Do You Really Need VVS Clarity?
Not necessarily.
VVS clarity represents a very high clarity grade, but not every buyer needs a VVS diamond to get a beautiful, eye-clean stone.
For many jewelry buyers, a well-chosen VS1 or VS2 diamond may look clean to the naked eye while offering a different balance of clarity, appearance, and budget.
The important question isn't simply “What is the highest clarity grade?”
It is:
“Can I see the inclusions, and how do they affect the diamond's appearance?”
What Does Diamond Clarity Mean?
Clarity refers to the internal and external characteristics found in a diamond.
Internal features:
Inclusions
External features:
Blemishes
Diamond clarity grading evaluates the number, size, position, nature, and visibility of these characteristics under standardized viewing conditions according to GIA diamond clarity standards.
Color ≠ Clarity
The Diamond Clarity Scale
| Grade Tier | Clarity Category | Description |
|---|---|---|
| FL / IF | Flawless / Internally Flawless | Very high clarity |
| VVS1 / VVS2 | Very Very Slightly Included | Inclusions are extremely difficult to locate under 10x magnification |
| VS1 / VS2 | Very Slightly Included | Inclusions are minor and typically invisible to the naked eye |
| SI1 / SI2 | Slightly Included | Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification and may be eye-visible |
| I1 / I2 / I3 | Included | Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification and to the naked eye |
VS vs VVS + Eye-Clean
What Does VVS Mean?
VVS:
Very Very Slightly Included
means:
Inclusions are very difficult for a trained grader to see under 10× magnification.
VVS1
Very Very Slightly Included 1
VVS2
Very Very Slightly Included 2
VVS1 generally has a higher clarity grade than VVS2.
The difference between VVS and VS is often much easier to see on a grading report than with the naked eye.
VS1 vs. VS2: What's the Difference?
VS1
Very Slightly Included 1
Typically indicates that inclusions are relatively difficult to observe under 10x magnification.
VS2
Very Slightly Included 2
Still falls within the "Very Slightly Included" category, but the inclusions are relatively easier for professional graders to observe.
A lower clarity grade does not automatically mean that inclusions are visible to the naked eye.
What Does “Eye-Clean” Mean?
“Eye-clean” generally means that inclusions are not readily visible to the unaided eye under normal viewing conditions.
Simply put:
No obvious inclusions are visible during normal observation without a magnifying glass.
“Eye-clean” is not a formal clarity grade.
This is very important.
It is not:
VS1
Nor is it:
VS2
Rather, it is a description of the actual visual appearance.
Why Can Eye-Clean Matter More Than the Grade?
Because when consumers wear jewelry, they generally do not view it under:
10× magnification
but rather at:
normal viewing distance
Therefore:
If two diamonds both appear clean to the naked eye, paying substantially more for a higher clarity grade may not produce an equally noticeable visual difference.
may not produce an equally noticeable visual difference
Is Every VS2 Diamond Eye-Clean?
No.
Even with the same VS2 grade:
One possibility:
Eye-clean
Another possibility:
Visible inclusion
Because it also depends on:
- inclusion type
- inclusion size
- inclusion location
- diamond size
- diamond shape
- viewing conditions
Therefore:
Clarity grade alone does not tell the entire visual story.
Can Two VS1 Diamonds Look Different?
Yes.
For instance, consider a VS1 diamond with inclusions that are:
small + near the edge
versus another with inclusions that are:
more centrally located
Even with the same clarity grade, the visual appearance can differ.
Therefore, when purchasing lab-grown diamonds online, it is best to review a combination of:
- certificate
- high-resolution images
- video
- measurements
- actual stone information
Professional gemological reports, such as those following official IGI lab-grown diamond grading guide standards, provide detailed inclusion plots to help you inspect location.
Does Diamond Shape Affect Clarity?
Different shapes—such as:
- Round
- Oval
- Emerald
- Cushion
- Pear
- Marquise
—display internal characteristics in different ways.
This is particularly true for:
Step-cut shapes
such as:
the Emerald cut
Because they feature large, open facets, internal characteristics can sometimes be more noticeable.
In contrast:
Brilliant-cut shapes
such as:
the Round Brilliant
—with their numerous facets and intense light reflection—can alter the visual visibility of inclusions.
Therefore:
Clarity should always be considered together with diamond shape and the characteristics of the individual stone.
Do You Really Need VVS?
| Your Priority | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Highest clarity grade | VVS |
| Very high clarity with strong visual quality | VVS or VS1 |
| Eye-clean appearance | VS1 / VS2 may be worth considering |
| Budget balance | Compare the actual stone, not just the grade |
| Step-cut diamond | Pay closer attention to clarity |
There is no universal clarity grade that every buyer should choose.
Higher Clarity Doesn't Always Mean a Better-Looking Diamond
For example:
VVS2 + average cut
is not necessarily visually superior to:
VS1 + excellent cut
because:
Clarity and Cut address different issues.
Want to understand why cut affects sparkle? Read our guide to Lab-Grown Diamond Cut.
How Does Clarity Fit Into the 4Cs?
When evaluating a diamond, the end consumer should not focus solely on clarity.
Instead, one should consider the factors holistically, as recognized by the FTC Jewelry Guides for lab-grown and mined diamonds alike:
Cut → Color → Clarity → Carat
For example:
Diamond A
2.00 ct
VVS2
G Color
Good cut
Diamond B
1.75 ct
VS1
G Color
Excellent cut
You cannot simply conclude that Diamond A is better
just because VVS2 > VS1.
This is because the 4Cs form an integrated whole.
The Bottom Line
You don't necessarily need VVS to get a beautiful lab-grown diamond.
VVS represents a very high clarity level, but the difference between VVS and VS may be much less noticeable to the naked eye than it appears on a grading report.
For many buyers, an eye-clean VS1 or VS2 diamond can provide an attractive balance of visual appearance and budget. However, the right choice depends on the individual diamond, its shape, cut, inclusion characteristics, and your personal priorities.
Don't choose clarity by the grade alone. Look at the diamond itself.
The goal isn't the highest clarity grade. The goal is a diamond that looks beautiful to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does diamond color mean?
Diamond color evaluates the presence or absence of micro-tints (typically yellow or brown) within a diamond crystal. The standard grading scale measures how close a diamond is to being completely transparent and colorless.
What is the highest diamond color grade?
The highest possible grade on the standard D-to-Z scale is D color. Diamonds graded D are completely colorless, with zero detectable color visible even under 10x magnification by expert gemologists.
Is D color better than G color?
D color is technically higher on the grading scale and represents absolute purity. However, G color belongs to the "Near Colorless" bracket and appears identical to D color to the unassisted eye once mounted in a setting—making G color a significantly better value choice for most buyers.
What does D-F colorless mean?
The D-F range represents the premium Colorless tier. Diamonds in this range (D, E, and F) contain no visible body color to the naked eye, even when placed face-down against a white backdrop next to master comparison stones.
What does G-J near colorless mean?
The G-J range is classified as Near Colorless. To the naked eye, these diamonds appear virtually clear when viewed from top-down. Slight warm undertones are generally only detectable when compared directly alongside higher D-F stones under laboratory lighting.
What does K-M faint color mean?
The K-M range contains Faint Color. Tints of warm yellow or brown become visible to the naked eye in these diamonds, especially when viewed from the side profile or set in white precious metals.
Is G color good for a lab-grown diamond?
Yes, G color is one of the most popular and sweet-spot choices for lab-grown diamonds. It provides a crisp, bright, white appearance while saving budget that can be allocated toward a larger carat weight or superior cut grade.
Is D color worth the extra cost?
D color is worth the premium if you desire absolute perfection, maximum rarity, or plan to set the diamond in platinum or white gold. However, if your primary goal is visual beauty without paying for invisible laboratory differences, G or H color provides the same real-world visual outcome for far less money.
Does diamond color affect sparkle?
No, diamond color does not affect sparkle. Sparkle (brilliance, fire, and scintillation) is controlled entirely by the quality of the diamond's Cut. A poorly cut D-color diamond will look dull, while a well-cut G-color diamond will sparkle intensely.
Does diamond shape affect color?
Yes. Round brilliant cuts hide color extremely well because their facet patterns bounce light in multiple directions. Elongated or step-cut shapes—such as Emerald, Oval, Radiant, and Pear cuts—tend to show and concentrate color near their tips or deep centers, often requiring a step higher in color grade (like F or G) to appear white.
Does gold color affect how diamond color looks?
Yes. Yellow gold and rose gold settings reflect warm tones into the diamond, allowing lower color grades (like H, I, or J) to look perfectly white by comparison. Conversely, setting a diamond in platinum or white gold will accentuate any underlying warmth, making higher grades (D through G) preferred.
Is the D-Z color scale used for lab-grown diamonds?
Yes. Major gemological laboratories (such as GIA and IGI) use the exact same D-to-Z grading scale for lab-grown diamonds as they do for earth-mined diamonds.
What is the best color for a lab-grown diamond?
For maximum value and visual impact, F or G color is generally the best choice. They offer a completely white, face-up appearance to the naked eye without the high price premium associated with rare D-grade stones.