?
Purchasing a VVS diamond should not be too tricky. Most jewelers whether they are local or a large chain such as a Blue Nile or Kay’s Jewelers should be able to get you a stunning VVS diamond.
But if you are looking for a VVS diamond at the best price, try shopping around to different jewelry stores in your area to see who can get you the best price and if their diamonds are GIA certified.
If you cannot find someone locally who can source you a VVS diamond, then try looking online. There are plenty of diamond dealers who will be able to sell you a VVS diamond from the comfort of your home.