VVS Diamonds: All You Need to Know

The beauty of diamonds is that no two are the same; there are many different types to discover. In fact, every diamond is unique, each with its own individual colour, clarity, carat size and cut. These four ‘C’s are used to assess the gem’s worth. 

Did you know? While many might believe that the size of a diamond is the most important, this is not the only thing that determines its value. For example, a large VVS diamond may cost less than a small Flawless diamond.

Gemologists grade diamonds according to their clarity. The higher the clarity, the higher the value. The clarity scale is based on the number of inclusions (internal imperfections) at 10x magnification and using the naked eye. This scale starts from the highest clarity grade, Flawless, and goes on to explain Internally Flawless diamonds, VVS, VS, SI and Included diamonds:

1. Flawless (FL):

• No inclusions or blemishes are visible under 10x magnification
• Extremely rare and highly valuable

2. Internally Flawless (IF):

• No inclusions are visible under 10x magnification, but they may have minor surface blemishes
• Nearly as rare as flawless diamonds

3. Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2):

• These diamonds contain minute inclusions (internal imperfections) that are extremely difficult to detect under 10x magnification
• They offer exceptional clarity and value

They are divided into two subgrades:

• VVS1: Higher clarity than VVS2
• VVS2: Slightly more visible inclusions than VVS1

Note: Although rare, VVS diamonds are real. They may be harder to find than other clarity grades, but their high quality makes them a firm favourite for fine jewellery and engagement pieces.

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4. Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2):

• They contain minor inclusions visible under 10x magnification but are not easily noticeable
• They offer a good balance between clarity and cost

Divided into:

• VS1: Higher clarity than VS2
• VS2: Slightly more visible inclusions than VS1.

5. Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2):

• SI diamonds have noticeable inclusions visible under 10x magnification, and some may be visible to the naked eye
• They are popular for offering good value without greatly sacrificing appearance

Divided into:

• SI1: Higher clarity than SI2
• SI2: More visible inclusions

6. Included (I1, I2, and I3):

• These diamonds have inclusions that are obvious under 10x magnification and often visible to the naked eye
• These inclusions may affect transparency, brilliance, or durability

Divided into:

• I1: Least severe in the Included category
• I2 and I3: More prominent inclusions, with I3 being the most severe

 Learn more about the rating chart and scale here

Real VVS diamonds, short for Very, Very, Slightly Included diamonds, offer exceptional clarity and brilliance. In the context of diamonds, included doesn’t necessarily mean “flawed” in the negative sense but rather refers to the diamond’s unique internal characteristics. This can be a flaw, but it can also be viewed as a distinguishing feature of the diamond as if it were its fingerprint. 

Did you know? Real VVS diamonds fall just under Flawless (FL) and Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds at 10x magnification.

Any inclusions a VVS diamond has will not be visible to the naked eye. Real VVS diamonds have a near-perfect appearance, even at 10x magnification, which is the industry standard for determining a diamond’s clarity. A gemologist will use 10x magnification to spot any inclusions and label a diamond as VVS if that is the case.

Their rarity and superior quality often translate to a higher market value, raising their prestige in the diamond market. Because the inclusions are barely visible to the naked eye, they’re an excellent choice for someone looking to buy a visually stunning piece of jewellery at a lower price than their Flawless counterparts.

VVS diamonds have different characteristics from Flawless or Included diamonds (see previous scale). They are in high demand from clients, as they are more affordable than Flawless diamonds but have fewer imperfections than Included diamonds, making them a more accessible but no-less-beautiful option. 

Did you know? Mined VVS diamonds are very hard to source because of their rarity. However, in the lab-grown industry, it’s much more affordable to create them. This technological advantage means we can use high-quality VVS diamonds in the majority of our jewellery.

A VVS diamond is highly desirable and an excellent purchase because the inclusions are so minute that the naked eye can’t detect them. Under 10x magnification, even well-trained gemologists will only perceive minor inclusions. These inclusions may look like:

• Pinpoints (tiny crystal specks that can be black or white, formed due to trapped fluids or minerals)
• Tiny clouds (a cluster of pinpoint inclusions)

Again, these are rarely noticeable and barely affect the diamond’s ability to return brilliance and shine to the eye. Even an expert gemologist would find it hard to distinguish between a Internally Flawless diamond and a VVS diamond, making them an excellent investment.

Tip: Mined VVS diamonds are rare (not usually found in jewellery), especially in larger carat sizes, and this rarity enhances their value. However, the innovative methods used in the laboratory means we can source this high-quality material far more easily; we use VVS-VS in most of our jewellery, making the quality superior. Because they are near-flawless, they are the ideal compromise for investorslooking for high-clarity diamonds.

As with any diamond, the price of a VVS diamond will depend on the quality of the cut, colour, clarity, and carat. These are The 4 ‘C’s of Diamonds.

Colour: The more transparent or ‘white’ the diamond is, the higher its value—transparent diamonds are typically more valuable than those with noticeable colour tints. The highest quality diamonds are completely colourless, and the price will decrease the more colour that is present.

Cut: The cut of a diamond affects how the light is reflected. For example, well-cut diamonds should have more enhanced sparkle. Cut quality refers to the diamond’s proportions and technical details—usually categorised as Excellent (or Ideal), Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor.

Clarity: Clarity refers to the imperfections within a diamond; those with fewer flaws are rarer and understandably more valuable.

Carat Weight: This refers to the heaviness of the diamond. The carat weight (one carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams) affects the price in the way you might expect: the larger (and heavier) the diamond, the higher the carat. Interestingly, higher-carat weight is not linear but rather exponential. This means a one-carat diamond will cost more than two half-carat diamonds of the same specifications.

Tip: While carat is often the first thing customers look for, it’s important to mention that a higher carat isn’t the only important factor. It’s essential you consider the other three ‘C’s that affect your diamond’s value.

Diamond prices vary according to physical specifications and economic factors. The Rapaport Price List offers weekly updates on the market value of diamonds. As a starting point, a one-carat D VVS1 Round diamond is around $10,000 - $12,000. If lab-grown, prices are around $1,150.

Earth-mined VVS diamonds are incredibly rare and come with a list of ethical questions pertaining to their mining process. Using technology, we can grow lab diamonds that are almost identical to their natural counterparts. They are so similar that trained gemologists struggle to tell the difference. On top of this, they are a more affordable option without compromising the diamond’s quality.

To the naked eye, there are no visible differences between earth-mined diamonds and lab-grown, which is why a jeweller will use a microscope to determine the diamond’s characteristics.

Earth-mined VVS diamonds are unique and rare, formed deep within the Earth's mantle over billions of years under intense pressure and heat. They are highly valued for their clarity, with inclusions almost imperceptible under 10x magnification. Their internal characteristics, such as tiny pinpoints or clouds, are also naturally formed and contribute to their uniqueness.

These diamonds are scarce in larger carat weights, adding significant value and prestige. Due to their rarity and the costs associated with mining, natural VVS diamonds are more expensive than their lab-grown counterparts.

Note: Mining for natural diamonds can have significant environmental and social impacts. For example, Russia is the biggest exporter of natural VVS diamonds, which may make lab-grown diamonds preferable to some investors in the current political climate.

At Fyne, we opt for eco-friendly lab-grown diamonds. Here’s why:

• Identical physical and chemical properties. Lab-grown VVS diamonds are created in controlled laboratories using technology like High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). These methods are exactly the same as the natural diamond-forming process and give you a diamond with identical physical and chemical properties.
• Clarity and brilliance. Lab-grown VVS diamonds match natural ones for their clarity and brilliance, with inclusions that are also difficult to detect, even under 10x magnification. Their inclusions may differ, often being byproducts of the growth process.
• Lower price point. Because they can be grown on demand, lab-grown VVS diamonds are generally 50-70% less expensive than natural ones of similar quality, offering an affordable alternative without compromising visual appearance. 
• Environmentally-friendly. They also have a significantly lower negative impact on the environment, using much less water and energy in general to produce. Additionally, the traditional diamond mining industry has long faced criticism for poor working conditions, whereas lab-grown diamonds are more traceable; they come from reputable companies with fair working conditions.

The global diamond jewellery market was valued at USD 340.6 billion in 2022 and is projected to register a CAGR of 4.6% from 2023 to 2030. This is good news for those who want to buy a VVS diamond. For experienced diamond investors, idexonline.com is a search tool that allows you to look for a specific type of diamond or check its availability.

Lab-grown VVS diamonds are inevitably more readily available than their earth-mined counterparts and, therefore, more accessible financially. They have precisely the same characteristics as natural diamonds. They can also be made on demand, giving customers a greater opportunity to order a VVS diamond.

There are a few factors to consider when buying a VVS diamond. 

The first is the clarity grade (VVS1 or VVS2), which is certified by a reputable authority like GIA or IGI. For maximum brilliance, prioritise an Excellent or Ideal cut and look for a high colour grade. Balance carat weight with your budget, and speak to our experts at Fyne to help you make the right choice.

• Check the certification: The inscription is usually etched on the diamond’s girdle, so you know a particular certificate belongs to the corresponding diamond—we’ll provide you with this.
• Aim for an Excellent or Ideal cut: These enhance the diamond’s ability to return light and shine to the eye.
• No visible blemishes or inclusions: Make sure these internal imperfections are not in visible areas. As a rule, VVS diamonds will not have visible inclusions or blemishes. Instead, they’ll be perceptible only to a trained gemologist at 10x magnification.