VVS Diamonds: The Premium Clarity Investment Guide

Master the world of VVS clarity diamonds—understanding quality grades, pricing, and when this premium clarity is worth the investment.

What Are VVS Diamonds? The Clarity Elite

VVS diamonds represent the premium tier of diamond clarity. "VVS" stands for "Very Very Slightly Included," indicating that inclusions are so minute they're extremely difficult to detect even under 10x magnification by a trained gemologist. We're talking about near-perfection that's visible only to the most experienced professionals using specialized equipment.

VVS Diamond Quick Facts

  • Clarity Scale Position: 2nd highest clarity grade (below Flawless/IF)
  • Inclusion Visibility: Extremely difficult to see at 10x magnification
  • Naked Eye Appearance: Completely clean and transparent
  • Investment Grade: Premium clarity suitable for high-value pieces

VVS1 vs VVS2: Understanding the Distinction

💎 VVS1 Diamonds

  • Inclusion Visibility: Extremely difficult to locate under 10x
  • Inclusion Position: Typically from the pavilion (bottom)
  • Premium: 15-25% more expensive than VVS2
  • Investment Value: Higher resale and appreciation potential
  • Best For: Investment pieces, large diamonds (2+ carats)

💎 VVS2 Diamonds

  • Inclusion Visibility: Very difficult to locate under 10x
  • Inclusion Position: Can be from crown (top) or pavilion
  • Value: Excellent value for premium clarity
  • Practical Choice: Best balance of quality and cost
  • Best For: Engagement rings, luxury jewelry

The Diamond Clarity Scale: Where VVS Fits

Understanding where VVS clarity fits in the overall grading system:

Complete Clarity Scale (Highest to Lowest)

  1. FL (Flawless): No inclusions or blemishes under 10x
  2. IF (Internally Flawless): No inclusions, only surface blemishes
  3. VVS1: Inclusions extremely difficult to see at 10x
  4. VVS2: Inclusions very difficult to see at 10x
  5. VS1: Inclusions difficult to see at 10x
  6. VS2: Inclusions somewhat easy to see at 10x
  7. SI1/SI2: Inclusions easily visible at 10x
  8. I1/I2/I3: Inclusions visible to naked eye

VVS Diamond Pricing: The Premium Investment

VVS diamond pricing reflects their premium status in the clarity hierarchy:

Natural VVS Diamond Prices (1 Carat, G Color)

  • VVS1: $8,500 - $15,000
  • VVS2: $7,200 - $12,500
  • VS1 (Comparison): $6,000 - $10,000
  • Premium over VS1: 20-40% price increase

Lab VVS Diamond Prices (1 Carat, G Color)

  • VVS1: $2,500 - $4,200
  • VVS2: $2,100 - $3,600
  • VS1 (Comparison): $1,800 - $3,000
  • Premium over VS1: 15-30% price increase

When VVS Clarity is Worth the Investment

Strategic VVS Applications

VVS diamonds justify their premium in specific scenarios:

  • Large Diamonds (2+ Carats): Size magnifies clarity importance
  • Step-Cut Shapes: Emerald and Asscher cuts show inclusions easily
  • Investment Pieces: Premium clarity holds value better
  • Heirloom Jewelry: Generational pieces deserve premium quality
  • Professional Requirements: When perfection is non-negotiable

When VS Clarity is Smarter

Sometimes VS1-VS2 offers better value than VVS:

  • Brilliant Cuts: Round, princess, and oval cuts hide inclusions well
  • Smaller Diamonds (Under 1.5 Carats): Clarity differences less visible
  • Budget Optimization: Better to upgrade cut or color instead
  • Daily Wear Pieces: VS clarity perfectly adequate for regular use

How to Spot VVS Quality

Professional Inspection

Identifying VVS diamond quality requires expertise:

VVS Identification Markers

  • 10x Magnification Required: Inclusions invisible to naked eye
  • Professional Training: Needs experienced grader to locate inclusions
  • Precise Lighting: Proper gemological lighting essential
  • Time Investment: Can take 5-10 minutes to locate inclusions

Certification Requirements

  • GIA Certification: Gold standard for VVS grading accuracy
  • AGS Reports: American Gem Society alternative
  • IGI for Lab Diamonds: Reliable for lab-grown VVS stones
  • Independent Verification: Never trust seller grading alone

Where to Buy VVS Diamonds

VVS diamond purchases require specialized retailers who understand premium clarity:

James Allen

360° viewing lets you inspect VVS quality in detail

VVS Specialty: Technology reveals why you're paying VVS premiums

Blue Nile

Largest VVS diamond inventory with transparent pricing

VVS Specialty: Extensive selection across all shapes and sizes

Clean Origin

Lab-grown VVS diamonds at exceptional value

VVS Specialty: Type IIa lab diamonds with VVS clarity

Brilliant Earth

Ethical VVS diamonds with vintage-inspired settings

VVS Specialty: Premium clarity with responsible sourcing

VVS Diamond Value Analysis

When VVS Makes Financial Sense

VVS clarity justifies its premium under specific conditions:

✅ VVS is Worth It When:

  • • Diamond is 2+ carats (size magnifies clarity importance)
  • • Step-cut shapes (emerald, Asscher, baguette)
  • • Investment or heirloom pieces
  • • Budget allows without compromising cut quality
  • • Personal perfectionist standards

❌ VVS is Overkill When:

  • • Diamond is under 1.5 carats
  • • Brilliant cuts (round, princess, oval) that hide inclusions
  • • Budget is limited (better to upgrade cut or color)
  • • Daily wear pieces where perfection isn't crucial
  • • VS1-VS2 would be eye-clean anyway

VVS Diamond Price Analysis by Size

VVS1 vs VVS2 Pricing (Round, G Color)

1 Carat
  • VVS1: $8,500 - $15,000
  • VVS2: $7,200 - $12,500
  • Difference: $1,300 - $2,500
2 Carat
  • VVS1: $25,000 - $45,000
  • VVS2: $22,000 - $38,000
  • Difference: $3,000 - $7,000
3 Carat
  • VVS1: $55,000 - $120,000
  • VVS2: $48,000 - $95,000
  • Difference: $7,000 - $25,000

Lab vs Natural VVS Diamonds

Lab-Grown VVS: The Value Play

Lab-grown VVS diamonds offer identical clarity at dramatic savings:

Lab VVS Advantages

  • Controlled Environment: Lab conditions often produce better clarity
  • Type IIa Quality: Many lab VVS diamonds are Type IIa (purest form)
  • Cost Savings: 60-70% less than natural VVS diamonds
  • Size Opportunity: Can afford larger VVS stones

Natural VVS: The Traditional Investment

Natural VVS diamonds offer traditional luxury and investment potential:

  • Billion-Year Formation: Geological rarity adds mystique
  • Investment Grade: Better long-term value retention
  • Traditional Appeal: Classic luxury status symbol
  • Resale Market: Established secondary market

VVS Quality Assessment Guide

What to Look for in VVS Diamonds

When evaluating VVS diamond quality:

VVS Quality Checklist

  • Certification Verification: Confirm GIA/AGS/IGI report authenticity
  • Inclusion Plotting: Review where inclusions are located
  • Cut Quality Priority: Never sacrifice cut for VVS clarity
  • Proportion Analysis: Ensure optimal light performance
  • Fluorescence Check: Avoid strong fluorescence in premium stones

VVS Diamond Shapes: Clarity Impact by Cut

High Clarity Priority Shapes

These cuts benefit most from VVS clarity:

  • Emerald Cut: Large table shows inclusions clearly
  • Asscher Cut: Step-cut faceting reveals clarity issues
  • Baguette: Rectangular step-cuts need high clarity
  • Princess Cut: Sharp corners can highlight inclusions

Moderate Clarity Priority Shapes

These cuts can work well with VS clarity:

  • Round Brilliant: 58 facets mask minor inclusions
  • Oval Cut: Brilliant-cut pattern hides clarity issues
  • Cushion Cut: Vintage faceting pattern provides coverage
  • Pear Shape: Brilliant crown section masks inclusions

The Strategic Buying Decision

VVS1 vs VVS2: Making the Choice

Decision Framework

Choose VVS1 When:
  • • Diamond is 3+ carats
  • • Investment/heirloom piece
  • • Budget allows without compromise
  • • Perfectionist requirements
Choose VVS2 When:
  • • Optimizing value vs quality
  • • 1-2 carat diamond range
  • • Engagement ring purchase
  • • Want premium without maximum cost

Expert Recommendations by Budget

Budget: $10,000-$20,000

Strategy: Lab-grown VVS2, 1.5-2 carats

Best Value: Clean Origin lab VVS diamonds

Budget: $20,000-$50,000

Strategy: Natural VVS2 or premium lab VVS1, 2+ carats

Best Selection: James Allen with 360° viewing

Budget: $50,000+

Strategy: Natural VVS1, 2.5+ carats, investment grade

Premium Source: Blue Nile for largest selection

The Bottom Line: VVS Diamond Investment Strategy

VVS diamonds represent the sweet spot between perfection and pragmatism. They offer near-flawless beauty without the extreme premiums of truly flawless stones, making them the intelligent choice for buyers who want premium quality with strategic value.

Whether you choose VVS1 or VVS2 depends on your specific requirements, but both grades deliver exceptional clarity that will remain beautiful and valuable for generations. The key is matching the clarity grade to your diamond size, shape, and long-term objectives.

Expert Final Word

For most buyers, VVS2 offers the optimal balance of premium clarity and value. Upgrade to VVS1 only for large stones (2.5+ carats) or true investment pieces. Focus budget on excellent cut quality first—it has more visual impact than the VVS1 vs VVS2 distinction.