VS1 vs VS2 Diamonds: Appearance and Price

“Eye-clean” is not a formal GIA or IGI clarity grade. Sellers may use the expression differently, so establish the viewing distance, lighting, direction and eyesight standard behind any such claim.

For the broader distinction between clarity categories, read our VS versus VVS diamond guide. This page focuses only on the decision between the VS1 and VS2 subgrades.

GIA’s clarity scale contains 11 grades, ranging from Flawless to Included. GIA describes VS1 and VS2 diamonds as having minor inclusions that range from difficult to somewhat easy for a skilled grader to see under 10× magnification. GIA’s explanation of the clarity scale.

The subgrade does not come from counting inclusions alone. A diamond with several small, faint characteristics may receive a higher grade than one with a single characteristic that is larger, darker, centrally positioned or easier to observe.

The assessment considers a combination of factors:

• Size: How large the characteristic appears under the grading conditions.
• Number: How many relevant characteristics contribute to the overall clarity impression.
• Position: Where each characteristic sits within or on the diamond.
• Nature: What type of inclusion or blemish it is and its inherent characteristics.
• Relief: How strongly the characteristic contrasts with the surrounding diamond.

These factors interact. Position may make a small inclusion easier to notice, while low relief may make a larger feature less prominent. Reflections within the diamond can also cause one inclusion to appear in more than one place when viewed from certain directions.

GIA states that clarity is based on the number, size, relief, nature and location of characteristics under 10× magnification. It also notes that many of these characteristics are unlikely to be visible to the naked eye. GIA’s clarity assessment guidance.

Two diamonds with the same VS2 grade can present their characteristics differently. One may have a feature beneath the table, while another has minor characteristics closer to the girdle. The laboratory grade summarises the total clarity assessment; it does not tell you which inclusion pattern you will prefer.

The table is the large facet at the top of the diamond. A characteristic beneath this open viewing area may be easier to locate, particularly if it has noticeable relief or appears against a bright part of the facet pattern.

Do not reject every inclusion under the table. Its visibility depends on size, depth, relief, the diamond’s facet pattern and the viewing conditions. Inspect the stone rather than treating location as a pass-or-fail rule.

An inclusion near the girdle may be less obvious when the diamond is viewed face-up. A prong or bezel might also reduce its visibility after setting.

The setting should never be used to conceal a feature without considering structural suitability. Ask whether a surface-reaching characteristic or feature near a corner, point or thin girdle area requires attention from the setter.

Emerald and Asscher cuts use broad step facets that create open reflections. Some inclusions can be easier to see through this facet style than through a busier brilliant pattern.

That does not create a universal requirement to buy VS1. A well-positioned VS2 may still look clean during normal viewing. Compare the individual stones and avoid selecting clarity by shape alone.

Round, oval, cushion, pear, marquise, radiant and other brilliant-style diamonds can have more complex reflection patterns. Those reflections may make some inclusions less obvious, although they can also make a magnified video harder to interpret.

Check whether you are viewing an actual characteristic, its reflection or normal facet contrast. A report plot and views from more than one angle can help connect the image to the documented information.

Our emerald vs radiant comparison explains how different facet styles can change inclusion visibility.

Begin by confirming that the reports belong to the diamonds being offered. Match the report number, carat weight and measurements. Where a laser inscription is present, it can help connect the stone with its document when checked under appropriate magnification.

Next, compare the scope and format of the reports. A full grading report, a dossier-style document and a digital assessment may present clarity information differently. Some include a plotted diagram; others rely on listed characteristics or comments.

Record the following information from each document:

A plot is a map, not a photograph of the inclusions at their apparent size or contrast. Symbols identify types and approximate positions. The plotted marks should not be interpreted as a direct preview of what the unaided eye will see.

For more help with document formats, visit our diamond certificates guide, GIA report guide and IGI report guide.

The following example shows how to organise a comparison. It is hypothetical and does not represent laboratory reports, inventory or current quotations.

This exercise does not predict how a laboratory would grade a real diamond. It demonstrates why the comparison must continue beyond the words VS1 and VS2.

If both stones appear clean without magnification, the decision may concern documentation, inclusion position, price and personal comfort. If the VS2 characteristic is visible in ordinary viewing, the VS1 may provide a meaningful appearance advantage even before price is considered.

Many VS1 and VS2 diamonds do not display an obvious clarity difference to an unaided viewer. However, neither grade provides an absolute promise of invisibility in every stone, size, shape and viewing condition.

Visibility can change with:

• the diamond’s carat weight and face-up dimensions;
• the facet arrangement and contrast pattern;
• the inclusion’s position, depth and relief;
• lighting and background;
• viewing distance and direction;
• the observer’s eyesight;
• whether the diamond is loose or set.

A magnified video can make a minor inclusion look prominent because the image is far larger than the diamond will appear when worn. Use magnification to locate and understand the feature, then return to a normal-scale view.

Ask for a direct answer to a defined question: is the characteristic visible face-up at approximately normal viewing distance under neutral lighting? If the answer changes when the diamond is inspected from the side or at very close range, record that separately.

A VS1 diamond may be priced above a comparable VS2 because it carries the higher clarity grade. The premium is not fixed. It changes with diamond origin, shape, carat weight, colour, cut information, market conditions, seller pricing and the details of the two individual stones.

A valid price comparison needs more than matching clarity labels. Bring the offers as close as possible on:

Suppose a closely matched VS1 is quoted at €1,050 and the VS2 at €950. The difference is €100. Measured against the VS2 quotation, the illustrative premium is:

(€1,050 − €950) ÷ €950 × 100 = 10.5%

This is a calculation example only, not a current market range or Uniglo quotation. Its purpose is to show how to describe the actual premium instead of saying that VS1 is simply “more expensive”.

After calculating the difference, ask what you receive for it. If both diamonds look equally clean to you and their other specifications are closely matched, the VS2 may preserve budget for colour, cutting, size or the setting. If the VS1 has a more reassuring inclusion position or a visibly cleaner appearance, the premium may support a feature you value.

Our lab-grown diamond price guide explains the other factors that can separate two quotations.

The clarity principles apply to both natural and laboratory-grown diamonds, but report terminology and services must still be checked.

IGI’s laboratory-grown diamond reports use the familiar clarity categories, including VS1 and VS2, and state that clarity is assessed at 10× magnification according to the visibility, size, number, location and nature of characteristics. IGI’s laboratory-grown diamond report guidance.

GIA’s current services for eligible colourless to near-colourless laboratory-grown diamonds use broader quality categories rather than the traditional natural-diamond colour and clarity nomenclature. Older GIA laboratory-grown reports and reports from other eligible services may therefore present information differently. GIA’s laboratory-grown diamond services.

Do not compare a VS1 label from one reporting system directly with a broader category from another as though they were the same field. Establish what each document assesses and keep like-for-like comparisons together.

VS1 may suit your requirement when you want the higher documented clarity subgrade, when the available VS2 has a characteristic you notice, or when the inclusion pattern of the VS1 is more comfortable for the intended setting.

It can also simplify selection when the diamond is large, the facet style is open or you cannot inspect the stone directly. The higher grade still does not remove the need to examine the report and available imagery.

Pay for VS1 because the particular diamond or documentation meets your requirement. The label alone cannot establish superior cutting, colour, dimensions or overall beauty.

VS2 may suit your requirement when its characteristics are not noticeable during ordinary viewing and the stone performs well in the qualities you prioritise. The saving may allow you to choose a preferred shape, larger dimensions, stronger cut characteristics or a more suitable setting.

The word “value” should refer to the complete purchase. A lower-priced VS2 is not better value if its inclusion is distracting to you, if the documentation is incomplete or if the other specifications are weaker than the VS1 comparison.

Conversely, a higher VS1 grade is not automatically better value when the actual stones look the same to you and the premium does not support another meaningful difference.

Start with the two reports and confirm that the diamonds are genuinely comparable. Then review the clarity characteristics instead of stopping at the grades.

Inspect each diamond face-up at ordinary viewing distance. Use magnification to locate the inclusions, but return to a realistic image scale before deciding whether they affect appearance. Check side views where surface-reaching or edge characteristics may matter to the setting.

Compare the diamonds in motion under similar lighting. This helps separate clarity features from normal facet reflections and shows whether either stone has a transparency or appearance concern.

Finally, request current quotations with the same inclusions. Calculate the actual VS1 premium and decide whether it pays for a difference you can identify and value.

To compare VS1 and VS2 diamonds, contact Uniglo Diamonds with your preferred origin, shape, carat range, colour, budget and intended jewellery piece.

Ask for the individual reports, clear views at normal scale and magnified inspection of the relevant clarity characteristics. Request current quotations on the same basis so that any VS1 premium can be assessed against a closely matched VS2.