VVS Diamonds

In diamond grading, VVS stands for “Very Very Slightly Included”, a high clarity category that is split into two subgrades: VVS1 and VVS2. These grades reflect the presence of extremely small internal inclusions or surface blemishes, visible only under magnification. VVS1 represents a slightly cleaner diamond than VVS2, but both offer exceptional clarity.

VVS Clarity Grading

The clarity grading system for diamonds is shown on a scale:

To determine a diamond’s clarity grade, it undergoes a detailed evaluation using both the naked eye and 10x magnification, as required by industry standards. The diamond is examined from multiple angles under specialised lighting conditions—darkfield illumination reveals subtle internal features, while strong overhead lighting helps distinguish surface blemishes from internal inclusions. While a gemologist may examine specific features more closely using higher magnification, the final clarity grade is always assigned based on 10x magnification.

This grading process underscores the value of choosing diamonds assessed by leading laboratories such as the GIA. These institutions follow rigorous protocols, whereas lesser labs may rely solely on a basic loupe and standard lighting—resulting in less consistent or inflated grades.

Although trained professionals can spot certain inclusions with a loupe, accurate and reliable clarity grading depends on proper lighting, magnification, and methodology.

VVS Diamonds Price Comparison

Although technically a lower grade than an IF or FL diamond, the VVS stone offers the same beauty and flawless appearance when viewed by the eye. Only professionals with a 10X loupe will be able to determine the difference between a flawless diamond and a VVS diamond.

Although they give much the same visual beauty as a flawless diamond, a VVS stone will carry a much lower price tag.

I have used Blue Nile to compare the prices of a VVS1 diamond and an IF diamond. Both carry the same color, carat, and cut grading.

Round Brilliant – 0.80ct G-VVS1 Ideal Cut – $3,320

Round Brilliant – 0.80ct G-IF Ideal Cut – $4,197

There is a price difference of $877, but you will also notice that the price per carat has also increased by $1,096.

It is worth mentioning that I was unable to compare the price of a VVS1 diamond with an FL diamond. Despite the huge inventory that Blue Nile offers, flawless diamonds are extremely rare. This is another reason many people will opt for a VVS stone. It can be very difficult to find a flawless diamond that also meets your requirements for color, carat, and cut.

Lab-Grown VVS Diamonds: Are They Worth It?

Lab-grown VVS diamonds offer a compelling alternative for buyers who want exceptional clarity without the price tag that comes with natural diamonds. Thanks to controlled growing environments, VVS clarity is more common and affordable in lab-grown stones, making them ideal for value-conscious shoppers.

However, not all VVS lab diamonds are equal in quality. Here’s what to consider:

✔ Growth Method Matters

• CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) diamonds can occasionally suffer from haze or graining, especially if lower-quality rough or inadequate post-growth treatment is used.
• HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) diamonds are generally cleaner and more transparent from the start, thanks to better-quality rough and more uniform crystal growth.
• Well-treated CVD diamonds, grown from high-grade material, can still deliver excellent performance—but they require strict quality control.

✔ Certification Is Key

• IGI is the most widely used lab for grading lab-grown diamonds, but consistency can vary.
• GCAL certification offers guaranteed grading accuracy and includes light performance imaging, giving buyers added confidence in the diamond’s actual visual quality.

✔ Prioritise Cut and Proven Performance

• VVS clarity doesn’t guarantee beauty—cut quality is still the most important factor.
• Collections like Whiteflash Precision Lab Diamonds are hand-selected for superior cut precision and light performance, offering lab diamonds at the highest level of craftsmanship.
• Buying from a vendor that provides full certification, high-res imaging, and performance data ensures you’re getting a diamond that looks as good as it sounds on paper.

Where to Buy VVS Diamonds

When shopping for VVS clarity diamonds—particularly if you’re aiming for top-tier beauty and performance—access to detailed imaging and analysis tools is essential. Not all retailers offer the same level of transparency, so choosing the right vendor can make a significant difference in your buying experience.

Whiteflash stands out as the most thorough option, providing:

• HD video showcasing brilliance and sparkle

• High-resolution diamond images

• Ideal Scope and ASET maps to analyse light performance

• Hearts & Arrows views for precision-cut stones

• Sarine reports detailing 3D symmetry and craftsmanship

These tools allow buyers to assess not just clarity, but also how well a diamond is cut and how it performs in light, which ultimately affects how it looks in real life.

James Allen and Blue Nile both offer HD video, but lack additional performance data like Ideal Scope or ASET imaging. Brilliant Earth only offers limited Hearts & Arrows views on select stones, while Ritani provides HD video and images only if requested, with no cut performance tools available.

For buyers seeking VVS clarity alongside verified cut quality and light performance, Whiteflash provides a level of detail and quality assurance that others simply don’t match.

Final Thoughts

VVS diamonds, encompassing both VVS1 and VVS2 grades, represent a pinnacle of clarity in the diamond world. These diamonds, with their minute inclusions that are barely discernible even under 10x magnification, offer a near-flawless appearance to the naked eye. This makes them a popular choice for those seeking the brilliance of a flawless diamond without the accompanying price tag.

The meticulous grading process, especially when conducted by reputable institutions like the GIA (or AGSL), ensures that buyers receive an accurate representation of the diamond’s clarity. This underscores the importance of purchasing diamonds that have been assessed using specialized lighting and equipment, rather than relying solely on a jeweler’s loupe.

Price comparisons reveal that VVS diamonds provide a cost-effective alternative to IF or FL diamonds, offering similar visual appeal at a reduced cost. However, it’s crucial for potential buyers to ensure they’re purchasing from vendors that provide comprehensive information, including HD video imaging, diamond images, and other essential reports.

Whether you’re considering a VVS diamond or another grade, the key is to prioritize certified diamonds and make informed decisions based on both the diamond’s characteristics and your personal preferences.