VVS vs VS Diamonds | Understanding the Real Clarity Differences

When you start comparing diamond clarity grades, one of the first questions that comes up is the difference between VVS and VS diamonds. Both are high on the clarity scale and both look extremely clean to the eye. Yet the price difference can be noticeable. This is why many buyers want to know what they are truly getting and whether the upgrade from VS to VVS is worth it.

This guide breaks down these clarity grades in a simple and practical way. By the end, you will understand how they look, how they are priced, how they perform in jewellery, and which clarity grade makes more sense for your needs.

What Clarity Means in a Diamond

Clarity refers to the presence of tiny natural marks inside or on the surface of a diamond. These marks are called inclusions and blemishes. Every diamond has them because they form naturally under heat and pressure.

Clarity grading tells you how visible these marks are under magnification.

The clarity scale goes from Flawless at the top to Included at the bottom. VVS and VS sit in the higher middle part of the scale. Both grades offer excellent quality for real jewellery buyers.

What Are VVS Diamonds

VVS stands for Very Very Slightly Included. These diamonds have extremely tiny inclusions that are almost impossible to detect even with ten times magnification. A gemologist needs time and careful viewing to spot them.

A VVS diamond appears completely clean to the naked eye. Even under a jeweller’s loupe, most buyers will not notice anything.

There are two levels

• VVS1 which is closer to flawless
• VVS2 which has inclusions that are still extremely small but easier for a trained expert to find

A VVS diamond is often chosen by people who want something close to perfect without going all the way to Flawless or Internally Flawless.

What Are VS Diamonds

VS stands for Very Slightly Included. These diamonds have small inclusions that are visible only under magnification. They are still clean to the naked eye and look clear when viewed normally.

There are two types

• VS1 where the inclusions are very small
• VS2 where the inclusions may be slightly more noticeable under magnification but still invisible without tools

VS diamonds give you a clean and bright appearance without paying a premium for perfection. Most buyers prefer VS because it gives the right balance between beauty and cost.

How VVS and VS Look in Real Life

To the naked eye, both VVS and VS look the same. They appear clear and bright because their inclusions are too small to be seen without magnification.

The difference appears only under professional tools. Under magnification

• A VVS diamond may show one extremely tiny pinpoint
• A VS diamond may show a few slightly larger inclusions depending on their type and placement

The most important thing to remember is that these differences do not change the way the diamond looks in jewellery. Whether you wear it on the hand, neck, wrist or ears, both grades look eye clean.

Price Differences Between VVS and VS

The price gap between VVS and VS becomes noticeable once you compare stones of similar size. VVS diamonds are rarer because they have very few internal marks and sit close to the flawless category. This rarity gives them a higher price.

VS diamonds offer the same clean appearance to the naked eye but do not carry the rarity premium, which is why they feel more practical for many buyers.

The price difference becomes larger as the carat size increases. For example

• In diamonds under one carat, the difference is present but still manageable
• In larger sizes, even a small clarity improvement becomes rare, so VVS prices rise sharply

This is why many buyers choose VS for bigger solitaire rings or statement jewellery. They get the same clean look while keeping the budget comfortable. It allows them to invest more in size or cut without compromising appearance.

How Clarity Affects Beauty and Sparkle

Clarity affects how clean the diamond looks, but it does not control sparkle. Sparkle depends entirely on the cut quality.

• A well cut VS diamond will shine more than a poorly cut VVS diamond.
• This is important because many people assume higher clarity means more shine, but these are two separate factors.
• If you want maximum sparkle, always focus on cut first, then clarity.

Which One Should You Choose for Jewellery

For engagement rings

• VS is usually the best choice because it balances beauty and price. It looks clean and clear even in larger sizes.
• VVS is ideal for someone who prefers near perfect clarity and does not mind spending more.

For earrings 

• VS works very well because earrings are seen from a distance. The inclusions are never visible.
• VVS is not necessary unless you want a premium choice.

For necklaces and pendants

• VS is excellent since the diamond is viewed from a normal distance.
• VVS can be chosen for solitaire pendants where the entire focus is on one stone, but it is not essential.

For bracelets

• VS is ideal because bracelets move and sparkle, and minor inclusions are never seen.
• VVS becomes unnecessary unless the design features one large centre stone.

When a VVS Diamond Makes Sense

A VVS diamond becomes a good choice when clarity is an important part of what you value in a diamond. It suits buyers who want a stone that feels as close to perfect as possible. Below are situations where VVS clarity truly makes sense.

You want a diamond that stays visually clean even under magnification

Some buyers enjoy knowing that their diamond looks spotless not only to the eye but also when viewed closely. If you appreciate this level of purity, a VVS diamond fits well.

You prefer a high clarity grade for personal satisfaction

Certain people enjoy owning a diamond that ranks at the top of the clarity scale. It gives a sense of assurance and pride, especially when choosing something meaningful like an engagement ring or a keepsake piece.

You are buying a smaller carat size and want the best possible appearance

In smaller diamonds, the price gap between VS and VVS is not very large. This makes it easier to choose VVS without stretching the budget. Small stones with higher clarity often look extra crisp and bright.

You want a diamond that holds emotional or long term value

Some buyers choose VVS because they see their diamond as a long term piece, maybe something they want to pass on later. High clarity often feels more special and timeless for this purpose.

You are picking a design where the diamond is the main focus

For solitaire rings, single stone pendants or minimal jewellery where the entire attention sits on one diamond, VVS clarity can create a very clean look.

When a VS Diamond Is the Smarter Choice

A VS diamond makes sense when you want a diamond that looks clean without overspending. To the naked eye, a VS diamond appears clear and bright, so there is no difference in beauty compared to VVS.

VS becomes especially smart when you are choosing a larger size. The price jump to VVS gets much bigger as the diamond becomes larger, so many buyers prefer to put that budget into better cut quality or a slightly bigger stone.

If your goal is to balance value, beauty and size, a VS diamond fits perfectly. It gives you a clean look, keeps your budget in control, and performs beautifully in any type of jewellery. This is why VS remains one of the most recommended clarity grades for engagement rings and daily wear pieces.

Final Thoughts

Both VVS and VS diamonds offer high clarity and beautiful appearance. To the eye, both look equally clean, and the differences appear only under magnification. Most customers choose VS because it gives excellent value and looks perfect in jewellery. VVS is ideal for someone who wants near perfection and does not mind paying a premium for the highest clarity look.

The most important thing is to choose a well cut diamond, because cut controls sparkle. Once the cut is right, both VVS and VS clarity grades will shine beautifully in any ring, necklace, earring, or bracelet.