Rian here - we’ve written these clarity grade articles for you to get the nitty gritty on each diamond clarity grade. You can also get the big picture: view our page on the diamond clarity scale or read more posts in diamonds 101 about specific diamond clarity grades. Enjoy!
The Details About VVS1 Clarity Diamonds
Unlike their ‘Flawless’ and ‘Internally Flawless’ cousins, the VVS1 stones are flawed.
But keep in mind that by ‘flawed’ I mean that in order for a diamond to be given the clarity grade VVS1, it must be completely eye-clean and only have tiny inclusions or blemishes when examined under 10x magnification.
VVS1 Diamond Inclusions
These inclusions are usually the least offensive or visible of them all, such as ‘pinpoints’ (they sound so delicate!), ‘clouds’ (don’t they sound lovely?) and ‘needles’ (which we all know are hard to find).
The types of inclusions are not the most important factor when giving a clarity grade however, but rather where these imperfections are found. VVS1 inclusions and blemishes are invisible (or only very faintly visible) when looking at the face of the diamond, and usually only spotted when looking at the diamond from underneath.
The inclusions in a VVS1 diamond will not impact its beauty and fabulousness. Plus, nothing and nobody looks great at 10x magnification. The bottom line here guys, is that unless you plan to walk around with a magnifying glass so you and others can thoroughly inspect the inclusions, it’s safe to say that inclusions will not be the downfall of your diamond.
So, we know that they are slightly less perfect than ‘FL’ and ‘IF’, but are they worth your money? The short answer is no. The longer (but still very short) answer is this; because there are other grades of diamond clarity that will be eye-clean just like a VVS1, it is really not worth your while going for one of these unless it is exceedingly important for you.
A poor cut might though, so always aim for that ‘excellent’ grade in cut!
