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All diamonds are categorized by their gradings. They can be graded for everything from the quality of their cut to the color they imbue. One of the most important gradings that every diamond buyer needs to understand is clarity and how it influences an intricate scale from Flawless diamonds to Slightly Included diamonds. Today, we’ll be exploring the VVS1 clarity diamond.
This grading is one of the rarest on the market, with diamonds in this cohort making up less than 1% of the world’s diamonds. So what exactly are they and what makes them so special?
What Are VVS1 Diamonds?
VVS1 diamonds are rare and undeniably beautiful, having one of the cleanest looks to the naked eye. They sit just below internally flawless and flawless clarity grades at the highest level of VVS diamonds, and can be two to three times higher quality than what is generally bought to adorn engagement rings.
What is Diamond Clarity?
We’ve mentioned the words ‘diamond clarity’ a number of times now. Essentially, clarity refers to how ‘pure’ a diamond is, whether it contains the blemishes or ‘inclusions’ that may tarnish its ability to reflect light or be seen as eye-clean.
The acronym ‘VVS’ stands for ‘very, very slightly included. VVS1 is the top of this specific scale, with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) defining these diamonds as those with ‘ ‘Inclusions very difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10× magnification’. The GIA is itself known for developing the widely-used clarity grading system, which includes:
- 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
At this point, many may be thinking, “I must buy a flawless diamond in order to rest assured I’m getting something high quality.”
This isn’t the case. It’s incredibly rare you will find a VVS diamond with an inclusion that negatively affects the light performance or even the durability of the diamond. Overall, VVS1 diamonds represent the same kind of quality, but with a lower price tag.
Where To Buy VVS1 Diamonds
There are countless online and physical retailers ready to tempt you into buying a diamond with no prior research. This will most likely end up being a bad decision, so you need to find retailers you can trust.
You will find the best prices online, but never go for those ‘too good to be true’ or ‘what’s the catch?’ deals—these will only let you down in the long run. In contrast, purchase from vendors who can provide you with the highest level of detail, such as diamond diagnostics, ASET and Idealscope images, HD video, and even 1:1 consultations.
Our example: Whiteflash
One of our favorite examples of a reputable and trusted retailer with many years of collective experience to be found within their ranks is Whiteflash. This predominantly online retailer offers a wealth of verifiable data with their diamonds, alongside some of the very best diamonds that are available on the market. Their A CUT ABOVE® Collection Series is world-renowned as one of the highest-quality diamond ranges, offering color grades from D to F and clarity grades from Flawless to VVS.
How to Choose the Right VVS1 Diamond
When choosing a diamond, you’re not necessarily thinking about clarity or cut—you’re thinking about how it will look on you or your intended recipient. Personal taste, beauty, and budget are all key concerns. On the other hand, someone might be looking for a diamond with ‘collector’s quality’. VVS1 diamonds achieve all of these.
While they’re still a considerable investment, they’re not the most expensive diamonds, especially if you’re choosing a small stone by carat weight. But you are paying for some of the highest quality diamonds out there. If you find a VVS1 of D color (colorless) and a super ideal cut quality, then that’s a diamond definitely worth thinking about.
In this circumstance, it’s not just quality you’re paying for, but rarity as well. In most cases, we can’t tell the difference between an IF, a VS1, or a VVS1, not without the use of magnification. However, it’s the knowledge that when purchasing a VVS1, you’re purchasing the best, that makes these diamonds stand out.
Keep this in mind, because if you’re looking to stick to a budget, VVS1 isn’t the right choice. You can get an eye-clean diamond for much less which will still deliver the sparkle and fire that you’re wanting. Alternatively, if you want to pay for the best and actively know that what you’re buying is the best, then VVS1 diamonds should be a top consideration.
Additionally, for those customers that were thinking of going for the Flawless diamonds but don’t yet have the budget for one, VVS1 is the right choice—it doesn’t even need to be called a compromise.
When searching for a diamond, keep these things in mind:
- 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.
VVS1 Clarity Diamonds: Final Thoughts
Purchasing a VVS1 is the decision of a lifetime and shouldn’t be made half-heartedly. However, if you’ve truly thought it through and want a VVS1, we think that it’s a perfect investment.
Choose a VVS1 that is weighted around 0.8 to 1ctw, which is the range of the best sizes that will have a more reasonable cost.