What are VVS, VVS1, and VVS2 Diamonds? How They Are Different?
Shopping for a diamond ring and don’t know what VSS stands for? VSS means Very, Very, Slightly Included on the clarity grading scale. VVS points out the level of imperfections in a diamond. VSS is one of the best types of diamonds in terms of clarity.
The flaws and blemishes in the slightly included VVS diamonds are minimal and very difficult to see (also known as eye clean). The imperfections are so small that some of the experts in the field may sometimes find it challenging to spot them, even with the best 10x magnification equipment.
VVS diamonds are separated into two categories:
The Difference between the VVS1 and VVS2 Clarity Grades
VSS1 and VSS2 diamonds are considered the most desired diamonds in terms of clarity. They are not totally flawless and internally flawless, but their inclusions can be impossible to see to the trained eye or with a jeweler’s loupe.
Without the use of a reliable microscope at 10x magnification, the small inclusions and blemishes in the VVS1 diamonds cannot be seen with the naked eye. The thing about spotting a VVS1 blemish is that it is only visible when the diamond is inspected from the bottom.
VVS2 diamonds, which have a lower clarity grade, are almost the same as the VVS1 diamond’s clarity grade, with the significant difference being that the blemishes and inclusions found can only be spotted by looking at it from the top of the diamond.
Summary of the differences between VVS1 and VVS2:
- VVS1 is a higher clarity grade than VVS2
- VVS1 has fewer blemishes than VVS2
- VVS1 blemishes can only be seen from the bottom of the diamond under 10x magnification.
- VVS2 blemishes can only be seen from the top of the diamond under 10x magnification.
- They are both high clarity diamonds on the GIA grading system.
How Much Do VVS Diamonds Cost?
Let’s take a look at a VVS Diamond Price Comparison. Take a look at these 1 carat round VSS clarity diamonds on JamesAllen.com.
VVS1 Clarity Diamond Price:
A 1.00 Carat Round Diamond, H Color, VVS1 Clarity, Excellent Cut costs $8,430.
VVS2 Clarity Diamond Price:
A 1.00 Carat Round Diamond, H Color, VVS2 Clarity, Excellent Cut costs $8,370.
Surprisingly a VSS1 diamond only averages about $100 more than VSS2. When buying a VSS diamond, for less than $100 difference, you should buy the VSS1 diamond.
How much are VSS diamonds?
Here is a chart of average prices based on Carat Weight.
| Carat Weight | VSS1 Price | VSS2 Price |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | $1,950 | $1,900 |
| 1 | $8,700 | $8,500 |
| 2 | $25,000 | $24,000 |
| 3 | $72,000 | $57,000 |
| 4 | $90,000 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $200,000 | $190,000 |
| 6 | $240,000 | $210,000 |
Should you invest in VVS Diamonds?
The simple answer to this question is Yes. Investing in diamonds is a good investment, but investing in VVS diamonds is a better idea because they are rare and provide you with the best value when looking at the price. They make for an amazing engagement ring as well. Many VVS diamond investors can testify to the fact that the returns buying a VSS diamond are high.
Still talking about investments, there are other reasons why you would want to invest in the VVS diamonds:
1. Liquidity
The VVS diamond is very liquid, which means that it is valuable anywhere in the world. You can sell them to gem stores anywhere in the world and instantly get paid.
2. Durability
The VVS diamond is very durable, and some of the factors which affect other elements do not have any effect on them. They cannot be broken easily except with the use of powerful cutting and shaping tools. Read Also: Are Diamonds Actually Unbreakable?
Many conditions over time affect the value of different commodities. Still, the fact remains that the VVS diamond has been able to keep its head up high irrespective of any economic and environmental situations.
The stability of diamond prices is what makes them so valuable. The price of diamonds are controlled by a report from Rapaport, which is why diamonds have the same price all over the globe.
Where to Buy VVS Diamonds?
The best places to buy VVS diamonds are from reputable and trustworthy dealers such as JamesAllen.com and BlueNile.com. They sell loose VVS diamonds as well as diamond engagement rings.
Both companies conduct enough due diligence to ensure that you get the best of what they have in store for you, so any ring purchased from these companies is worth its value and more. See also: The Best Places to Buy Diamonds
About JamesAllen.com
All James Allen’s diamonds are hand-selected by master gemologists and they are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee detailed on their website. James Allen offers a wide selection of loose diamonds with varying characteristics such as clarity, color, and carat weight.
JamesAllen.com has earned an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau for its commitment to customer service and trustworthiness. Their prices are very competitive compared to other online sellers’ but it is always a good idea to compare VVS diamond prices with JamesAllen.com to get the best value for your money.
About BlueNile.com
Blue Nile is a company that deals in high-quality diamonds and VVS diamond rings. The firm has been in business for more than 30 years, offering affordable prices on its products. They are proud to offer diamonds that have been certified by GIA and AGSL.
Blue Nile has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, a sign of how much trust they inspire in their customers. The firm carries diamonds that are certified by the Gemological Institute of America, which makes them globally accepted. This means that you can resell your diamond anywhere in the world and it will be worth its value.
What is Diamond Clarity?
There are four factors that we consider when talking about the evaluation of diamonds, and they are:
The clarity of a diamond is the assessment of flaws, imperfections, inclusions, and impurities present inside or on the surface of the diamond.
The level of impurity in a diamond affects the level of purity, brilliance, and sparkle of the stone. The GIA grading system grades diamonds based on their clarity levels. The GIA has set up standards so that you know exactly what you are buying when purchasing a diamond.
When a diamond is said to be perfect, it means that there are no inclusions or impurities present inside the diamond.
Diamonds tend to fall within five main clarity grade categories and they are:
- Flawless (FL) and Internally Flawless (IF): Diamonds with these grades have no internal flaws or external inclusions. A flawless diamond will be the best diamond you can buy because they are extremely rare and expensive.
- VVS (VVS1, VVS2): Very, very slightly included. VVS1 and VVS2 are exceptional diamonds. Their imperfections are very difficult to see even under 10x magnification. While they are not flawless diamonds or internally flawless diamonds, both are eye clean.
- VS (VS1, VS2): Very slightly included – VS1 VS2 Imperfections are not visible to the naked eye, but can be viewed with magnification. VS1 clarity has a higher clarity than VS2
- SI (SI1, SI2): Slightly included – SI1 SI2 Imperfections can be seen under 10x magnification, and some may be visible with the naked eye. SI clarity stone has fewer inclusions than SI2 which has a lower clarity.
- I (I1, I2, I3): Included – This stone has a high number of imperfections that are visible to the naked eye. Multiple inclusions that are visible to the naked eye. These diamonds are low quality and look flawed even to the novice diamond owner. They are not suitable for jewelry. I1 clarity may be okay for a melee or small accent stone.
Most of the gems we see in jewelry stores will be Clarity Grade VS2 or SI1 diamond. These are the clarity grades you will find most often on diamond rings and engagement rings.
Though VVS Clarity Grade Diamonds are rare and hard to find, they will be well worth the investment due to their extremely high value. They have a higher chance of being sold for more money when you decide to resell them later.
Related Questions
What does VVS mean in diamonds?
The VVS meaning is “Very, Very Slightly Included”. VSS is a clarity grade assigned by the GIA, a diamond grading organization, based on how clear and free from imperfections the diamond is. A VSS grade is a little more expensive than VS and it has fewer inclusions.
What is a VVS diamond worth?
It depends on the shape, size and cut quality. Your VVS diamond price will be higher if it is a round brilliant cut, and lower for a princess cut. The size also matters because a bigger carat weight diamond is worth more than a small one. The best way to know the diamond value is to get it appraised.
Are VVS diamonds real?
Yes, VVS diamonds are real. They are second-rate to the FL/IF diamonds but they have their own value and appeal. High clarity means there are fewer inclusions and flaws in a diamond as opposed to low clarity diamonds.
How many carats are VSS diamonds?
VSS is a rating of diamond clarity, not a number of carats. A VSS diamond can come in any number of carats. You can buy a .5CT VSS diamond, a 2.00CT VSS diamond, or any carat weight.
What is better VSS1 or VSS2?
VSS1 is the better diamond because it’s a higher clarity and is less included. VSS2 is slightly more included than VSS1. For a minimal price difference, the VSS1 is a better buy. While both are almost perfect diamonds, you can expect the VSS1 to be a better investment.
Are VSS1 and VSS2 GIA Certified diamonds?
Yes, they are certified by GIA and other gemological labs or associations. All GIA graded VVS diamonds are real and certified.
Are VSS1 Diamonds Real?
These VVS1 diamonds are of high quality and have an expensive price tag. If you are looking for a worthy investment, then yes they are worth your money and time.
Are VVS2 Diamonds Real?
Yes, VVS2 diamonds are real. They are lower quality than the VVS1 diamonds, but they have their own value and appeal. High clarity means there are fewer flaws in a diamond as opposed to low clarity diamonds. The top gemological labs or associations award them with certificates of grading and authenticity.
What is the Best VVS clarity for Engagement Rings?
VSS1 is the best clarity diamond engagement ring. The price of the diamond depends on its cut, color, carat weight when you are buying it. See also: What Is the Best Diamond Clarity to Buy?
How much do VSS1 Diamonds Cost?
The price for a VVS1 diamond depends on its cut, carat weight, and color. The average price range for a good quality 1.00 Carat VVS1 clarity grade diamond is $6,000 to $17,000.
How much do VSS2 Diamonds Cost?
The price for a VVS2 diamond depends on its cut, carat weight, and color. The average price range for a good quality 1.00 Carat VVS2 clarity grade diamond is $5,000 to $12,000.
Bottom Line
We know that natural diamonds are scarce, and the VVS diamonds are scarce amongst the rest. Out of the cut diamonds, only 2% come with more than one carat. This is small even with the profit, which can be attained from the sale of this diamond.
All we are trying to point out here is that investing in the VVS diamond is a safe investment, safe from financial crisis and market collapses.
We have covered a lot on the VVS diamond, and we hope that it has been of help to you not only in terms of understanding but as an investment guide as well.
