VS1 vs VVS1 Diamonds (Spotting All The Differences)

Last Updated on August 22, 2022

Diamond clarity is one of the primary factors in determining the value of a diamond.

Using a standardized scale, the Gemological Society of America (GIA) grades diamonds from flawless (FL) to included (I3).

VS1 and VVS1 are two top-performing grades of diamonds, but what makes them different from one another?

Let’s take a look at the important differences between VS1 and VVS1 diamonds to help you choose the right diamond for you.

Contents

What Are VS1 Diamonds?

VS1 diamonds are diamonds with minimal inclusions that are visible using a jeweler’s loupe at 10x magnification.

Some VS1 diamonds may have multiple types of inclusions throughout the stone, including a feather, pinpoint, or twinning wisp, while others may have multiple inclusions of the same type.

These inclusions may reduce the durability and brilliance of a diamond but will be relatively minimal and invisible to the naked eye.

What Are VVS1 Diamonds?

VVS1 diamonds are the third highest grade of diamond after internally flawless (IF) and flawless (FL).

VVS1 diamonds are a step above VVS2 diamonds and have inclusions that are difficult to identify under 10x magnification.

However, VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds appear the same to the naked eye.

Inclusions in a VVS1 diamond may include a pinpoint, feather, or cavity and can be located throughout the diamond, such as near the girdle or table of the diamond.

Additionally, there may be multiple types of inclusions or a cluster of the same type of inclusion found on a single diamond.

What Are The Differences Between VS1 and VVS1 Diamonds?

While VS1 and VVS1 diamonds appear the same to the naked eye, there are fundamental differences that set them apart from one another.

Before deciding on a VS1 or VVS1 diamond, be sure to consider the following:

Amount of Inclusions

Grading is determined by how many total inclusions are on the diamond, what type(s) of inclusions are present, and how severe of an impact the inclusions have on the diamond.

One prominent difference between VS1 and VVS1 diamonds is that VS1 diamonds have more inclusions than VVS1 diamonds.

It’s also possible for a VS1 diamond to have fewer inclusions than a VVS1 diamond.

However, the inclusions may have a higher impact on the overall performance of the diamond.

In this instance, a diamond with a lower number of inclusions that heavily impacts the performance of the diamond will be rated lower than a diamond with more inclusions with less impact.

Lower Impact

VVS1 diamonds have inclusions that are less impactful, resulting in a higher-performing diamond.

Because inclusions can weaken the durability of a diamond, it’s important to note where an inclusion is located on the diamond.

Diamonds with inclusions near a thin girdle may become compromised and will often have an increased chance of chipping.

This is why although a VVS1 diamond may have the same type and number of inclusions as a VS1 diamond, it will receive a higher grade because the placement and impact of the inclusions are less severe than those found in a VS1 diamond.

Inclusions can also reduce light performance and brilliance.

While this is uncommon in both VS1 and VVS1 diamonds, it is an important consideration, which can be mitigated by selecting a high-quality cut of diamond.

Because the inclusions in both VS1 and VVS1 diamonds are so small and typically invisible to the naked eye, there is little worry about visible inclusions impacting the overall appearance of the diamond.

Price

VVS1 diamonds are more expensive than VS1 diamonds. This is because the inclusions are less impactful and don’t reduce the performance of the diamond.

Because VVS1 diamonds are graded higher than VS1 diamonds, you can expect to pay up to 31% more for the higher grading.

However, it may be advantageous to consider purchasing a VS1 diamond at a lower price and instead invest the savings into a ring setting or higher carat weight.

Similarities Between VS1 and VVS1 Diamonds

The term eye-clean refers to a diamond that doesn’t have any visible blemishes.

Both VS1 and VVS1 diamonds are excellent choices for individuals who want an eye-clean diamond because they do a great job of hiding inclusions.

However, if you’re looking for a diamond above two carats, you’ll have to consider the visibility of inclusions in VS1 and VVS1 diamonds.

This is because the increase in surface area can result in increased visibility of inclusions.

Although both VS1 and VVS1 diamonds have inclusions, they are typically invisible to the naked eye and make popular options for engagement rings.

Eran Hayo is the Chief Editor of Jewels Advisor, with over 5 years of experience in the fields of jewelry and memorabilia. He built Jewels Advisor to serve one main purpose – to teach you everything he knows about jewelry, and help you make better-informed decisions when buying diamonds and engagement rings online. His work has been cited on famous publications such as The Sun, MSN and WikiHow.