Are VVS Diamonds Real?

Yes, VVS diamonds are real diamonds.

VVS stands for Very Very Slightly Included, a clarity grade used by gemological laboratories to describe diamonds with extremely small inclusions that are difficult to detect even under 10x magnification.

A VVS grade does not indicate a specific type of diamond. It simply describes clarity. A diamond can be natural or lab-grown and still receive a VVS clarity grade.

For many buyers, the more important consideration is not whether a VVS diamond is real, but whether the added clarity provides a meaningful benefit compared to other high-quality clarity grades.

What Does VVS Mean In A Diamond?

VVS stands for Very Very Slightly Included, one of the highest clarity grades on the diamond clarity scale.

Clarity measures the presence of internal characteristics (inclusions) and external features (blemishes) within a diamond.

The VVS category sits near the top of the grading scale:

When a diamond receives a VVS1 or VVS2 grade, its inclusions are so minute that even trained gemologists must carefully locate them under magnification.

Quick Fact

Most VVS diamonds appear identical to flawless diamonds when viewed with the naked eye.

Why Do People Ask If VVS Diamonds Are Real?

The confusion typically comes from misunderstanding the term itself.

Many buyers assume VVS refers to a special category of diamond. In reality, it is simply a clarity grade.

A VVS diamond can be:

• A natural diamond

• A lab-grown diamond

• A round diamond

• An emerald-cut diamond

• A 1-carat diamond

• A 10-carat diamond

The VVS designation describes only clarity. It does not indicate origin, shape, size, or authenticity.

Are VVS Diamonds Better Than Other Diamonds?

Not necessarily.

VVS clarity is rare and highly regarded, but clarity is only one component of a diamond's overall quality.

A diamond's beauty is influenced by the balance of:

• Cut quality

• Clarity

• Color

• Carat weight

Of these factors, cut quality typically has the greatest impact on brilliance, fire, and sparkle.

A well-cut VS1 diamond may appear more impressive than a poorly cut VVS diamond because light performance plays a larger role in visual beauty than microscopic clarity characteristics.

Expert Guidance

When selecting a diamond, prioritize exceptional cut quality first. Once cut is established, clarity can be evaluated in the context of the diamond's shape, size, and intended budget.

Can You See The Difference Between VVS And VS Diamonds?

In most cases, no.

Many VS1 and VS2 diamonds are considered eye-clean, meaning their inclusions cannot be seen without magnification.

As a result, the visual difference between a VVS diamond and an eye-clean VS diamond is often negligible in everyday wear.

This is why some buyers choose VS clarity and allocate their budget toward:

• Greater carat weight

• Higher color grades

• Superior cut quality

VVS diamonds offer exceptional clarity and rarity, but the difference is often appreciated more on a grading report than with the naked eye.

When Does VVS Clarity Make The Most Sense?

VVS clarity is often an excellent choice for buyers who value rarity and premium specifications.

It may be particularly worthwhile when:

• You want one of the highest clarity grades available

• You appreciate exceptionally rare diamonds

• You are purchasing a larger diamond where clarity becomes more important

• You prefer the assurance of top-tier grading characteristics

For many collectors and discerning buyers, the appeal of VVS clarity lies in owning a diamond that ranks among the finest clarity grades available.

Does VVS Matter More In Certain Diamond Shapes?

Yes.

Some diamond shapes reveal inclusions more readily than others.

Step-cut diamonds such as:

• Emerald cuts

• Asscher cuts

feature large, open facets that make internal characteristics easier to see.

In these shapes, clarity often becomes a more significant consideration.

Brilliant-cut diamonds such as:

• Round

• Oval

• Cushion

• Radiant

tend to conceal inclusions more effectively because their facet patterns create greater light return and scintillation.

As a result, buyers may choose higher clarity grades more frequently in step-cut diamonds than in brilliant-cut shapes.

VVS1 Vs VVS2: Is There A Difference?

Both grades fall within the VVS category and represent exceptional clarity.

The distinction is subtle:

• VVS1: Inclusions are slightly more difficult to locate under magnification.

• VVS2: Inclusions remain extremely difficult to locate but are marginally easier for a grader to identify.

In practical terms, most buyers will not see a visible difference between VVS1 and VVS2.

For many diamonds, the distinction is meaningful primarily from a grading perspective rather than a visual one.

Should You Specifically Look For A VVS Diamond?

That depends on your priorities.

A VVS diamond may be an excellent choice if:

• You value rarity and exceptional clarity

• You prefer premium grading specifications

• You are selecting a larger diamond or a step-cut shape

• You appreciate owning a diamond near the top of the clarity scale

However, if your goal is maximizing visual beauty and overall value, it is often worthwhile to compare VVS diamonds with eye-clean VS diamonds.

In many cases, buyers find that a slightly lower clarity grade allows them to prioritize size, color, or cut quality without sacrificing visible beauty.

VVS Diamonds FAQ

Are VVS diamonds real?

Yes. VVS diamonds are real diamonds. VVS simply refers to a clarity grade.

What does VVS mean?

VVS stands for Very Very Slightly Included, one of the highest diamond clarity grades.

Are VVS diamonds natural?

They can be. A VVS diamond may be natural or lab-grown.

Can you see inclusions in a VVS diamond?

Usually not. VVS inclusions are extremely difficult to see, even under magnification.

Are VVS diamonds rare?

Yes. Diamonds with VVS clarity are considered relatively rare.

Are VVS diamonds flawless?

No. They contain tiny inclusions, but they are extremely difficult to detect.

Do VVS diamonds sparkle more?

Not necessarily. Sparkle is determined primarily by cut quality, not clarity.

Are VVS diamonds worth it?

For buyers who value rarity and exceptional clarity, absolutely. Others may prefer a high-quality VS diamond and prioritize size or color.

What's the difference between VVS1 and VVS2?

VVS1 inclusions are slightly harder to locate under magnification, but both grades offer exceptional clarity.

Are VVS diamonds always the best choice?

Not always. The best diamond is the one that offers the right balance of cut, color, clarity, and carat weight for your goals.

A David Desso Perspective

Clarity is often one of the most misunderstood aspects of diamond selection.

While VVS diamonds represent exceptional rarity and craftsmanship, the most beautiful diamond is not always the one with the highest clarity grade. The finest diamonds achieve balance across cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.

Understanding how these characteristics work together allows buyers to make informed decisions based on what they will actually see and appreciate over time.

So, Are VVS Diamonds Real?

Absolutely.

VVS is a clarity grade used to describe diamonds with extremely small inclusions that are difficult to detect even under professional magnification.

It does not indicate a separate type of diamond, nor does it determine whether a diamond is natural or lab-grown. It simply reflects an exceptionally high level of clarity.

For buyers considering a VVS diamond, the key is understanding where clarity fits within the broader picture of diamond quality. When evaluated alongside cut, color, shape, and carat weight, it becomes easier to determine whether VVS clarity is the right choice for your priorities.