When searching for the perfect center stone, diamond clarity is one of the Four Cs that causes the most confusion. Is it worth achieving the ultimate clarity grade when a VS (Very Slightly Included) grade might look identical? For lab grown diamonds, the answer is often yes.
Because you are choosing a lab grown diamond, you have the incredible advantage of superior quality at accessible price points. This guide will help you understand the technical differences between VVS and VS clarity, assess how much those distinctions actually matter to your diamond's appearance, and ultimately help you decide where to invest your budget for maximum brilliance.
Understanding Diamond Clarity
Clarity is the measure of the number, size, relief, nature, and position of inclusions (internal features) and blemishes (external features) found in a diamond.
The Diamond Clarity Scale Explained
Diamond clarity is graded on a scale ranging from Flawless (FL, meaning no inclusions visible under 10x magnification) to Included (I, meaning visible inclusions to the naked eye). Most shoppers will focus in the middle tiers:
- VVS (Very, Very Slightly Included): Inclusions are minute and extremely difficult to locate under 10x magnification.
- VS (Very Slightly Included): Inclusions are minor and range from difficult (VS1) to somewhat easy (VS2) to find under 10x magnification.
What Are Inclusions and Blemishes?
Inclusions (internal flaws) are microscopic characteristics that formed during the diamond's growth process, such as crystals, clouds, or feathers. Blemishes (surface flaws) are superficial imperfections like scratches or chips. The clarity grade is heavily dependent on the presence and visibility of these internal inclusions.
VVS vs. VS Clarity: The Essential Differences
Defining VVS Clarity (Very, Very Slightly Included)
A VVS diamond is nearly perfect. A grader viewing a VVS1 or VVS2 lab grown diamond under 10x magnification will struggle to find any characteristic, even when knowing exactly where to look. These inclusions are typically no larger than a tiny speck or pinprick. VVS clarity represents the ultimate peace of mind and technical superiority available, assuring you of a stone with virtually zero internal flaws.
Defining VS Clarity (Very Slightly Included)
A VS diamond offers excellent clarity where inclusions are easily defined as minor but can be found under 10x magnification. While VS diamonds are considered eye-clean, the fact remains that a gemologist can locate these characteristics with a jeweler's loupe, distinguishing them from the nearly perfect VVS grade.
Understanding Magnification and Grading
All clarity grading is performed under 10x magnification. The key metric to understand is that the difference between VVS and VS is purely technical, relating only to the ease with which a trained gemologist can locate the inclusion at 10x magnification. Since both VVS and VS diamonds are guaranteed to be eye-clean, the distinction is based on the meticulous internal structure, not what you can see day-to-day.
The Practical Comparison: Appearance, Cost, and Value
How Clarity Affects a Diamond's Appearance
For most shoppers, the only clarity grade that truly matters is eye-cleanliness—meaning the stone has no inclusions visible to the naked eye. Since both VVS and VS diamonds are guaranteed to be eye-clean, the visual difference between the two is non-existent once the diamond is set into a ring and worn on the finger. However, choosing VVS guarantees a stone of unparalleled purity beneath the surface.
Cost Considerations: VVS vs. VS lab grown Diamonds
Beyond the ethical and sustainable benefits of choosing lab grown, the opportunity to achieve higher quality for less money is one of the other greatest advantage. While VVS clarity commands a significant premium in the mined diamond market, the premium for a VVS lab grown diamond over a comparable VS grade is minor. This makes upgrading to the technical perfection of VVS an accessible luxury and a worthy investment for lifetime confidence.
Setting the Stone: How Clarity Needs Change by Ring Style
The metal setting you choose can act as a natural disguise for certain inclusions, allowing you to confidently choose a slightly lower clarity grade and save money:
- Bezel Setting and Pave/Halo Setting: These styles naturally hide perimeter flaws, allowing you to confidently choose a slightly lower clarity grade (like VS2). The brilliant visual distraction of a halo also makes VVS unnecessary for pure appearance.
- Classic Solitaire (Prongs) and Tension Setting: These styles offer very little metal to hide inclusions. For high-carat solitaires, where the diamond is fully visible, choosing a higher clarity grade like VVS2 or VVS1 is highly recommended in order to have a diamond with the best eye-clean performance and ultimate purity.
Clarity in Relation to Other Diamond Features (Cut and Carat)
We advise finding the best possible balance among the Four Cs. While Cut and Carat weight are visible features that should always be prioritized, the minimal cost increase for VVS in lab grown diamonds means you do not have to compromise on the internal quality. You should strive for an Excellent or Ideal Cut first, and then invest the small additional amount into VVS clarity. This guarantees a stone that is technically impeccable and maximizes your visible features.
Choosing Your Perfect Clarity: Practical Tips
The Eye-Clean Test: What Really Matters
While any diamond in the VS range will be eye-clean, VVS gives you the certainty of a stone with virtually zero imperfections. For the lab grown buyer, VVS is the new standard of excellence. The minor price increase is a small trade-off for the added comfort and peace of mind associated with possession of a diamond graded as Nearly Flawless.
Most shoppers will find that VS clarity (VS1 or VS2) is the smart starting point for eye-cleanliness and exceptional value. However, since you are choosing a lab grown diamond, the premium for VVS clarity is significantly reduced. This means that if technical perfection and a nearly flawless IGI or GIA report are important to you, upgrading to VVS is a manageable luxury that offers the absolute highest clarity available without sacrificing your budget entirely.
Helpful Tips for Selecting the Perfect Diamond
- Pick Cut as Your First Priority: Choose Excellent Cut or Ideal Cut grade always first.
- Inspect the VS2 Grade: When looking at the certification and the diamond's inclusion plot, examine the inclusion closely. If it is small and close to the girdle (edge), then it is likely a great buy. If it is large and centered, go with VS1.
VVS vs VS lab grown Diamonds — Which Is Better?
The question of "which is better" ultimately depends on your priority:
- If you prioritize Technical Perfection & Confidence: Choose VVS clarity. The slight cost increase is a worthy investment for a diamond that is nearly Flawless and offers the ultimate assurance of internal purity.
- If you prioritize Best Value & Size Above All Else: Choose VS clarity. It is guaranteed eye-clean, and the money you save on clarity grades can be directly reinvested into a slightly larger Carat size.
However, given the marginal cost difference in the lab grown market, VVS clarity is the most compelling choice for the discerning buyer who values both excellent quality and exceptional value.
Ready to Create Your Perfect Ring?
Choosing your perfect lab grown diamond means prioritizing what you value most. By selecting a high-quality VVS diamond, you guarantee the best internal clarity possible while leveraging the immense value of lab grown diamonds.
Explore our collection of certified VVS and VS lab grown diamonds and see the breathtaking difference true perfection can make for your forever piece.
