VVS vs. VS Clarity: Stop Buying Microscope Diamonds
You are buying a diamond to wear, not to examine under 10x magnification. Here is why VS2 is the only grade that matters.
Our team of certified gemologists and jewelry experts provides in-depth analysis to help you make informed purchasing decisions.
VVS vs. VS Clarity: Stop Buying Microscope Diamonds
You are buying a diamond to wear on your hand, not to examine under a microscope. Yet, thousands of people spend an extra $1,000 to get a VVS (Very Very Slightly Included) diamond instead of a VS (Very Slightly Included) one.
Why? Fear. Fear that they will see a black spot. Fear that it won't sparkle.
Let me be clear: A VVS diamond and a VS diamond look identical to the naked eye.
The Clarity Scale Explained
- FL / IF (Flawless): No inclusions visible under 10x magnification. Collectors only. Waste of money.
- VVS1 / VVS2: Inclusions so tiny that a trained gemologist struggles to find them under 10x magnification. Overkill.
- VS1 / VS2: Inclusions are minor. Standard: Always eye-clean. Smart choice.
- SI1 / SI2: Inclusions might be visible if you look closely. Risky without seeing it first.
- I1 / I2: Visible inclusions. Avoid.
The "Eye-Clean" Test
This is the only test that matters. Hold the diamond 6-12 inches from your face in normal lighting. Can you see a black spot or a white feather? If the answer is No, the diamond is "Eye-Clean."
- VVS Diamonds: 100% Eye-Clean.
- VS Diamonds: 99% Eye-Clean. (VS2 inclusions are almost never visible without a loupe).
Why VS2 is the Sweet Spot
A 1-Carat G Color VVS1 Natural Diamond costs roughly $6,500. A 1-Carat G Color VS2 Natural Diamond costs roughly $5,000.
That is a $1,500 difference for something you cannot see. Take that $1,500 and put it into Cut Quality (which makes it sparkle more) or Carat Weight (which makes it bigger). A bigger VS2 diamond is always more impressive than a smaller VVS1 diamond.
The Exception: Lab Diamonds
In the Natural Diamond market, always buy VS1 or VS2 to save money. In the Lab Diamond market, the price gap is much smaller. A 2-Carat Lab VS2 might be $800. A 2-Carat Lab VVS2 might be $900. For $100 extra, sure, buy the VVS. It gives you psychological peace of mind. But do not think it will sparkle more. It won't.
Verdict: Buy VS1 or VS2 for Natural Diamonds. Consider VVS2 for Lab Diamonds if the price is close.
Written by the TheCaratCut Editorial Team. Our recommendations follow our editorial policy. We may earn commissions through affiliate links — see our disclosure.