Clarity, Cost & Confidence: Your Guide to VVS and VS Diamonds

A Smart Shopper’s Guide to Clarity, Cost, and Confidence | Avira Diamonds

Introduction: The Sparkle You Can't See, But Still Pay For?

Let’s get real for a moment. You walk into a showroom or scroll through an online store, and the jeweller tells you this diamond is “VVS.” Fancy, right? Sounds expensive, almost too perfect. But the truth is: unless you’ve got a jeweller’s loupe and eagle eyes, chances are you’ll never spot the difference between VVS and its slightly less pristine cousins.

So what exactly are VVS diamonds? Are they worth your hard-earned money? Or are you just paying for something invisible?

At Avira Diamonds, we believe clarity should never be cloudy, especially when it comes to your diamond decisions.

Here's your clear-cut guide to understanding VVS diamonds and deciding if they’re the right fit for your budget, your heart, and your values.

What Are VVS Diamonds, Really?

VVS stands for Very Very Slightly Included, a clarity grade that sits just a notch below Flawless and Internally Flawless on the diamond clarity scale. These diamonds have tiny inclusions (imperfections) so minute that even a professional gemologist has to squint hard under 10x magnification to find them.

There are two subcategories:

• VVS1: Inclusions are so small and so well hidden, they’re practically invisible even under magnification.
• VVS2: Inclusions may be slightly more visible under 10x, but still impossible to see with the naked eye.

At Avira Diamonds, we handpick VVS diamonds that uphold the brand’s promise of brilliance, balance, and ethical beauty.

VVS vs. VS Diamonds: Can You Even Tell the Difference?

Here’s a little secret most brands don’t want you to know: the average person can’t visually distinguish between a VVS and a VS diamond (Very Slightly Included). Both look “eye-clean,” meaning their inclusions are invisible to the naked eye.

So why the price difference?

Because VVS diamonds are rarer. Think of it like limited-edition art, technically similar, but because fewer exist, the value goes up.

At Avira Diamonds, we help you choose clarity grades that make sense both visually and financially. You get the sparkle, without the stress.

Diamond Shape & Clarity: Not All Cuts Are Created Equal

Clarity’s impact also depends on shape. Some cuts, like emerald or Asscher, are more transparent and showcase inclusions easily. Others, like the round brilliant, are faceted to perfection, hiding small imperfections.

If you’re set on a step-cut, a VVS diamond might be a smart move. But for the most brilliant cuts? You can likely go with a slightly lower clarity grade without sacrificing beauty.

Are VVS Diamonds Worth the Price Tag?

Now let’s talk numbers.

A 1-carat VS1 diamond may look identical to a 1-carat VVS1 to the naked eye, but the VVS can cost up to 40-60% more. That’s a significant premium for something you won’t actually see.

When are they worth it?

• For investment pieces
• For step cuts like emerald, where clarity is more visible
• If you simply want the psychological satisfaction of owning something ultra-rare

When to save?

• If you're choosing a round or princess cut
• If budget flexibility means upgrading carat or colour instead

With Avira’s Diamond Concierge, we’ll walk you through these trade-offs in detail, so you get sparkle where it matters most.

Natural vs. Lab-Grown VVS Diamonds: A Clear Choice

VVS clarity isn’t exclusive to natural diamonds. In fact, lab-grown diamonds often have higher clarity ratings because they’re created in controlled environments.

What does this mean for you?

With Avira’s Lab-Grown Collection, you can get a VVS diamond that:

• Costs up to 75% less than a mined one
• Comes with ethical and environmental peace of mind
• Offers the same sparkle and structure as a natural diamond

Lab-grown doesn’t mean “fake.” It means forward-thinking.

Learn more in our guide to natural vs. lab-grown diamonds.

Certification: Because “VVS” Should Never Be Just a Sales Pitch

Not all diamonds labelled “VVS” are equal. That’s why certification from trusted labs like GIA or IGI is essential. They verify clarity, colour, cut, and carat weight with complete transparency.

At Avira Diamonds, every VVS diamond, lab or natural, comes with certified proof. No blurry lines. No clever branding tricks

Do VVS Diamonds Hold Their Value?

Here’s where things get interesting.

While Flawless diamonds command the highest prices, VVS diamonds come close and often retain value better than lower-clarity stones, especially when certified and well-cut.

That said, diamond resale markets are fickle. If investment is your priority, choose VVS clarity only when combined with:

• Excellent cut
• Ideal proportions
• Prestigious certification

The Ethical & Emotional Side of VVS Diamonds

We get it, some buyers aren’t just looking for perfection; they’re looking for meaning. A VVS diamond can represent purity, commitment, and intention. When you gift a stone nearly free of flaws, you’re sending a symbolic message: “Our love is rare and precious.”

Whether it’s a natural VVS solitaire or a lab-grown VVS pendant, Avira Diamonds helps you put intention behind every facet

3 Common Myths About VVS Diamonds, Debunked

1. “VVS is the only clarity worth buying.”
   → False. Many VS and even SI1 diamonds are eye-clean and just as beautiful.
   
2. “Higher clarity means more sparkle.”
   → Wrong again. Sparkle is determined by cut, not clarity.
   
3. “Lab-grown VVS isn’t real.”
   → Absolutely not. Lab-grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds, just born differently.

Avira’s Pro Tips: Choosing the Right Clarity for You

• Go for VVS if you're gifting a milestone piece or choosing an emerald/Asscher cut.
• Choose VS1 or VS2 if you're buying round brilliants, princess cuts, or need budget wiggle room.
• Always buy certified stones.
• Match clarity with personal values, whether that’s perfection or practicality.

Still unsure? Try our Clarity Grade Calculator or book a free Diamond Clarity Consultation with an Avira gem expert.

Final Words

VVS diamonds are undeniably beautiful, but so is the wisdom in knowing when they’re right for you.

At Avira Diamonds, we don’t just sell sparkle, we help you invest in confidence. Whether you’re eyeing a show-stopping solitaire or a quiet-luxury lab-grown pendant, our job is to help you find clarity in more ways than one.

FAQs

1. Which diamonds are better, VS or VVS?
   VVS diamonds are technically higher in clarity than VS, but both are eye-clean. Unless you’re using magnification, the visual difference is minimal. VS offers better value for most buyers.
2. Which of the 4 C's is most important when choosing a diamond?
   Cut is the most important. It affects how much the diamond sparkles. Even a flawless diamond can look dull if it’s poorly cut.
3. Should you buy VVS1 or VVS2?
   Both are extremely clean, but VVS1 has fewer or smaller inclusions. However, the difference is nearly invisible without magnification. Choose based on budget and shape preference.
4. How do you know if you have VVS diamonds?
   Check the certification from a trusted lab like GIA or IGI. It will clearly state the clarity grade. Without certification, it's nearly impossible to confirm clarity just by looking.
5. Which diamond clarity is best?
   Flawless (FL) is the highest, but not always necessary. For most, VVS or VS grades offer excellent beauty and value while still appearing flawless to the naked eye.
6. Does VVS pass the diamond tester?
   Yes, clarity doesn’t affect whether a diamond passes. As long as it’s a real diamond, natural or lab-grown, it will pass the tester.
7. How to pick the best diamond?
   Prioritise cut first, then balance clarity, colour, and carat based on your budget. Always buy certified stones from reputable sellers.
8. Is IGI certification as good as GIA?
   GIA is considered the gold standard for grading consistency. IGI is reputable too, especially for lab-grown diamonds, but may be slightly more lenient in grading.