VVS Diamonds Explained: What They Really Mean and Whether They’re Worth It

Quick Answer: VVS Diamonds at a Glance

• What does VVS diamond mean: Very Very Slightly Included

• Visible to the naked eye: No

• Seen under 10x magnification: Extremely difficult

• Are VVS diamonds real: Yes, for both lab-grown and mined diamonds

• Is VVS always worth it: No, not for most buyers

• Best use cases: Step cuts, larger stones, close-up jewelry

What Does VVS Mean in Diamonds?

VVS stands for Very Very Slightly Included. It is a diamond clarity grade used by major gemological laboratories such as GIA and IGI.

Clarity describes internal inclusions and surface blemishes that form naturally during diamond growth. In VVS diamonds, these inclusions are so small that they are extremely hard to locate even under 10x magnification.

VVS clarity is divided into two subgrades:

• VVS1: Inclusions are extremely difficult to find

• VVS2: Inclusions are still very difficult to find

Both grades appear identical to the naked eye.

If you want a deeper explanation of clarity grading, see our diamond clarity grading.

According to the GIA clarity scale, VVS sits just below Internally Flawless and above VS clarity.

What Are VVS Diamonds and How Rare Are They?

VVS diamonds are rare because very few diamonds form with so few internal characteristics. As clarity increases, availability drops and prices rise quickly.

That said, rarity does not equal visible difference.

Clarity is only one part of diamond evaluation. Cut, color, and carat weight play equally important roles. Many buyers focus too heavily on clarity without understanding how the 4Cs work together.

To see how clarity fits into the bigger picture, review the 4Cs of a diamond.

Can You See Inclusions in a VVS Diamond?

No.

In normal viewing conditions, inclusions in a VVS diamond are not visible to the naked eye. Even trained gemologists require magnification and careful positioning to locate them.

Key points:

• Naked eye visibility: No

• Normal viewing distance: No

• Once set in jewelry: No difference from high VS diamonds

This is confirmed by GIA and high-end retailers such as Whiteflash and Brilliant Earth.

VVS vs VS Diamonds: The Real Difference

This is where most buying decisions are made.

The practical difference between VVS and VS diamonds comes down to rarity and price rather than appearance. Both grades are eye clean, meaning inclusions are not visible without magnification. The jump in cost reflects how difficult it is to find diamonds with fewer internal characteristics.

VVS vs VS in everyday wear

• Both grades can appear eye clean

• Both can look identical once set

• VVS costs more because it is rarer

• VS often offers better value

What matters more than clarity

• Cut quality affects sparkle far more than clarity

• Proportions and symmetry control light performance

To understand why sparkle depends more on cut, see how diamond cut affects light performance.

When VVS matters more

• Step-cut diamonds such as emerald and asscher

• Larger center stones

• Buyers who want top-tier specifications

If you are considering a step cut, clarity becomes more noticeable under magnification. Many buyers prefer higher clarity for emerald cut engagement rings.

Clarity Comparison Table

Are VVS Diamonds Real?

Yes. VVS diamonds are real diamonds.

The clarity grade applies to both mined and lab-grown diamonds. The grading standards are the same. Laboratories evaluate inclusions using identical criteria.

If you are new to lab-grown diamonds, see what is a lab-grown diamond.

According to GIA and IGI, lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds. VVS means the same thing in both cases.

VVS Simulated Diamonds vs Real Diamonds

This is where confusion often starts.

Simulated diamonds are not diamonds. They include materials such as cubic zirconia and some forms of moissanite.

Important distinctions:

• Simulated diamonds do not share diamond crystal structure

• Clarity terms like VVS are not standardized for simulants

• “Flawless VVS simulated diamonds” is marketing language

For a full explanation, see our simulated diamonds vs lab-grown diamonds blog.

When a VVS Diamond Ring Makes Sense

A VVS diamond ring makes sense in specific situations.

VVS is a good choice if:

• You are buying a large center stone

• You prefer step-cut shapes

• You want top-tier clarity specifications

• You value peace of mind over paper perfection

For these cases, a VVS diamond ring offers reassurance that clarity will never be a concern. Many buyers explore this option within our lab-grown diamond engagement rings, where we offer VVS diamonds without the traditional retail markup.

When You Should Skip VVS and Choose a Lower Clarity

For most people, VVS is not necessary.

VS clarity often makes more sense if:

• You want a larger carat size

• You want better cut quality

• You want the same visual appearance at a lower price

VVS by Jewelry Type

Because all Leonids jewelry uses VVS diamonds, clarity consistency is built into every piece.

VVS Diamond Necklace

• Worn close to the face

• Often viewed at short distance

• Higher clarity supports a clean, crisp look

• Popular for larger pendants

Shop VVS Diamond Necklaces

VVS Diamond Earrings

• Studs are viewed up close

• Matching pairs benefit from consistent clarity

• VVS supports brightness even in smaller stones

VVS Diamond Rings

• Step cuts benefit most from higher clarity

• Brilliant cuts can look identical in VS

• Clarity choice should support cut and carat balance

  

Shop VVS Diamond Earrings

Why Leonids Uses VVS Diamonds Across All Jewelry

Leonids works exclusively with VVS clarity lab-grown diamonds.

This is possible because:

• Factory-direct sourcing

• No middlemen

• Over 20 years of diamond manufacturing experience

• Focus on cut quality and performance

• Carat freedom without traditional retail markups

This approach allows our customers to choose larger, high-quality diamonds without breaking the bank.

Shop VVS Diamond Jewelry

Clarity Impact Summary Table

Final Thoughts

Understanding what does VVS mean in diamonds helps you avoid paying for clarity you cannot see. VVS diamonds offer exceptional specifications, but they are not always the smartest choice.

The best diamond balances clarity, cut, color, and carat weight. When chosen intentionally, VVS makes sense. When chosen blindly, it often adds cost without adding beauty.

Author Bio

Vivian. W, Certified Gemologist at Leonids. Vivian has over ten years of experience in jewelry design and diamond grading, and she’s committed to helping you find the perfect symbol of your love.