Expert Guide to the VVS1 Clarity Diamond

If you want an eye-clean diamond but you may not be able to afford an FL or an IF diamond, a VVS1 clarity diamond is the perfect solution. VVS1 clarity diamonds represent that sweet spot between quality, availability, and affordability.

If you want to buy a VVS1 clarity diamond for your engagement ring or other special piece of jewelry, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll help you learn what you need to know and what to expect from this clarity grade.

• VVS1 Diamond Pricing and Chart
• Is It a Good Idea to Buy VVS1?
• Shop VVS1 Diamond Rings
• Top 7 Insider Tips and Tricks for Buying a VVS1 Clarity Diamond
• Talk to a Diamond Expert

What Is VVS1 Clarity?

To understand what VVS1 clarity is, we will need to explain GIA’s diamond clarity scale. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) developed the clarity scale to assess how many inclusions exist within a diamond. The fewer eye-visible inclusions a diamond has, the more valuable it is. This scale consists of six categories and 11 clarity grades.

FL (Flawless) and IF (Internally Flawless) diamonds are the most valuable, taking first and second place on the scale, and the least valuable are I (Included) diamonds. The VVS category takes third place on the scale, and it’s short for “very, very, slightly included.” It consists of two grades – VVS1 and VVS2. Today, we’ll focus on VVS1 clarity, but we’ll also mention VVS2 clarity later.

As opposed to FL and IF diamonds, which have no visible inclusions under 10x magnification, VVS1 diamonds can be slightly included. However, these inclusions are so tiny that it’s challenging to discern them even with a special microscope. The location, size, and nature of VVS1 diamond inclusions make them very challenging to find. In other words, VVS1 diamonds are close to flawless.

VVS1 Diamond Pricing and Chart

It’s hard to determine the exact price of a VVS1 clarity diamond without knowing its other characteristics. We can say that the average price of a VVS1 clarity diamond is $5,500. However, if it’s colorless and well-cut, it can cost $7,000. Let’s take a closer look. These are the average prices for loose, round cut VVS1 clarity diamonds with different carat weights.

Carat Weight	Price
0.5-Carat	$1,000
1-Carat	$5,500
1.5-Carat	$10,000
2-Carat	$20,000
3-Carat	$44,000
4-Carat	$80,000
5-Carat	$135,000
6-Carat	$200,000

Keep in mind that these prices only refer to loose stones without the settings. If you plan to buy a pre-mounted VVS1 clarity diamond with additional embellishments, you can expect to pay a few thousand dollars more.

These prices also depend on the diamond’s color and cut. For example, a 1.5-carat H color VVS1 clarity diamond costs around $14,000. If you want a VVS1 clarity diamond with no traces of color, you can expect to pay $18,000 for a D color diamond of the same carat weight.

The diamond’s cut can also affect the total price. The above chart shows the average prices for round cut diamonds, which is the most expensive diamond cut. You’ll be able to save some money if you buy a VVS1 diamond with a fancy cut (pear, oval, or marquise). For example, a pear cut 1-carat VVS1 clarity diamond costs $4,500 on average.

If you want to know more about specific VVS1 clarity diamond prices, fill out the form at the bottom of the article and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Is It a Good Idea to Buy VVS1?

Buying a diamond with such a good clarity grade comes at a high price. If you’re not sure whether buying a VVS1 clarity diamond is a good idea, take a look at these VVS1 clarity diamond pros and cons.

Pros of VVS1 Clarity Diamonds

VVS1 clarity diamonds are an excellent investment. They’re highly sought after because they offer ideal value for the money. Even though they’re expensive, you should view buying a VVS1 clarity diamond as a long-term investment.

Another reason you might want to buy a VVS1 diamond is that it offers high-quality clarity. These diamonds are eye-clean. Any inclusions would be difficult to perceive even with a jeweler’s 10x magnification loupe.

Lastly, VVS1 diamonds are rare and hard to come by at jewelry shops. In fact, VVS1 diamonds only account for 1% of all natural diamonds in the world. If you buy a VVS1 clarity diamond engagement ring or other piece of jewelry for your significant other, you’ll be giving them something truly special.

Cons of VVS1 Clarity Diamonds

Even if VVS1 diamonds are almost flawless, they might not be the right option for you. Most people who decide not to buy a VVS1 diamond simply don’t have the budget.

Since VVS1 diamonds are so pricey, you might be forced to give up on other characteristics to stay within your budget. You may be able to find a VVS1 clarity diamond, but it could have a slight yellow tint or a poor cut. It’s possible to find lower-clarity grade diamonds for a lower price that are still eye-clean. That’s why some VVS1 diamonds might not be worth the premium price.

Instead of clarity, you should focus on the diamond’s cut, as it’s the most important quality-determining characteristic.

Shop VVS1 Clarity Diamond Rings

Types of Inclusions in a VVS1 Clarity Diamond

Inclusions are tiny imperfections that form together with the diamond under extreme pressure and heat. They’re like microscopic birthmarks, and they’re the reason why no two diamonds are the same. Even though they’re a natural part of diamonds, they can minimize their brilliance and transparency.

VVS1 diamonds come with various types of inclusions, the most common ones being pinpoint, feather, and needle inclusions. Out of these three, pinpoint inclusions appear the most in VVS1 diamonds. They resemble small black or white spots, and they need a higher magnification level to be spotted. In fact, to perceive a pinpoint inclusion in a diamond, jewelers need to use 40x magnification.

Feather inclusions resemble tiny cracks that can only be seen at a certain angle. If they are microscopic, they won’t affect the diamond’s appearance. Larger fractures can have a negative impact on the diamond’s durability. Needle inclusions are thinner than feather inclusions. They won’t appear on a VVS1 diamond under 10x magnification, so you don’t have to worry about them.

Keep in mind that VVS1 diamonds need to have some inclusions, or they won’t fall under this clarity grade. However, to the naked eye, a VVS1 diamond will look completely free of inclusions.

How to Buy a Loose VVS1 Clarity Diamond

If you want a VVS1 clarity diamond engagement ring, you can either start with a loose stone and set it later or buy a pre-mounted diamond. Buying loose diamonds might seem easier, but it can become complicated if you don’t know anything about diamonds. You can find various loose VVS1 diamonds online.

While searching for loose VVS1 diamonds in online jewelry stores might seem more convenient, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. All the diamonds look the same, so it’s easy to miss important details and end up with a VVS1 diamond you don’t like.

If you’re determined to buy a loose VVS1 clarity diamond online, make sure to do some research first. Also, set a realistic budget for your diamond. Decide what other characteristics you’re looking for apart from the clarity, like the diamond’s color, cut, and carat weight. Once you have this figured out, write all of these requirements down and show them to your jeweler. They’ll be able to find the perfect VVS1 clarity diamond for you.

Estate Diamond Jewelry experts can help you find the VVS1 clarity diamond of your dreams. All you have to do is fill out the form at the bottom of this article.

VVS1 vs. VVS2

As we mentioned before, the VVS clarity category consists of VVS1 and VVS2 clarity grades. Even though VVS2 diamonds are considered a lower grade, the difference between these two clarity grades is minimal. The only difference in physical appearance is that VVS2 diamonds can come with slightly more inclusions than VVS1 diamonds. To be more precise, you can begin to see traces of inclusions under 10x magnification.

Despite these differences, VVS2 diamonds are also rare, and they come at a high price. VVS2 diamonds are slightly less expensive than VVS1 diamonds, but it isn’t a major difference in price. You’re looking at $600 to $700 less.

Since you won’t be able to tell the difference between these two clarity grades, we advise you to choose one that meets your needs. If you want to pay less money, you can get a VVS2 clarity diamond. VVS1 and VVS2 clarity diamonds have the same light performance, so you don’t have to worry about one sparkling more than the other.

VVS1 vs. IF

As opposed to VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds, there is a bigger difference between VVS1 and IF diamonds. You still won’t be able to see it with the naked eye. IF stands for “internally flawless,” and these diamonds have no inclusions under 10x magnification. That’s why an IF clarity diamond can be much more expensive than a VVS1 clarity diamond. A 1-carat IF clarity diamond can cost from $6,000 to $9,000, depending on its quality.

Expert Tip: If you’re wondering whether you should get a VVS1 clarity diamond or an IF clarity diamond, we advise you to go with the first option. This is simply because you won’t be able to tell the difference between these two, so you needn’t waste your money on an IF diamond.

Of course, which diamond you buy is entirely up to you. If you want a diamond with a higher clarity grade and you have the budget for it, an IF clarity diamond would be a good option for you.

Top 7 Insider Tips and Tricks for Buying VVS1 Clarity

Buying a VVS1 clarity diamond can seem like a challenge if you have no prior knowledge of diamonds or if you are new to shopping for diamonds. That’s why these seven insider tips and tricks can help you find the perfect VVS1 clarity diamond.

1. Consider Getting a Smaller Diamond

There are two reasons why getting a smaller diamond might be a good idea. Keep in mind that we’re not talking about 0.20 or 0.30-carat diamonds. We’re talking about 1-carat and 1.5-carat diamonds. If a diamond has inclusions, bigger sizes will reveal its flaws.

Another reason why you should get a slightly smaller diamond is the price. Going down just 0.01 carat can reduce the price. For example, there is a surprisingly big difference in price between 0.99-carat diamonds and 1-carat diamonds. Not to mention that getting a smaller carat size will allow you to focus on other qualities and still stay within your budget.

2. Always Ask for a GIA Certificate

Any diamond that has a VVS2 clarity or higher should come with a diamond certificate distributed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The GIA certificate will prove the diamond has the corresponding clarity grade and will also disclose other important information. That’s why you should always ask for a GIA certificate upon buying a VVS1 clarity diamond.

3. Cut Can Be Very Important

While a diamond’s clarity can be a dealbreaker for many, what you should really be focusing on is the diamond’s cut. The cut can determine the overall quality of the diamond. If you’re not sure which cut to get, the round brilliant cut is always a safe option. It’s also a good idea to get a step cut diamond, like the princess cut or the Asscher cut, because they emphasize transparency. Since you won’t be able to see the inclusions, you won’t have anything to worry about.

4. Shop for Antique Diamonds

Have you considered buying an antique VVS1 clarity diamond? All antique diamonds are handcrafted, and each is 100% unique. Since VVS1 antique diamonds are even rarer, you would be able to sell it for a high price. Not to mention that antique diamonds are special and more meaningful.

Take a look at the Cannock ring, which features a 1.51-carat VVS1 clarity diamond. It also has a vintage Asscher cut and I color, and it’s framed by a beautiful halo. Another stunning antique VVS1 clarity diamond ring is the Cartier ring. The ring centers a 1.01-carat, G color, VVS1 clarity diamond, which is held by four prongs. It comes with a GIA certification and the Cartier stamp.

5. Get a Lower Price

There are a few ways you can reduce the total cost of the diamond. For example, you can look for a promo code on the jeweler’s website or social media. You can also wait for a discount. Diamond ring prices can sometimes be reduced by 5% to 15%. Even if the discount has expired, don’t be afraid to ask for a new one. Just make sure to be courteous about it.

Did you know that it’s possible to negotiate the price of the diamond? You can find out more about this topic in this article.

6. Buy From a Reputable Jeweler

You should take this tip very seriously unless you want to go home with a diamond that doesn’t have a VVS1 clarity. Getting scammed is easier than you can imagine. You never know if the diamond you’re looking at online really looks like that in real life. That’s why you should always buy a VVS1 diamond from a reputable jeweler.

If possible, ask to see the diamond in real life. That way, you’ll know you’re getting the right value for the money.

7. Set the Diamond in Gold Mounting

If you want a high-quality VVS1 clarity diamond, you might have to sacrifice other characteristics to stay within your budget. If you have to get a diamond with a light-yellow undertone, consider getting a yellow gold mounting. The yellow setting will minimize the coloration in the diamond and make it appear less yellow.

You can see this with the Boucheron ring. It was made in France in 1980, and it centers a round cut 1.06-carat diamond. The ring is set in yellow gold, and it makes the diamond look even more white and transparent than it really is.

Guide to Purchasing a VVS1 Clarity Diamond Ring

For those who have decided to purchase a VVS1 clarity diamond ring, here are a couple of guidelines to help you make a better purchase.

If you want to look at the diamond in person, make sure to view it with 10x magnification and under good lighting. Some inclusions can only be seen from certain angles.

You might have your heart set on a large diamond, but keep in mind that the larger the diamond, the more visible the inclusions will become.

Choose the right setting based on the ring’s size. If you get a round brilliant cut, you can get a solitaire setting or a halo-style setting. Step cut diamonds look good with three-stone settings.

If you’re on a tight budget and you have to sacrifice one of the Four Cs (color, clarity, cut, and carat weight), make sure it’s not the cut. The diamond’s cut can determine its brilliance, how it exhibits color, how it looks under different lighting, etc. If you have to give up on one characteristic, it can either be the color or the carat weight.

Buying a pre-mounted ring is much easier than a loose stone. Instead of having to think about every detail of the setting process, you’ll be able to go home with a complete diamond engagement ring.

Talk to a Diamond Expert

A VVS1 clarity diamond is a wonderful choice for an engagement ring or other special piece of jewelry. It’s much cheaper than IF and FL clarity diamonds for the same eye-clean appearance.

If you like one of the VVS1 diamond rings we showed you in this guide, or if you have a question about VVS1 clarity, just fill out the form below. You’ll be able to talk to one of our diamond experts who will help you find the perfect VVS1 clarity diamond.

ong the rarest and most beautiful stones you can get your hands on. And when you find the right balance of color, cut, and carat, you should find a VVS1 diamond that fits your budget.