Expert Guide to the VVS2 Clarity Diamond

Diamonds with little to no flaws are highly coveted and undeniably rare. In a VVS2 clarity diamond however, minor inclusions are virtually invisible to the naked eye and take little away from the beauty of the stone. 

VVS2 diamonds aren’t far from perfection. They are elite pieces sitting at the higher end of the clarity scale. If you’re curious how these diamonds measure up to other tiers and whether they are a good value, read on.

• VVS2 Diamond Pricing
• Is It a Good Idea to Buy VVS2? 
• Shop VVS2 Clarity Diamond Rings
• Top 7 Tips and Tricks for Buying a VVS2 Clarity Diamond Ring
• Talk to a Diamond Expert

What Is VVS2 Clarity?

VVS2 clarity is the fourth highest grade on GIA’s (the Gemological Institute of America) 11-grade diamond clarity grading system. VVS is a shortening for Very, Very Slightly Included diamonds, while the number 2 means “to the second degree.” This means that VVS2 diamonds are the lower tier of the VVS grade. Still, considering that the highest grades are extremely rare, diamonds in the VVS2 grade are exceedingly high-quality in terms of clarity. 

Although all diamonds have their charm, there are several factors that influence the value of finished pieces. These factors are referred to as the 4Cs: clarity, color, cut, and carat weight. Even though these four factors work together to determine the final price of a gem, clarity plays a key role. This factor refers to a diamond’s imperfections—or rather, the lack of imperfections. 

The clarity scale thus categorizes diamonds based on their inclusions. At the top of the scale, you’ll find Flawless and Internally Flawless diamonds. After these tiers come two levels of Very, Very Slightly Included, two levels of Very Slightly Included diamonds, and two levels of Slightly Included ones. Finally, diamonds with more visible inclusions are found in three categories for Included at the bottom of the scale. As their name suggests, VVS2 diamonds only carry inclusions that are almost imperceptible.

VVS2 Diamond Pricing and Chart 

Although clarity is certainly a decisive factor, the price of a VVS2 diamond is influenced by all of the 4Cs. The nearer the diamond is to the colorless D grade, the rarer it is, and the higher its price will be. Naturally, larger diamonds will be more expensive than smaller ones, too. The cut of the diamond can also affect its value. Therefore, experts evaluate each diamond individually, which results in more price variations.

Here are the prices you can generally expect when shopping for VVS2 round-cut diamonds in color H, in different sizes.

Carat Size	Price
0.50	$1,500
1	$7,000
1.5	$16,000
2	$31,000
3	$66,000
4	$110,000
5	$150,000
6	$240,000

A 1-carat round VVS2-rated diamond in a color grade between H-I costs about $6,000-$7,000. This figure can easily increase or decrease depending on, for example, the color of the diamond. The price can leap to $8,000-$11,000 for a top-tier D-color piece. Similarly, a 2-carat H color diamond might cost $31,000. But if you insist on a colorless piece, you can expect to pay $35,000-$55,000.

A 5-carat round H color VVS2 diamond costs around $150,000, but swap the color grade to K or L, and the price drops to half of this sum. In D color, it can cost up to $346,000. The differences become even more drastic as the size goes up. A 6-carat beauty may cost around $240,000 in color H. But in M color, you may be able to snag it for only $75,000.

Is It a Good Idea to Buy VVS2? 

VVS2 diamonds fall on the higher end of the clarity scale, so purchasing one can be a pricy endeavor. Weighing the pros and cons of this investment is thus paramount.

Reasons to Buy a VVS2 Diamond

VVS2 diamonds have notable advantages that make them a solid purchase. Although they don’t belong to the extremely rare Flawless grade, their minor flaws are invisible to the naked eye. In fact, even under 10x magnifications, these small inclusions or blemishes are extremely hard to discern. A VVS2 diamond is thus almost as close as one can get to perfection without chasing the scarce F category. 

Going for VVS2 instead of the higher-tier VVS1 category can also save you a lot of money without a noticeable difference in clarity. 

Thanks to their lack of visible imperfections, VVS2 diamonds look spectacular in larger sizes. Certain cuts that sometimes emphasize inclusions and take away from the beauty of the piece also enhance these majestic stones. Emerald and oval-shaped diamonds can magnify existing imperfections, but this isn’t something you’ll have to worry about with VVS2 diamonds. Our outstanding Bridgewater Ring illustrates this perfectly.

What Are the Disadvantages?

All things considered, there might also be a few cons to purchasing a brilliant VVS2. Although a VVS2 might look visibly clearer than lower tiers under magnification, there won’t be many instances when your diamond is placed under a loupe. When looking at them with the naked eye, many lower-tier diamonds can compete with their VVS2 counterparts. Laypeople won’t see the difference between a VVS2 and VS diamond, except for the zeros on their price tag. 

VVS2s are worth it in larger sizes and specific cuts. But purchasing a VVS2 diamond in a size or shape that doesn’t emphasize its advantages can almost be a waste.

Pros

• They appear flawless to the naked eye
• Great for cuts that are prone to show imperfections
• Spectacular in larger sizes

Cons

• Comparable to lower-tier stones without magnification
• Some shapes don’t visibly emphasize their clarity
• Pricey in larger sizes

Shop VVS2 Clarity Diamond Rings

Types of Inclusions in a VVS2 Clarity Diamond 

Inclusions are minute imperfections that affect a diamond’s clarity rating. Almost all diamonds have some inclusions. Some of these are only visible under magnification; diamonds with such inclusions are called eye-clean. More significant inclusions may be visible to the naked eye or even affect how the gem reflects the light. In extreme cases, inclusions can threaten the structure of the gem.

The inclusions VVS2 diamonds have are only visible under 10x magnification if one looks carefully. Nevertheless, here are the types of inclusions you can expect to find in these Very, Very Slightly included precious stones.

Pinpoints

Pinpoint inclusions are the most common type of inclusion you’ll find in diamonds. They are also what often affect VVS2 stones. These inclusions are what they sound like, tiny dots on the table of the diamond. They are actually little crystals, either black or white. 

Feathers

The second most common type of inclusions in VVS2 diamonds is feather inclusions. These inclusions are tiny cracks that have a feather shape. Feather inclusions can compromise the structure of the diamond if they are large and deep enough. VVS2 stones will only have small feathers, though.

Needles

Needle inclusions are a type of crystal inclusions. These are mineral deposits trapped inside the precious stone. As the name suggests, needle inclusions are thin lines found in the body of the diamond. They are usually clear or have a whitish color.

How to Buy a Loose VVS2? 

Purchasing a loose diamond to set in your preferred piece of jewelry is often a better option than looking for a ready-made piece. First, assessing a loose diamond is much easier than one that is already set. Jewelers can look at the stone from all angles with no distractions caused by the setting. Inclusions and color grades become more easily discernable, so the likelihood of a bad purchase decreases.

A custom setting for your diamond also allows you to acquire a unique piece of jewelry exactly to your taste. Picking the right setting for your precious stone with the help of an expert can also help mask any imperfections and let the diamond appear in its full brilliance.

What is the best way to acquire the loose diamond of your dreams? Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Searching Online

Beginning your quest for the perfect precious stone can be as easy as typing a Google search. Many reliable online vendors offer a vast selection of high-quality VVS2 diamonds today. 

Jewelers’ websites usually allow you to set the details of your preferred stone to narrow down your search. However, you’ll need a level of expertise to properly evaluate the properties of each option and determine how great a deal it is. Needless to say, the process can be overwhelming.

When presented with a myriad of vastly different options, it’s easy to overlook important details. Even if you’re only browsing VVS2 diamonds, there can be significant price and quality differences depending on the color and cut of the diamond. Picking the appropriate size for your purpose can also prove more challenging than it first appears. Therefore, deciding alone may not be the best course of action.

Turning to an Expert

A diamond purchase is anything but negligible, so ending up with a lackluster stone can be disheartening. To avoid this scenario, you should consider seeking out the help of a trusted jeweler. 

Estate Diamond Jewelry is ready to help you find the perfect stone. All you have to do is fill out the form below and share your budget and preferences. Based on your criteria, we’ll be able to select the most suitable options for you and help you make a decision you won’t regret later.

VVS1 vs. VVS2 Diamonds

When searching for a near-flawless diamond, your first choice is probably the VVS tier. But what’s the difference between a VVS1 and a VVS2 clarity diamond, and should you opt for the higher tier? Here are the similarities and differences between these two exquisite tiers.

VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds are both eye-clear. They have no visible flaws unless subjected to a thorough inspection. Both of these tiers can have the same types of inclusions: pinpoints, needles, and small feathers. The difference between them lies in the size, number, and location of these inclusions. 

A trained eye can identify the imperfections of VVS2 under 10X magnification. On the other hand, the inclusions of VVS1 diamonds are still difficult to find under this degree of magnification. Inclusions on VVS1 diamonds are also colorless, while VVS2 stones may have minor discoloration. The same inclusions can place the diamond in either category based on whether they are in a cluster, which makes them easier to notice. An inclusion near the stone’s plateau will also place it in the VVS2 grade.

Nevertheless, remember that none of these inclusions are actually visible to the naked eye. Since no one will be able to tell the difference between the two tiers, you can choose the lower one. 

VVS2 vs. VS1 Diamonds

A VS1 diamond may have slightly more imperfections than a VVS2 one. These flaws may also be larger and darker, making them more noticeable. 

The nature of the inclusion and location also plays an important role in the diamond’s value. Therefore, some VS1 diamonds might have fewer inclusions than a VVS2 ones. The imperfections may be, for instance, closer to the table of the stone, which makes them more significant despite their number.

Regardless of the inclusions, a VS1 diamond is still comparable to a VVS2 in many instances. Since the inclusions will only be visible under a magnifying glass in both cases, a VS1 and a VVS2 diamond can appear identical to the untrained eye. If your priority is an eye-clean stone, you can save a few hundred dollars by going a grade lower and settling for a still brilliant VS1. For instance, this stunning vintage engagement ring features a cushion cut stone in H color for only $7,200.

Top 7 Insider Tips and Tricks for Buying VVS2 Clarity

VVS2 clarity diamonds can be pricey, but a few tricks will allow you to get the best value. Here are seven tips to keep in mind.

Only Buy From Reputable Sellers

It goes without saying that you should only conduct business with a reputable seller when it comes to diamond jewelry. You want to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth, so research the company’s reliability before contacting them.

Make Sure the Diamond Is Certified

Another way to ensure you get what you pay for is by asking for the stone’s certification. These documents are issued by organizations like the GIA and testify to the diamond’s quality. VVS2 diamonds have considerable value, so this mustn’t be brushed aside. 

Take Carat Weights With a Grain of Salt

Carat weight plays an essential role in the diamond’s value, but it can also influence its price in other ways. Non-standard sizes will usually bring down the price of a diamond a notch without a noticeable compromise. In addition, carat weight isn’t the only thing that determines how large your diamond will appear.

Don’t Settle Immediately

A diamond purchase should never be rushed. Don’t settle for the price you’re offered immediately. Stay on the lookout for a promo code or wait for a discount. You might even be able to ask the seller for a deal directly. 

Negotiating the price of vintage jewelry is entirely acceptable, so don’t worry; you won’t offend jewelers.

Pick the Right Setting

As already mentioned, buying loose diamonds has its advantages. One is that you get to pick your own setting for the stone. The right setting can not only hide inclusions but may also enhance the natural beauty of the stone. 

The color of the setting can also be used to balance a lower color grade. Yellow gold and rose gold are often used for this purpose. Consult a jeweler for an expert opinion before deciding on a setting.

Set Your Priorities Straight

Is size or quality more important for you? Finding the right balance between the 4Cs will allow you to get the most out of your budget. For instance, this charming Tiffany Solitaire Ring combines exquisite clarity and a near-colorless tint. However, it remains affordable thanks to its more modest carat weight.

Choose the Right Time

Unless you’re tight on time, waiting for the right moment to buy your diamond can be a smart move. During off-season months, you may be able to find better deals as jewelers lower their prices or run different promotions. When is the best time to go through with your purchase? Generally, the fall months are preferable for diamond shopping.

Guide to Purchasing a VVS2 Clarity Diamond Ring

VVS2 clarity diamonds are more high-quality than the average engagement ring in the U.S. Therefore, they can truly be a show-stopper. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when buying a VVS2 diamond ring or setting a stone.

• Ensure the setting matches the diamond cut.
• Examine the ring in different lighting conditions.
• Select a style that fits the wearer.
• Balance a lower color grade diamond with the right metal.
• Pick the appropriate diamond size for the wearer’s hand.

Talk to a Diamond Expert 

A VVS2 clarity diamond is a fantastic purchase if you have the funds, but only if you know what you’re looking for. If you have any questions or need guidance on your diamond-purchasing journey, fill out the form below. Our diamond experts will be able to point you in the right direction based on your budget and purchasing criteria.