VVS vs VS Diamonds: Which Clarity to Choose

Clarity describes the tiny natural features inside a diamond, called inclusions, and on its surface, called blemishes. Grading laboratories judge clarity under ten times magnification.

In a VVS1 or VVS2 diamond, even a trained grader with a loupe has difficulty finding the inclusions. In VVS1 they are usually visible only from the pavilion, the underside; in VVS2 they are a touch easier to find.

To the naked eye, a VVS diamond looks perfectly clean. You are paying for rarity and for the knowledge that the stone is nearly flawless, not for a difference you can see when the ring is on your hand.

In a VS1 or VS2 diamond, the inclusions are minor and need some effort to find under magnification. Typical examples are small crystals, feathers or clouds.

Most VS diamonds are eye-clean: face up, without magnification, they look as clean as a VVS stone. That is why VS1 and VS2 are among the most popular clarity grades for engagement rings, offering a clean look with better value than the grades above.

Brilliant cuts, such as round, oval, pear, cushion and radiant, have many facets that break up light and hide small inclusions well. In these shapes, VS2 is usually eye-clean, and sometimes a carefully chosen SI1 is too.

Step cuts, such as the emerald cut and the Asscher, have long, open facets that act like windows into the stone. Inclusions are easier to see, so for a step cut we usually look at VS1 or above, and we always check the individual stone.

The grade is only part of the story. A small inclusion under the table, the large central facet, is easier to see than the same inclusion near the edge, where it can be hidden by a claw. A clarity plot on the report shows you where each inclusion sits.

Two VS2 diamonds can look quite different. Judge the stone, not just the letters.

For most engagement rings, an eye-clean VS diamond is the sweet spot, and the difference saved over VVS is often better spent on cut quality or carat weight. Choose VVS if near-perfection matters to you, or for a large step-cut stone where every detail is on show.