VS vs VVS Diamonds: What Is the Difference?

VS stands for Very Slightly Included. VVS stands for Very Very Slightly Included. Each category contains two grades: VS1 and VS2, and VVS1 and VVS2.

Clarity assessment considers internal characteristics called inclusions and surface characteristics called blemishes. Their visibility, size, location, number and nature contribute to the assessment. GIA’s diamond clarity guidance.

The following table runs from higher to lower clarity within these four grades. All descriptions refer to examination by a skilled grader at 10× magnification.

GIA distinguishes these grades through the visibility of the characteristics under standard magnification. The numbers do not represent a fixed number of inclusions. GIA’s explanation of the four grades.

For the relationship between clarity and the other quality factors, visit our Diamond 4Cs guide.

Many VS and VVS diamonds have no inclusions apparent during ordinary viewing. However, whether someone can see a characteristic depends on the individual diamond, their eyesight, viewing distance, direction and lighting. IGI’s explanation of eye-clean assessment.

“Eye-clean” describes an observation under particular conditions. It is separate from the laboratory clarity grade, which is assessed using magnification.

If a seller describes a stone as eye-clean, ask how it was examined. Establish whether the description applies when looking down through the top of the diamond, from the side or from both directions.

For an online purchase, request imagery of the actual stone. Use enlarged images to locate features, then assess the diamond at a realistic viewing size. A feature that dominates a heavily magnified photograph may be difficult to see when the stone is worn.

A clarity grade summarises several characteristics. Two diamonds can receive the same grade while having different types of inclusions in different locations.

For example, an inclusion near the centre may be easier to notice than a comparable feature near an edge. Contrast also matters: a dark characteristic can stand out differently from a transparent one. IGI identifies position, size, nature and colour among the factors considered in clarity assessment. IGI’s clarity guide.

This is why selecting a grade should be the beginning of the comparison. Review the available report comments, any plotted diagram and the stone’s appearance together.

Ask the jeweller to identify the characteristics that determined the grade. You can then distinguish a feature that attracts your attention in normal viewing from one that you can locate only after it has been pointed out under magnification.

A VVS grade alone does not establish stronger sparkle. Cut and proportions influence how a diamond interacts with light, including its brightness, coloured fire and changing pattern of reflections as it moves. GIA’s diamond cut guidance.

When comparing VS and VVS stones, assess their light performance separately from clarity. Look at the actual diamonds under similar lighting and move them through different viewing angles.

If the VVS stone looks more appealing, establish what you prefer about it. The difference might involve its cutting, proportions or colour as well as its clarity characteristics.

Likewise, a VS diamond that you find brighter or more attractive remains a valid option. The higher clarity category does not decide the entire comparison.

Faceting patterns influence how readily internal characteristics can be seen. IGI advises checking VS2 emerald and Asscher cuts individually because these step cuts can reveal inclusions more readily. It also recommends individual checks for VS2 round brilliants above three carats. IGI’s guidance on shape, size and eye-clean appearance.

These are reasons to examine the stone carefully, rather than automatic instructions to buy VVS. A particular VS diamond may still provide the appearance you want.

For an emerald or Asscher cut, request clear views through the centre and around the edges. For a larger stone, assess it at a realistic viewing distance as well as under magnification.

Our diamond shapes guide introduces the different outlines and cutting styles.

For otherwise comparable natural diamonds, higher clarity generally commands a higher price because rarity contributes to value. That does not establish a universal percentage difference between VS and VVS. GIA’s explanation of diamond quality and value.

Compare current quotations for stones with the same origin and closely matched characteristics. Shape, carat weight, colour, cutting and the accompanying documentation all deserve attention before attributing the full price difference to clarity.

Suppose you have shortlisted a VS diamond and a VVS diamond that both look clean to you during normal viewing. If you prefer the VS stone’s appearance and its quotation leaves more room in your budget, it may meet your requirements well.

Alternatively, you may prefer the VVS stone because the higher assessed clarity is important to you. That is a reasonable personal preference when you understand what the additional amount buys.

For laboratory-grown diamonds, assess the actual price gap through current offers. Avoid assuming that a price relationship observed between natural diamonds will apply in the same way. Our guide to why similar lab grown diamonds have different prices explains other differences that can affect quotations.

Clarity terminology describes an assessed characteristic; it does not identify a diamond’s origin. Check the document’s origin description alongside the grade.

IGI provides laboratory-grown diamond reports with clarity and other quality information. The report should be read as a record of the particular stone and the assessment performed. IGI’s laboratory-grown diamond report guidance.

GIA’s current quality assessment for eligible colourless to near-colourless laboratory-grown diamonds uses Premium and Standard categories. Its coloured laboratory-grown diamond services use separate formats, so buyers should check the service and document rather than expecting every current report to present the same individual grades. GIA’s laboratory-grown diamond services.

For help interpreting the documents, read our IGI report guide and GIA report guide.

Begin with a short selection that meets your preferred origin, shape, approximate dimensions and budget. Include suitable VS and VVS options where available so that you can evaluate the clarity choice alongside the complete purchase.

Review each stone’s documentation and actual imagery. Ask about visible characteristics, compare the appearance under similar conditions and confirm the total quotation and purchase terms.

Then identify what would make you choose one stone over another. You might prefer its appearance, want a particular clarity grade or value the saving offered by another suitable option.

This approach allows the grade to inform your decision while keeping the individual diamond and your preferences central to it.

To discuss a diamond requirement, contact Uniglo Diamonds with your preferred origin, shape, approximate size and budget.

Ask to review the documentation and imagery of the individual stones being considered. Explain whether your priority is an eye-clean appearance, a particular clarity grade or a comparison of suitable VS and VVS options.