VS1 and VS2 clarity diamonds are great options when shopping for a stone of high quality at a good price. While these diamonds might not be flawless, they are still valuable. The nuances of diamond grading can be a bit confusing, especially when it comes to clarity. Clarity refers to the visible natural characteristics that occur during diamond growth. We’re going to break down and compare these clarity grades so you can get a great diamond on a budget.
What are the differences between VS1 and VS2?
If you don’t already know when looking for a diamond, the 4Cs - cut, color, clarity, and carat - will be your guide. They make up the overall beauty and quality of a stone. There are eight clarity grades and Very Slightly included diamonds are categorized by VS1 and VS2. The clarity scale ranges from noticeable imperfections (also known as inclusions) to seemingly flawless even under magnification. VS diamonds are going to have small natural characteristics that are difficult to see under 10 times magnification. The inclusions will be almost impossible to see with the naked eye.
Quality
A VS1 diamond has no visible inclusions and under 10x magnification, the inclusions are almost unidentifiable. These diamonds make up the top 5 percent of all gem-quality stones. VS2 diamonds will only have eye-visible inclusions 5 percent or less of the time, which are more common in stones over 1 carat. Comparatively, VS2 diamonds will have more natural characteristics, which will be larger and easier to detect.
When shopping for diamonds, keep in mind that two stones can have a similar size and number of inclusions, but if they are more visible, such as near the center, it will receive a VS2 rating. In most cases, any inclusion on a VS graded diamond will be visible only to a trained jeweler or gemologist. When flaws are not visible to the naked eye, it is referred to as "eye clean."
Most VS1 and VS2 diamonds are eye-clean, but there are some cases where inclusions are visible. They can be more noticeable in step-cut diamonds such as Asscher or emerald-cut. If you're looking for something larger than 2 carats, VS1 is your safest choice because the larger the diamond, the easier it is to spot inclusions. Round brilliant cuts will hide natural characteristics better in larger stones, so VS2 is a safe bet.
Price
Both VS1 and VS2 diamonds are wonderful if you’re looking for a high-quality stone on a budget. Although VS2 and VS1 diamonds typically have minor flaws, they are significantly less expensive than diamonds graded higher on the clarity scale. It can be hard to tell the difference between flawless and VS diamonds with the naked eye, which is what makes these stones such a steal. The price differences in VS1 vs. VS2 can range anywhere from only a few cents more per carat to 25% more expensive, depending on the carat weight and the other 4Cs. If the price difference is not exponential, VS1 is usually recommended over VS2. Because of their scarcity, you'll get more value for your money, as the VS1 will appreciate over time.
So which one is better?
Ultimately, deciding to purchase a VS1 vs VS2 diamond boils down to size, cut, and budget. If you’re looking for something to invest in, a VS1 will be your best option. Most diamonds over 1 carat, especially if it's a step-cut, will be more eye-clean and have better monetary value at VS1 clarity. But if you personally value a good price at a good clarity grade, a VS2 still has the same brilliance as higher-grade diamonds as their inclusions cannot be detected by the naked eye. Before making any purchases, make sure to examine the diamond yourself or chat with one of our gemologists! Inclusions are not always mentioned in the retail description. Also, only buy a diamond that has been graded by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or the AGS for natural and IGI, GCAL or GIA for lab grown. This is to ensure your diamond’s quality is legitimate.
Don’t forget the true reason why buying any diamond is special. It’s very easy to get caught up in the process and to focus on little details that will take the joy out of the process. Buy what you love and connect with! Check out our selection of VS1 and VS2 diamonds and if you have any questions, we are here to help.
If you still need help deciding which diamond is right for you, take our 30-second quiz!
FAQs
VS1 is higher than the VS2 grade. The only difference between the two is a VS2 diamond's impurities can be easier to spot than those in a VS1. Imperfections in a VS2 grade diamond are similar in size and quantity to those in a VS1.
Should I buy VS1 or VS2 diamonds? ›
VS2 can range anywhere from only a few cents more per carat to 25% more expensive, depending on the carat weight and the other 4Cs. If the price difference is not exponential, VS1 is usually recommended over VS2. Because of their scarcity, you'll get more value for your money, as the VS1 will appreciate over time.
Is VS2 clarity good enough? ›
Diamonds with a VS2 clarity grade offer you the best balance of beauty and affordability. We think they are the best diamond value. Buying a diamond that has a lower clarity grade but still no eye-visible inclusions will leave more money in your budget to buy a larger, more beautifully cut diamond.
Is VS1 clarity good enough? ›
All VS clarity diamonds contain inclusions visible with magnification. In a VS1 diamond, the imperfections are smaller and harder to see than those in a VS2. Diamonds with a VS1 clarity grade will always be eye-clean. That means they'll have no imperfections visible to the naked eye.
What diamond clarity is good enough? ›
Eye Clean Diamond Clarity Grades:
VS2 to VVS1 diamonds are eye-clean. You will not see any inclusions with the naked eye. SI1 & SI2 are mostly eye-clean. It's best to see the diamond in person or through a video, to see its clarity and make sure you're happy with it.
Can a VS2 diamond be cloudy? ›
So a VS2 diamond is much less likely to have a transparency issue, even with a cloud or twinning wisp grade setting inclusion.
Is color or clarity more important? ›
Clarity is more important in shapes like emerald, princess, and asscher. Colour is important for cushion, radiant, pear and oval. Generally speaking, as long as you choose an eye-clean diamond, your diamond will still look beautiful in terms of clarity.
What clarity should a 2 carat diamond be? ›
For two carat diamonds clarity, we recommend a VS2 or above. This grade usually ensures that the diamond is eye-clean and free of obstructive inclusions.
Can you see imperfections in VS2 diamonds? ›
In fact, nearly every VS2 clarity diamond will be eye-clean, with no visible imperfections. That's because these "Very Small" flaws, in both VS1 and VS2 stones, usually require magnification and a trained eye to see them.
Can you see inclusions in a VS2 diamond? ›
VS2 clarity diamonds have only minor inclusions, which are invisible to the naked eye but are somewhat easily detected by a trained professional under 10X magnification. A 1-carat VS2 diamond's price can start at approximately $4,000, with variations based on cut, color, and carat weight.
This grading designation falls below VVS2 clarity (very very slightly included 2) and above VS2 clarity graded stones. VS1 clarity is a good indication that the diamond should have only very minor imperfections, so minor that you can't see them with the naked eye.
Are all VS2 diamond eyes clean? ›
The majority of VS2 (very slightly included) stones will be eyeclean. A few SI1 (slightly included) stones will also be eye-clean. Stones with SI2 clarity and below, however, will not be eye-clean. They'll probably have visible inclusions.
Are lab grown diamonds worth it? ›
The resale value of a lab diamond ring will be around 30% to 40% less than you paid, and the same is true of a natural diamond ring - so be sure not to view this transaction as an economic investment! Instead, you're buying something beautiful that will bring endless joy, for a lifetime.
Is VS1 or VS2 better? ›
VS1 is higher than the VS2 grade. The only difference between the two is a VS2 diamond's impurities can be easier to spot than those in a VS1.
What is the best diamond clarity on a budget? ›
Depending on its size, we recommend choosing a diamond in the Clarity range of VS2 or SI1 - VS stands for “Very Slightly Included” and SI stands for “Slightly Included” - In this range most diamonds are “eye-clean” meaning that their imperfections are not visible to the naked eye, but require a 10X loupe to see.
What is the sparkliest diamond clarity? ›
Round Brilliant Cut
The round cut is the most brilliant or the most sparkling diamond cut. Fifty-eight facets (including the culet) are cut into brilliant round diamonds to allow light to pass through and reflect off each facet.
Do VS1 diamonds hold value? ›
VS1 diamonds have only minor inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye but are somewhat easily detected by a trained professional under 10X magnification . They offer a decent balance of quality and cost, appearing as flawless as more expensive grades to the unaided eye.
Are VS1 inclusions noticeable? ›
A VS1, or Very, Very Slightly Included 1, diamond has minute inclusions only visible under 10x magnification by a trained gemologist. No imperfections can be identified by the naked eye.
Can you tell a difference between VS1 and VVS2? ›
Here's the good news: When it comes to VS1 vs VV2 diamonds, the differences between the two are very small. Diamonds that are graded as VVS2 (part of that Very, Very Slight Included range) have very minor flaws (called inclusions) that are extremely small, but are slightly more visible under magnification than VVS1.
Is ideal or excellent cut better? ›
Ideal Ideal is the next highest cut grade reserved for Round Brilliant cut diamonds. Ideal diamonds are cut to maximize brilliance with perfect proportions. This is a rare quality held by <1% of all diamonds. Excellent Excellent is the highest cut grade for all diamond shapes outside of Round Brilliants.
