VVS1 Diamonds

What Does VVS1 Mean in Diamonds?

Very, Very Slightly Included Diamonds are those that have just minor inclusions, pinpoints, feathers, or internal graining. Located near the pavilion edges of the diamonds, they are the hardest to detect, even under magnification.

Ranking just below Flawless and Internally Flawless (IF) on the GIA clarity scale, you won’t notice any inclusions with the naked eye in any lighting conditions. They also offer no durability concerns.

VVS1 vs. VVS2: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

When considering VVS1 vs VVS2 diamonds, know that they look the same to the naked eye. VVS1 inclusions are positioned more favorably (pavilion edge, facing down) and are typically fewer in number or smaller in size than VVS2. But no one can see the difference without intense magnification. 

For that reason, buyers of a VVS1 diamond are mostly paying for the rarity and not any visual jump. 

If you’re only interested in the naked-eye clarity of your diamond, then a VVS2 offers better value for money. 

For those who are more interested in documented perfection and investment-grade stones, a VVS1 may be more suitable. 

Finally, we recommend ensuring the cut of any diamond VVS1 is exceptional to maximize the light performance. 

VVS1 Diamond Price: What to Expect

A natural VVS1 diamond costs around $7,000 to over $20,000 per carat, placing them at the top of luxury diamonds. However, this price is heavily influenced by color grade and cut quality.

A lab-grown VVS1 diamond costs around $1,200 to $8,000 per carat, offering the same optical properties, but without the sentimental allure of a ‘natural’ diamond. 

Given that prices can quickly add up when you add in other diamond qualities (such as color and cut), we highly recommend that you prioritize cut first. A well-cut lower-color VVS1 will always outperform a poorly cut, high-color VVS1 to the natural eye. 

Is a VVS1 Diamond Worth It?

VVS1 diamonds are a wonderful choice for those who want a diamond within the highest clarity grades, but without wanting to pay for the premium of FL and IF diamonds. 

Given that VVS2 and even VS1 diamonds look identical to the naked eye, you can save some money by opting for them instead - unless a higher grade is your priority, for investment reasons. 

However, if you’re opting for a step-cut shape center stone, where clarity is most exposed, then a VVS1 is an extremely good choice.

Diamond Shapes That Showcase VVS1 Clarity

VVS1 diamond rings will shine best with step-cut shapes (such as emerald and Asscher), which have large, open facets that display clarity more transparently than brilliant cuts. 

Brilliant cuts (such as round, oval, cushion, pear) mask inclusions through their facet pattern, so a VS1 or VVS2 is often sufficient, but if your standards are elite, then you can opt for a VVS1.

VVS1 diamonds can also be a wise choice for fancy shapes with pointed ends (such as a pear or marquise), where inclusions at the tip are typically more visible

Natural vs. Lab-Grown VVS1 Diamonds

Natural and lab-grown diamonds offer the same stunning performance to the naked eye. They are indistinguishable without a specialist’s observation.

However, many collectors prefer the documentation and origin story of natural mined VVS1 diamonds. 

Our collection includes both natural and lab-grown VVS1 diamonds, offering a choice for different budgets, ideals, and sentiments. 

VVS1 Diamond FAQs 

What is a VVS1 diamond?

A VVS1 diamond is a diamond that is only ‘very, very slightly included, first grade’. It is ranked just about VVS2 and below IF diamonds.

What does VVS1 mean in diamonds?

VVS1 stands for ‘very, very slightly included, first grade’. 

What is the difference between VVS1 and VVS2?

A VVS1 diamond has fewer or harder-to-locate inclusions than a VVS2 and has a higher price. However, they are indistinguishable to the naked eye. 

How much does a 1-carat VVS1 diamond cost?

A natural 1ct VVS1 diamond price is around $7,000 to over $20,000, with a lab-grown 1 carat VVS1 diamond price at around $1,200 to $8,000. 

Are VVS1 diamonds rare?

Yes! VVS1 diamonds make up less than 1% of diamonds in circulation. 

Can you see inclusions in a VVS1 diamond?

You can only see inclusions in diamond VVS1s under 10x magnification. 

Is VVS1 better than VS1?

Yes. A VVS1 offers fewer inclusions for better light performance. 

Does BGD offer VVS1 diamond earrings and rings?

Yes! We have VVS1 diamonds for sale in rings and earrings, as well as a customized service to bring any vision or concept you have to life.