VVS1 Diamond: Is it really worth the Money?

VVS1 clarity diamonds are diamonds with imperfections that are so small they’re difficult for an expert to see even under 10x magnification. Diamonds with a VVS1 grade are close to the top of the GIA clarity scale, falling just under the FL/IF grades. While this makes them visually stunning, it doesn’t necessarily make them the best choice for everyone. Lower grade diamonds like VS1, even down to an eye-clean SI diamond, can appear just as flawless to the naked eye but cost significantly less. Unless you’re a diamond connoisseur, choosing a VVS1 diamond might mean you’re paying more for a feature that won’t be noticeable. Are VVS1 clarity diamonds right for you? In this article, we cover everything you need to know about VVS1 diamonds to help answer that question.

1.02ct G VVS1 Princess Cut Diamond from James Allen — 1.02ct G VVS1 Princess Cut Diamond

VVS1 diamonds are absolutely stunning from a clarity perspective, but you are paying a premium for that. Take a look at this VVS1 diamond from Blue Nile and compare it to this VS1 diamond. Can you tell the difference between the two? If you can, is that difference worth almost $3,000 more? Those savings become more pronounced if you find VS2 or SI clarity grade diamond that is eye-clean.

Keep in mind that buying a diamond is a zero sum game. If you decide to pay for a VVS1 clarity grade, you may be sacrificing something far more important. Say you have to keep that same 2ct diamond under 20k. You can find one like this from Blue Nile, but this diamond has a far more fatal flaw (never buy a G/H color diamond with strong blue fluorescence).

Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:

What are VVS1 diamonds?
How much do VVS1 diamonds cost?
Where to buy VVS1 diamonds
Should I buy VVS1 diamonds?
FAQs

Why you should trust us

To help you with the diamond buying process we lean on our expertise and experience. The author of this article, our CEO, Mike Fried has over 20 years of experience in the diamond industry. Mike started from the bottom, sorting and evaluating hundreds of thousands of diamonds to learn every facet (pun intended) of diamond quality and value. Mike followed that up by spending years buying and selling diamonds on the wholesale market as well as selling tens of millions of dollars worth of diamonds to diamond retailers.

What are VVS1 Diamonds?

Clarity grades are determined by the GIA laboratory by “Evaluating diamond clarity involves determining the number, size, relief, nature, and position of these characteristics, as well as how these affect the overall appearance of the stone”.

A VVS1 diamond is a diamond with inclusions so tiny they can’t be seen even under 10x magnification (a standard jeweler’s loupe). That makes VVS1 diamonds eye-clean, so blemishes and inclusions can’t be seen by the naked eye. Only under a powerful microscope can trained professionals spot inclusions in VVS1s.

On the diamond clarity scale, VVS1 diamonds are a grade higher than VVS2 diamonds and a grade lower than internally flawless (IF) diamonds. VVS2 diamonds are more included than VVS1 diamonds and usually cost slightly less. Inclusions in VVS2s are barely visible under a standard jeweler’s loupe and are eye-clean.

Internally Flawless (IF)

Internally Flawless / Flawless – No internal or external imperfections. Flawless diamonds are extremely rare.

Here's an example of an FL/IF diamond

Very Very Small Inclusions 1 (VVS1)

Very Very Slightly Included (1st Degree) – Diamond clarity inclusions rated VVS1 are not visible at all under 10x magnification.

Here's an example of an VVS1 diamond

Very Very Small Inclusions 2 (VVS2)

Very Very Slightly Included (2nd Degree) – Diamond clarity inclusions rated VVS2 are sometimes just barely visible under 10x magnification (standard jeweler’s loupe). When they are visible, they are quite difficult to find and can often take quite a while to locate.

Here's an example of an VVS2 diamond

Very Small Inclusions 1 (VS1)

Very Slightly Included (1st Degree) – VS1 diamond clarity inclusions are just barely visible under 10x magnification (standard jeweler’s loupe). When looking for VS1 clarity inclusions with a loupe, it can sometimes take a good few seconds until the pinpoint is located.

Here's an example of an VS1 diamond

Very Small Inclusions 2 (VS2)

Very Slightly Included (2nd Degree) – VS2 clarity inclusions are almost always easily noticeable at 10x magnification (standard jeweler’s loupe). Occasionally, the inclusion will be located in a difficult-to-spot location, but otherwise, the inclusion is large enough that it can be spotted quickly under magnification.

Here's an example of an VS2 diamond

Small Inclusions 1 (SI1)

Slightly Included (1st Degree) – SI1 Clarity inclusions are easily found with a standard jeweler’s loupe at 10x magnification. With most shapes (to the exclusion of step cuts like Asscher and Emerald Cuts), SI1 clarity inclusions are almost always clean to the naked eye.

Here's an example of an SI1 diamond

Small Inclusions 2 (SI2)

Slightly Included (2nd Degree) – SI2 clarity inclusions are seen clearly and obviously with the help of a jeweler’s loupe. With step cuts like Emerald and Asscher cuts, an SI2 clarity inclusion will most likely be visible to the naked eye.

Here's an example of an SI2 diamond

Inclusions 1 (I1)

Included (1st Degree) – I1 clarity inclusions are even more obvious and clearly seen than SI2 clarity inclusions. Most I1 inclusions are visible to the naked eye—even on brilliant cuts.

Here's an example of an I1 diamond

Inclusions 2/3 (I2/I3)

Included (2nd/3rd Degree) – I2/I3 clarity inclusions are even more obvious and clearly seen. Most I2/3 inclusions will encompass most of the diamond—even on brilliant cuts.

When a lab professional determines clarity grade, they look at the location, size, number, and nature of the inclusions. For VVS1 diamonds, the inclusions are too small or too faint to be seen at 10x magnification. This VVS1 sample diamond from James Allen shows that VVS1 inclusions aren’t visible at this level of magnification.

Blemishes in the VVS1 Diamond — Inclusions are shown in the VVS1 Diamond which can not be visible under 10X magnification.

While it may seem important to buy a diamond with such small or few blemishes, a VVS1 diamond isn’t the wisest choice. Here’s why: a VVS1 diamond is eye-clean, just like lower graded—and far less expensive—diamonds are. There’s no need to pay more for a characteristic that will go unnoticed.
We recommend steering away from VVS1 diamonds because you’re paying more than you need to. Depending on the diamond shape, we generally recommend looking VS1-SI1 clarity range. Just be sure that the diamond is eye-clean.

Amazing Deal Alert: Save 50% at James Allen

VVS1 Diamond Price

The VVS1 diamond price ranges from $1,100 for a well-cut 0.50 carat H color diamond like this one from Blue Nile to $21,640 for a 1.93 carat diamond and higher. Like any diamond, the price of a VVS diamond depends on the diamond cut, diamond color, shape and carat weight. The “VVS1” designation just refers to the clarity grade.

The average price of a round 1 carat VVS1 diamond with an H-I color is $5,500. For example, this 1 carat round cut with VVS1 clarity and H color from Blue Nile costs $5,730, while this 1 carat round VVS1 with I color is priced at $4,810. The average cost of a round 2 carat VVS1 round diamond with an H color is $23,000. As an example, this stunning 2 carat VVS1 diamond from James Allen is priced at $22,840.

VVS diamonds are more expensive than VS diamonds and significantly more expensive than SI diamonds. We don’t believe it’s worth buying a VVS1 diamond ring because the prices are significantly higher. They give you the same result as lower-graded diamonds: eye-clean diamonds.

You can learn more in our guide to diamond prices.

Totally recommended. Quick responses, concrete and specific advice, something and someone you can rely on to make such an important decision.

Gio

Apr 1, 2023

Diamonds Pro helped us pick a diamond, according to our budget and a few other criteria. We ended up buying a loose diamond from James Allen. We felt that we got very good value for money. The diamond was appraised by another jeweler where we live, confirming its characteristics and value. Finally, we had the diamond set in a ring by a local jeweler, and we’re very pleased with the result! Thank you Diamonds Pro 😊

Mikeela Teaquila

Dec 26, 2022

Where you can find a VVS1 Diamond

VVS1 diamonds are available at most jewelers, depending on inventory and the diamond shape you’re looking for. Reliable online vendors like Blue Nile and James Allen offer high-quality imagery of all diamonds so you can review them up close before purchase. James Allen and Blue Nile are more affordable because their overhead costs are low. They both carry a large selection of high-quality diamonds and engagement rings.

1.85ct H/VVS1 Cushion Cut from Blue Nile with a clarity plot — 1.85ct H/VVS1 Cushion Cut with a clarity plot (right)

Examples of VVS1 Diamonds

You can find VVS1 diamonds in all shapes and carat weights. Here are a few examples of VVS1 diamonds that are well-cut.

0.51 Carat VVS1 Round Cut Diamond with J Color from Blue Nile priced at 1,180
0.70 Carat VVS1 Oval Cut Diamond with E Color from James Allen priced at $2,410
1.01 Carat VVS1 Princess Cut Diamond with I Color from James Allen priced at $3,060
1.50 Carat VVS1 Radiant Cut Diamond with H Color from Blue Nile priced at $9,260

These diamonds look identical in a ring.
Real Diamond Pros will know how to save almost 20%
So Which is it?
The SI1 clarity at $8,600
or the VS1 color at $10,500
Choose the diamond you like better and see if you are a Pro!

Should I Buy a VVS1 Diamond?

The most important aspect when considering diamond clarity is finding a diamond that’s eye-clean. While VVS1 diamonds are always eye-clean, you can find eye-clean stones in lower clarity grades for much lower prices. For instance, this VVS1 1.4 carat H color diamond from James Allen costs $10,290, while this VS1 1.4 carat H color costs $9.080. The VVS1 diamond costs $1,210 more than the VS1 diamond. Choosing the VS1 clarity gets you the same result as far as beauty, but costs a whole lot less. You’re better off putting your budget toward the most important diamond feature: cut quality. Cut dictates a diamond’s beauty and brilliance more than any other characteristic.

VVS1 diamonds and how to get a better price

For diamonds under 2 carat, we generally recommend a clarity grade in the range of VS1-SI1 depending on the shape.

When it comes to 2 carat diamonds and greater, an SI1 or VS2 might not be eye-clean. Due to the size, it’s easier to see inclusions in the stone. Still, with these larger carat weights, you can typically find a VS1 – VVS2 diamond that’s eye clean, like this beautiful 3.59 carat VS1 from Blue Nile.

FAQs About VVS1 Clarity Diamonds

Is it worth buying VVS diamonds?

In most cases, it’s not worth paying extra for a VVS diamond, when you can get a diamond that appears identical with a lower clarity grade (and thus a lower price). The only time you want to consider buying VVS diamonds is for larger diamonds or certain shapes that show inclusions more clearly.

How rare is a VVS1 diamond?

VVS1 diamonds are very rare, estimated to make up less than 1% of diamonds on the market. These diamonds are only slightly more common than the rarest of all diamond clarity grades, flawless diamonds.

Are VVS1 diamonds expensive?

VVS1 diamonds are expensive, compared to most other clarity grades. Be aware that you’ll pay a significant premium for a VVS1 diamond over a diamond graded in the VS1-SI1 range, yet it will not always provide any difference in quality when viewed by the naked eye.

How much does a VVS1 clarity diamond cost?

A nice one carat round diamond that is VVS1 clarity costs about $6,000. The price can vary a bit based on which shape you select, what color grade you go with, and whether it’s well cut or not.

Conclusion

The most common mistake people make is purchasing a diamond with a clarity grade that’s too high to appreciate—thinking they’re getting a “good investment.” Diamonds are a retail product like any other, and—based on their resale value—shouldn’t be considered an investment.

That’s why it’s best to always look for a diamond with the lowest clarity grade that’s still clean to the naked eye. If you need help reviewing diamonds, contact us and we’ll provide you with a personal recommendation.

Here are more specific clarity topics to browse:

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab created diamonds online. Now save 50% at James Allen Holiday Sale!

Click to Visit

What we love about them:

No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
Lifetime Warranty
Free International Shipping
Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
Provide insurance appraisals
One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
Free ring inscriptions
Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
24/7 Customer Service
Best-in-class packaging

Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing.Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!
Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

Click to Visit

What we love about them:

No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
Lifetime Warranty
Free Shipping
Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
Provide insurance appraisal
One free resizing within the first year of purchase
High quality images of about half of their diamonds
24/7 Customer Service
100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
Best in class fulfillment

Still afraid of getting ripped off?

Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.

Ask your diamond purchase question here

DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.

About the author

Mike Fried Mike Fried has over 25 years experience in the diamond industry working with Leo Schachter Diamonds, Moshe Namdar Diamonds, and joining The Diamond Pro in 2007. He is recognized as an industry expert and has been quoted in publications such as Us, People, Page Six, The Next Web and more.

Complete VVS1 Diamond Clarity Buying Guide