vvs diamond guide - diamond ringvvs diamond guide - diamond ring

Should I Buy a VVS Diamond? 6 Pros & Cons


Before spending money on a VVS diamond, read about the pros and cons of diamonds with this clarity grade. What you learn might surprise you!

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HomeDiamond AdviceThe 4 Cs of Diamonds - ClarityShould I Buy a VVS Diamond? 6 Pros & Cons

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Some diamond dealers promote VVS diamonds for their exceptional clarity. However, this level of clarity far exceeds what's necessary to appreciate a diamond's beauty.

Nevertheless, when is it a good idea to consider buying a VVS diamond? Read on and learn about the pros and cons of these diamonds.

vvs diamond guide - diamond engagement ring
Can you tell what clarity grade this diamond has? I can't. "diamond-ring-l," photo by Tim Seyfi. Licensed under CC By 2.0. You can also get something similar at CustomMade.com.

What is a VVS Diamond?

VVS1 and VVS2 are clarity grades for diamonds. Gemological laboratories like GIA assign clarity grades based on factors such as the number, size, color, and placement of inclusions and imperfections in the diamonds. These things affect the free passage of light through a stone. The more noticeable these inclusions and imperfections, the lower the grade.

Flawless (F) and internally flawless (IF) are the highest clarity grades. After these comes very very slightly included (VVS). VVS1 and VVS2 are different levels of this grade. Next, you have very slightly included (VS1, VS2), slightly included (SI1, SI2), and then included (I1, I2).

Diamonds graded VVS1 and VVS2 have excellent clarity.

Pro: VVS Diamonds are Almost Flawless

The imperfections in VVS diamonds are visible only under high magnification. Even a jeweler's loupe is sometimes insufficient for seeing these imperfections.

Con: Lower Clarity Diamonds can Be "Eye-Flawless"

Although VS diamonds have a lower clarity grade, you still can't see their imperfections with the unaided eye. They're "eye-flawless." The imperfections in SI1 stones are also rarely visible to the untrained eye. Even some SI2 diamonds will appear perfect in an engagement ring! Can you spot the imperfections in this 1.77ct SI2-clarity diamond ring video?

Even in this closeup photo, it's difficult to find the imperfections in the 2.00-ct, G color, SI2 clarity diamond in this side stone engagement ring. © James Allen. Used with permission.
Find this Ring
at James Allen

Con: VVS Diamond Price

As the clarity grade improves, price increases. While VVS diamonds aren't as expensive as Flawless, they're more expensive than those with lower clarity. However, a lower clarity grade doesn't impact beauty. If you're buying a VVS diamond, you're likely paying extra for no noticeable difference!

Compare the prices of these three diamonds with different clarity grades. The 1.02-ct VVS1 diamond costs $1,700 more than the 1.01-ct SI2 diamond! Or, if you go with the 1.10-ct VS1 instead of the VVS1, you'll get a larger face-up size for $730 less!

Con: VVS Diamonds as an Investment

While VVS diamonds are rare compared to lower clarity grades, they're still, ultimately, not a good investment. Diamond resale prices are low, and you're unlikely to sell any white diamond for more than its sticker price. Although certain fancy colors may have investment value, this isn't due to clarity.

Pro: More Choices for Rare Sizes, Shapes, or Colors

If you're buying a round brilliant white diamond, there's not much reason to pay extra for a VVS diamond. In fact, we recommend limiting your search to VS2 and SI1 diamonds. However, if you're looking for a particularly large diamond, adding higher clarity grades to your search won't hurt.

Similarly, you'll often have few stones to choose from when looking for a fancy shape or color. Again, including VVS diamonds in your search will only give you more options. Fancy colored VVS diamonds boast exquisite hues, ranging from vibrant blues and pinks to intense yellows and greens.  Their exceptional clarity, graded as VVS (Very, Very Slightly Included), ensures these diamonds sparkle with unparalleled brilliance.

If you're looking for a large asscher-cut diamond, the one you fall in love with may be a VVS diamond like this 3.20-ct, H color, VVS1 clarity beauty. © James Allen. Used with permission.

Pro: Symbolic or Personal Preference

If there's some other reason you prefer VVS diamonds (perhaps if your name is Victoria Van Slyke), then there's no reason to skip over a VVS diamond, other than its price.

Otherwise, it's best to stick to lower clarity grades and pay for a better cut (or larger carat) diamond.

With the 360° videos offered by James Allen and Blue Nile, you can assess clarity imperfections in great detail. This means you can find a great looking diamond even if it has a lower clarity grade. That's why we recommend using them for diamond shopping - so you can see before you buy!


Addison Rice

A geologist, environmental engineer and Caltech graduate, Addison’s interest in the mesmerizing and beautiful results of earth’s geological processes began in her elementary school’s environmental club. When she isn’t writing about gems and minerals, Addison spends winters studying ancient climates in Iceland and summers hiking the Colorado Rockies.

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