What Is VVS Diamond - The Ultimate Guide for Buyers
VVS diamond, an acronym for Very Very Slightly Included, is a term used in the diamond industry to denote a diamond's exceptional clarity grade. VVS diamonds have minute inclusions that are difficult to see under 10x magnification. These inclusions are so tiny that they're invisible to the naked eye, making VVS diamonds nearly flawless.
What Is VVS Diamond?
A VVS diamond is one that contains minuscule inclusions, making it nearly perfect. The term VVS is further divided into two categories: VVS1 and VVS2. VVS1 diamonds have inclusions towards the pavilion, or bottom half of the diamond, making them even harder to detect. On the other hand, VVS2 diamonds have inclusions slightly more visible than those found in VVS1 diamonds, but they're still challenging to spot under 10x magnification.
VVS Diamond in 4Cs Grades
The 4Cs of diamonds - Clarity, Cut, Color, and Carat Weight - are crucial factors determining a diamond's quality and value.
Clarity
VVS diamonds rank high on the clarity scale, just below Internally Flawless (IF) and Flawless (FL) diamonds. Their near-perfect clarity contributes significantly to their brilliance.
Cut
The cut of a VVS diamond doesn't affect its clarity grade but plays a vital role in its overall brilliance and fire. A well-cut VVS diamond will exhibit exceptional sparkle.
Color
VVS diamonds can come in a range of colors. However, color grades D-F are considered the most desirable as they are colorless.
Carat Weight
VVS diamonds are available in various carat weights. The price of a VVS diamond will increase with its carat weight, given that larger diamonds are rarer.
Benefits of VVS Diamonds
Near-Perfect Clarity
Exceptional Brilliance
Higher Quality Appearance
Greater Value Retention
Rare and Exclusive
Versatility in Jewelry Design
Ethical and Responsible Choices
Long-Term Durability
VVS diamonds offer numerous benefits to their owners, from their near-perfect clarity to their exceptional brilliance and higher quality appearance. They also retain their value well, making them a good investment. Their rarity and exclusivity add to their allure, and their versatility makes them suitable for various jewelry designs. Moreover, buying a VVS diamond is an ethical choice as high-quality diamonds are often sourced responsibly. Lastly, VVS diamonds are durable and can withstand daily wear.
Pricing Differences Between VVS and VS Diamonds
VVS diamonds, which stand for Very, Very Slightly Included, are indeed more expensive than Very Slightly Included (VS) diamonds. This is primarily due to their superior clarity. Clarity is one of the four key factors, known as the 4Cs (Carat, Cut, Color, Clarity), that determine a diamond's value. The scale ranges from Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions and/or blemishes visible to the naked eye). VVS diamonds fall just below Flawless and Internally Flawless on this scale, making them some of the most clear and high-quality diamonds available.
However, it's important to note that the price difference between VVS and VS diamonds may not always be significant unless you're dealing with high carat weights or superior color grades. Diamonds with higher carat weights are rarer and therefore more valuable. Similarly, diamonds with superior color grades (closer to being completely colorless) are also more highly prized.
In other words, while a VVS diamond will generally be more expensive than a VS diamond of the same carat weight and color grade due to its better clarity, the price difference may not be substantial unless the diamond is particularly large or has an exceptional color grade.
Moreover, it's worth noting that the difference in clarity between VVS and VS diamonds can often be difficult to discern with the naked eye. Many inclusions in VS diamonds are tiny and can only be seen under magnification. Therefore, unless you're a collector or connoisseur who values having one of the clearest diamonds possible, choosing a VS diamond could be a more cost-effective decision without compromising noticeably on appearance.
Shopping for VVS Diamonds: A Comprehensive Guide
When shopping for VVS diamonds, consider factors like the diamond's cut, color, and carat weight in addition to its clarity grade. Also, look for ways to maximize your value, such as opting for a slightly lower color grade or choosing a well-cut diamond that exhibits great brilliance.
Key Considerations Before Buying VVS Diamonds
Before purchasing a VVS diamond, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, remember that while VVS diamonds have superior clarity, the difference between them and VS or SI (Slightly Included) diamonds can be hard to discern with the naked eye. Therefore, unless you're a diamond connoisseur or collector who values the utmost clarity, you might want to consider whether the higher cost of a VVS diamond is worth it for you.
Secondly, always ensure that the diamond comes with a certification from a reputable lab such as GIA or IGI. This certification provides an unbiased assessment of the diamond's quality and verifies its 4Cs (Carat, Cut, Color, Clarity), giving you peace of mind that you're getting what you pay for.
Lastly, consider the other 3Cs besides clarity. A larger carat weight, better color grade, or excellent cut can often have a more noticeable impact on a diamond's appearance than its clarity grade. Therefore, depending on your budget and preferences, you might want to prioritize these factors over clarity when choosing your diamond.
Tips for Maximizing Value When Purchasing VVS Diamonds
When purchasing VVS diamonds, there are several tips to maximize value. Firstly, consider buying just below popular carat weights. Diamonds are often priced significantly higher at popular carat weights like 1.0 or 1.5 carats. By choosing a diamond just below these weights (e.g., 0.95 or 1.45 carats), you can often save money without a noticeable difference in size.
Secondly, consider opting for a 'near-colorless' grade rather than a 'colorless' grade if you're choosing a setting in white gold or platinum. These metals can often mask slight color in a diamond, allowing you to save money without compromising on appearance.
Lastly, buy from a reputable dealer. This ensures that you're getting a high-quality diamond and that the price you're paying is fair. Additionally, reputable dealers often offer better customer service, including return policies and warranties, which can provide additional value.
The Importance of Certification and Grading Reports
Certification and grading reports from reputable labs such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI) are absolutely vital when it comes to purchasing a VVS diamond. These reports provide an unbiased, third-party assessment of a diamond's quality, verifying its 4Cs Carat, Cut, Color, and Clarity.
The carat weight measures the size of the diamond. A higher carat number indicates a larger diamond. The cut refers to how well the diamond has been cut from its raw form. An excellent cut will reflect light beautifully and give the diamond its sparkle. The color grade assesses the absence of color in a diamond - a perfect diamond is completely colorless. Lastly, clarity refers to the absence of inclusions or blemishes. A VVS (Very, Very Slightly Included) diamond has minuscule inclusions that are difficult to see even under 10x magnification.
These reports not only describe these four characteristics in detail but also include other aspects such as the diamond's symmetry, polish, and fluorescence. They may also provide a diagram known as a 'plot' that maps out any internal or external flaws.
When purchasing a VVS diamond, these certifications ensure that you're getting exactly what you pay for. Without them, you're relying on the seller's word alone, which can be risky given the significant investment involved in buying such high-quality diamonds.
In essence, these certification and grading reports act as a 'blueprint' for your diamond, providing complete transparency about its quality and value. They give you peace of mind that your investment is sound and that your diamond has been graded accurately and fairly.
How to Maintain and Care for VVS Diamond Jewelry
To maintain the brilliance and sparkle of your VVS diamond jewelry, it is essential to clean it regularly. This can be achieved by using a soft brush and mild detergent. The soft brush ensures that the delicate surface of the diamond is not scratched or damaged during the cleaning process, while the mild detergent effectively removes any dirt or oils that may have accumulated on the jewelry.
Additionally, it's important to avoid wearing your VVS diamond jewelry during strenuous activities. These activities could include sports, gardening, or even heavy housework. The reason for this is simple - diamonds, while one of the hardest substances on earth, can still be chipped or damaged by a hard blow. Therefore, to prevent any potential damage, it's best to remove your jewelry during these activities.
Furthermore, when it comes to storage, it's advised to store your VVS diamond jewelry separately from other pieces. Diamonds can easily scratch other gemstones and even other diamonds. To avoid scratches and ensure the longevity of your jewelry, consider storing each piece in its own individual soft cloth pouch or in a separate compartment within your jewelry box.
In conclusion, with regular cleaning, careful handling during strenuous activities and appropriate storage methods, you can ensure that your VVS diamond jewelry continues to shine brilliantly for many years to come.
