Comparing VVS and VS Diamonds: What’s the Real Difference?

When shopping for diamonds, you’ll quickly notice there are wide variations in quality—and price. One of the most important factors affecting a diamond’s value is clarity, which refers to the presence (or absence) of natural imperfections called inclusions.

According to the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), diamond clarity is divided into six main categories. VVS and VS diamonds fall comfortably in the middle-to-upper range, offering excellent quality without the extreme cost of flawless stones.

Understanding Diamond Clarity Grades

Clarity grades describe how visible a diamond’s inclusions are under magnification. The GIA clarity scale includes:

• FL – Flawless

• IF – Internally Flawless

• VVS – Very, Very Slightly Included

• VS – Very Slightly Included

• SI – Slightly Included

• I – Included

“Included” simply means the diamond contains natural characteristics formed during its creation. In higher clarity grades, these imperfections are extremely difficult—or impossible—to see without magnification.

VVS vs. VS: What Sets Them Apart?

Both VVS and VS clarity grades are further divided into two subcategories:

• VVS1 and VVS2

• VS1 and VS2

VVS Diamonds

• VVS1 diamonds have minuscule inclusions that are extremely difficult for even trained gemologists to detect under magnification.

• VVS2 diamonds may have slightly more inclusions, but they are still microscopic and completely invisible to the naked eye.

VS Diamonds

• VS1 diamonds contain small inclusions that are difficult to see under magnification.

• VS2 diamonds have slightly larger or more numerous inclusions, but they are still generally invisible without magnification.

In all four of these grades, inclusions are often located near the edges of the diamond, making them even harder to notice—especially once the stone is set in jewelry.

Which Clarity Grade Should You Choose?

The right choice depends on what matters most to you.

• If you value technical perfection or prestige, a VVS diamond may be appealing.

• If you’re looking for exceptional value, a VS diamond often offers the same visual beauty at a lower price.

• Many buyers choose to allocate their budget toward a larger carat size or better cut instead of higher clarity, since the visual difference is negligible.

To the naked eye, most people cannot tell the difference between a VVS and a VS diamond.

Final Thoughts

Both VVS and VS diamonds offer outstanding quality and beauty. The key difference lies in microscopic details that rarely affect how the diamond looks in real life.

By understanding clarity grades, you’ll make a more confident, informed decision—one that balances beauty, value, and personal preference.