Article: VVS1 vs VVS2: Which Clarity Should You Choose?
VVS1 vs VVS2: Which Clarity Should You Choose?
VVS1 and VVS2 are both extremely high diamond clarity grades. In both categories, inclusions are so small that they are normally invisible to the naked eye.
The difference between VVS1 and VVS2 is identified by trained graders using magnification. For most buyers, the visible appearance of two otherwise comparable diamonds will be virtually identical.
The best choice therefore depends on whether you value the highest technical specification or prefer to direct more of your budget towards carat weight, cut quality or the ring design.
What Does VVS Mean?
VVS stands for Very, Very Slightly Included.
Diamond clarity describes the presence and visibility of internal characteristics, known as inclusions, and external characteristics, known as blemishes.
VVS diamonds contain only minute inclusions that are difficult for a trained grader to locate under 10× magnification.
The VVS category is divided into two grades:
- VVS1;
- VVS2.
Both sit close to the top of the clarity scale, below Flawless and Internally Flawless.
What Is VVS1 Clarity?
VVS1 diamonds contain minute inclusions that are extremely difficult for a skilled grader to identify under 10× magnification.
The inclusions are generally very small, discreetly positioned or only visible through a particular viewing angle.
VVS1 may appeal to clients who want:
- one of the highest practical clarity grades;
- a particularly clean grading report;
- technical rarity;
- minimal visible internal characteristics, even under magnification.
What Is VVS2 Clarity?
VVS2 diamonds also contain only minute inclusions. These are normally very difficult for a skilled grader to identify under 10× magnification.
The inclusions may be slightly easier to locate than those in a VVS1 diamond, but they remain extremely small.
In normal viewing conditions, a carefully selected VVS2 diamond will generally appear completely clean to the naked eye.
Can You See the Difference Between VVS1 and VVS2?
Most people cannot distinguish VVS1 from VVS2 without magnification and gemmological training.
The grades are normally determined while the diamond is:
- viewed under 10× magnification;
- examined from multiple angles;
- assessed under controlled lighting;
- inspected by an experienced grader.
This is very different from viewing a finished engagement ring on someone’s hand.
Once mounted, both VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds should normally appear clean and brilliant to the unaided eye.
VVS1 and VVS2 at a Glance
Clarity Level
VVS1
Minute inclusions that are extremely difficult for a trained grader to identify under 10× magnification.
VVS2
Minute inclusions that are very difficult for a trained grader to identify under 10× magnification.
Naked-Eye Appearance
VVS1
Normally completely clean to the unaided eye.
VVS2
Normally also completely clean to the unaided eye.
Technical Rarity
VVS1
The higher of the two VVS grades and generally less common.
VVS2
Slightly lower on the clarity scale but still exceptionally high.
Price
VVS1
May command a higher price because of its higher technical clarity grade.
VVS2
May provide a stronger balance between premium clarity and overall value.
Best Suited To
VVS1
Clients who deliberately want the higher clarity specification.
VVS2
Clients who want an exceptionally clean diamond while preserving more budget for size, cut or design.
Does Higher Clarity Create More Sparkle?
Not necessarily.
Diamond brilliance is influenced primarily by cut quality, proportions, symmetry, polish and the way the stone returns light.
Once a diamond is sufficiently clean that its inclusions do not meaningfully interfere with light performance, moving to a higher clarity grade may produce little or no visible increase in sparkle.
Both VVS1 and VVS2 are already far above the level at which inclusions would normally be visible without magnification.
A beautifully cut VVS2 diamond may therefore appear more lively than a less attractive VVS1 diamond.
When Is VVS1 Worth Choosing?
VVS1 may be the right choice when:
- you specifically want the higher VVS grade;
- technical rarity matters to you;
- you value an exceptionally clean grading report;
- the price difference comfortably fits your budget;
- you are selecting a particularly important centre diamond.
For some clients, the knowledge that the diamond carries the higher clarity specification has emotional value even when the visible difference is negligible.
When Does VVS2 Offer Better Value?
VVS2 often offers the stronger value proposition when visual appearance matters more than owning the highest possible clarity grade.
Choosing VVS2 instead of VVS1 may leave more budget available for:
- a larger centre stone;
- stronger cut quality;
- better proportions;
- a more detailed setting;
- or another feature that creates a more noticeable visual difference.
A carefully selected VVS2 diamond remains an exceptionally high-clarity stone and should normally appear completely clean to the naked eye.
Does Diamond Shape Affect Clarity?
Yes. Some diamond shapes reveal internal characteristics more readily than others.
Round, oval and cushion diamonds use faceting patterns that create considerable brilliance and visual movement. This can make tiny inclusions more difficult to notice.
Emerald-cut diamonds contain larger, open step facets. These provide a clearer view into the stone and can make internal characteristics easier to observe.
For an emerald-cut diamond, the location and character of an inclusion may therefore deserve additional attention, even within a high clarity category.
This is why the clarity grade should not be assessed without considering the diamond shape and the individual inclusion pattern.
Does Diamond Size Affect the Choice?
As a diamond becomes larger, its internal features can become easier to examine.
A clarity grade that appears completely clean in a smaller diamond may require closer inspection in a substantially larger centre stone.
However, VVS1 and VVS2 remain extremely high clarity grades across common engagement-ring sizes.
The individual stone should still be assessed rather than relying only on the grading report.
Are Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds Graded the Same Way?
Both laboratory-grown and natural diamonds can be assessed for clarity by independent gemmological laboratories.
The report records the clarity grade assigned to the individual diamond and identifies whether the stone is natural or laboratory-grown.
The origin and clarity grade are separate characteristics. A lab-grown diamond may receive the same VVS1 or VVS2 clarity designation as a natural diamond when it meets the relevant grading criteria.
Should You Spend More on VVS1?
Only when the higher technical grade is personally important and the additional cost does not force a more meaningful compromise elsewhere.
If choosing VVS1 means accepting a weaker cut, less attractive proportions or a smaller diamond than desired, a stronger VVS2 diamond may create the better finished ring.
If the VVS1 diamond also has exceptional proportions, strong light performance and fits comfortably within budget, it can be an excellent choice.
The complete diamond matters more than one line on the grading report.
Our Recommendation
Choose VVS1 when the higher clarity grade and technical rarity form an important part of the purchase.
Choose VVS2 when you want an exceptionally clean diamond and prefer to direct more of your budget towards carat weight, cut quality or the ring itself.
For most buyers, a carefully selected VVS2 diamond will not represent a visible compromise. It remains an exceptionally high clarity grade and should appear clean without magnification.
The Aurelion VVS Standard
Aurelion’s core lab-grown engagement ring selection uses VVS clarity because it provides an exceptionally clean appearance and supports our deliberately high quality standard.
Where a product is offered within a VVS range, we do not select a centre diamond based solely on whether the report states VVS1 or VVS2.
We also consider:
- the position of the inclusions;
- the type and character of the inclusions;
- diamond shape;
- cut and proportions;
- symmetry and polish;
- the visual balance of the complete stone.
The objective is to select the strongest suitable centre diamond within the agreed specifications, not simply the highest label available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VVS2 Eye-Clean?
Yes, a VVS2 diamond should normally appear completely clean to the unaided eye. Its inclusions are generally only identifiable under magnification.
Is VVS1 Better Than VVS2?
VVS1 is technically the higher clarity grade. However, the most attractive diamond depends on the complete balance of cut, proportions, colour, clarity and light performance.
Can You See VVS Inclusions Without Magnification?
In normal engagement-ring sizes, VVS inclusions are generally not visible without magnification. The individual diamond, inclusion location and shape should still be considered.
Does VVS1 Sparkle More Than VVS2?
Not automatically. Sparkle is driven primarily by cut quality and light performance. Both VVS1 and VVS2 are sufficiently clean that the clarity difference will normally not create a visible difference in brilliance.
Is VVS Clarity Necessary for an Engagement Ring?
No. Lower clarity grades can also appear clean to the naked eye. Aurelion uses VVS clarity as part of its premium specification rather than because every engagement ring requires it.
Is VVS2 Suitable for an Emerald-Cut Diamond?
Yes. VVS2 can be an excellent grade for an emerald-cut diamond. Because step-cut facets provide a clearer view into the stone, the position and character of any inclusion should still be assessed carefully.
Can I Specifically Request VVS1?
Yes. Where a standard Aurelion product is offered within a VVS range, clients with a specific preference for VVS1 can request personal sourcing.
