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VS2 diamonds are a type of diamond clarity that are currently very popular in the diamonds and jewelry markets. They’re one of the higher-graded types of diamond, and are closely related to VS1 diamonds, who rank ever so slightly higher.
VS2 diamonds have a number of benefits for owners and buyers, such as their overall affordability. But what does VS2 actually mean? Are they worth buying? What makes them affordable? We’ve got all the answers for you right here.
What Are VS2 Diamonds?
The term ‘VS’ means ‘Very Slightly Included’. It’s a term given and created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The GIA divides diamond clarity into six categories and eleven sub-categories:
- Flawless (FL)
- Internally Flawless (IF)
- Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS) — VVS is divided into two grades, VVS1 and VVS2
- Very Slightly Included (VS) - VS is also divided into two grades, VS1 and VS2
- Slightly Included (SI) - SI is divided into SI1 and SI2
- Included (I) - Included divides into I1, I2, and I3
Clarity itself refers to the overall purity of a diamond, how free it is of what are known as blemishes and inclusions, which can be either internal or external flaws–such as scratches or carbon marks. The presence of these blemishes or inclusions may affect the diamond’s ability to reflect and refract light, meaning that the more inclusions, the less sparkle will be given off. The fewer inclusions a diamond has, the more likely it is to rank high on the clarity grading scale, and the higher it will be priced.
Clarity is graded based on the number, size, and position of these inclusions and blemishes. The GIA defines diamonds in the VS category as “Inclusions are minor and range from difficult to somewhat easy for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification.” For example, look at this VS2 diamond from Whiteflash.
It has been ranked as VS2 by another well-respected diamond organization, the American Gem Society (AGS). It’s a lovely diamond, and is eye-clean, which means any inclusions it holds cannot be seen by the naked eye (which is a huge advantage for buyers). While VS1 diamonds will always be eye-clean, this isn’t guaranteed with VS2, meaning this particular diamond is a great find, especially with its other high-quality characteristics, such as its color and its Ideal cut.
The right diamond seller, such as Whiteflash, will include documentation to show these characteristics, alongside the diagrams to show where inclusions can be found. This diamond’s characteristics can be found in its certificate.
Why are VS2 Diamonds Popular?
The main reason why VS2 diamonds are popular is their price. Due to their lower clarity grading, they’re usually far more affordable than higher-graded diamonds. For example, compare the following two diamonds. The first is a beautiful FL-graded diamond from Blue Nile and the second is an Ideal cut VS2-graded diamond by Whiteflash, followed by a H, VS2 from James Allen:
This second diamond is also eye-clean, color D, and 1.04 ctw. However, the Blue Nile diamond is priced significantly higher, at $14,820. This is because it’s a Flawless diamond, the highest clarity grade available. As you can see, buyers can get diamonds that are very similar, but one can be much less expensive than another based on just one characteristic. Alongside the fact that the first diamond is eye-clean, you can purchase a flawless-looking diamond for a much better price.
Where To Buy VS2 Diamonds
Trust is incredibly important when purchasing something like a diamond. These are big investments and usually done for important reasons, such as engagements, and so finding a retailer you can trust is crucial.
In my opinion, when it comes to buying diamonds, trust is built through verifiable data. This data should be readily available on a diamond retailer’s site. For example, in their diamond listings, retailers should include:
- Diamond imaging
- HD videos
- Light performance reports
- Diamond grade certification (from either the AGS or GIA)
On top of this, if you can find a retailer who offers consultations and has in-stock diamonds rather than a virtual inventory, so they can have their experts pull diamonds to analyze and verify quality for you, that is all the better.
How to Choose the Right VS1 Diamond
Finding the right diamond that is of good quality is a lot of responsibility to put on someone’s shoulders. We’ve been in your shoes countless times, trying to find the right diamonds and having to sort through the masses available. Over that time, we’ve learned a few things.
The first thing you need to do is ensure that the diamond you’re thinking of purchasing is eye-clean. As we’ve said, this means that no inclusions can be seen by the naked eye. Look for diamonds that include this in the description, as well as high-quality images or videos that show the diamond in its true form. When your chosen retailer has personally vetted the diamond, you’re in a far better position of buying a diamond that’s worth your investment.
The second thing is to remember that, overall, cut is the most important factor in diamond quality. It’s the feature that most impacts the light performance. We’ve actually seen Flawless diamonds that have poor quality cuts, which means they, unfortunately, don’t shine and sparkle as they should. Ideal cut is a perfect choice, bringing with it the optimal light performance.
Furthermore, you need to consider the shape of your diamond. Round cut diamonds are the best at disguising any inclusions, whereas Emerald or Baguette cuts show them more easily. Remember this fact when choosing a shape to look for. The same goes for carat weight, with the rule being that, the bigger the diamond, the more likely inclusions can be seen.
Our overall recommendations when searching for a diamond are:
- Always buy from a trusted retailer with years of verifiable industry experience.
- Always check the certifications of the diamond that you are purchasing.
- Look for high-quality images and videos.
- Peruse all documentation and diagnostics that have been included in the diamond’s description.
VS2 Clarity Diamonds: Diamond Expert’s Thoughts
VS2 diamonds provide the same benefits as a highly-graded diamond, without the highly-costly price tag–especially if the diamond you find is eye-clean. If it’s not eye-clean, we would not recommend you make your intended purchase. Expert analysis will provide you with the knowledge and information you need to determine this, so that when you’re buying, you don’t end up making any mistakes or unintended compromises.