VS1 vs VS2 Diamond Clarity compares two adjacent Very Slightly Included grades. VS1 is the higher clarity grade, while VS2 inclusions are generally somewhat easier to locate at 10x magnification. Both can appear eye-clean, so the better buying decision depends on inclusion position, diamond size, shape, cut, and price.
VS1 vs VS2 Diamond Clarity examines two grades of inclusions and determines which, if any, would be visible to the naked eye. Diamond grades VS1 and VS2 can appear eye-clean, but grading diamonds at 10x magnification allows graders to identify inclusions. Generally, inclusions in diamonds graded VS1 are harder to find compared to inclusions in diamonds graded VS2.
VS2 diamonds can be very eye-clean and VS1 diamonds can also be very eye-clean. Most of the time, inclusions graded VS2 can be easier found compared to inclusions graded VS1. A diamond graded VS2 can still be considered eye-clean, while a diamond graded VS1 can also be considered eye-clean and may cost more. Keep in mind, Diamond Clarity Grades give a general idea of the clarity of diamonds, but the cost of diamonds graded VS1 can vary.
Knowing what constitutes higher Diamond Clarity grades can help consumers make an informed decision regarding diamond prices. When considering Loose Diamonds, other aspects, such as cut and size, must also be factored into the final decision. The position and number of inclusions in a diamond can also be weighed against factors that would impact the cost of the diamond. Keep in mind, these factors must also be considered when evaluating diamonds of the same or similar grades. Lepdo Diamonds takes these factors into consideration.
What Is the Difference Between VS1 and VS2 Diamond Clarity?
VS1 vs VS2 Diamond Clarity compares diamonds that contain very slight inclusions. On the GIA Diamond Clarity Scale, diamonds with a VS clarity grade are above the SI clarity grades. Within the VS range, diamonds have minor inclusions that are considered to be minor. A diamond graded VS1 has minor inclusions that are more difficult to identify at 10x magnification as compared to a diamond graded VS2. Inclusions in a VS2 diamond are slightly more obvious.
Definition
A VS1 Diamond usually has less inclusions than a VS2 Diamond. Inclusions in a VS2 diamond are slightly more visible at 10x magnification. This is the central distinction in VS1 vs VS2 Diamond Clarity.
Also Known As
Very Slightly Included 1 and 2.
Importance to the Buyer
Most buyers consider if the differences in clarity grade are visibly noticeable. Many buyers consider similar clarity grades and come to the conclusion that both grades are eye-clear to the average viewer. That is why VS1 vs VS2 Diamond Clarity should be considered together with appearance, price, shape, and size.
Why Are VS1 and VS2 Clarity Grades Similar?
Most of the time, it is difficult to differentiate diamonds graded VS1 and VS2 because the inclusions are minute. Each of the features that graders consider can impact clarity in different ways. An inclusion close to the edge of the diamond is more noticeable than an inclusion that is far from the edge. A thin line can be less noticeable than a thick line. A feature that is far from the edge is less noticeable than a feature that is near the edge.
Because Diamond Inclusions can vary with diamond grade, knowing both Diamond Inclusions and diamond grade is critical. VS2 diamonds can have the same type of inclusions, whereas, with VS1 diamonds, the type of inclusions is irrelevant; what matters is where they are located. This makes VS1 vs VS2 Diamond Clarity a stone-specific comparison rather than only a report comparison.
VS1 Inclusions
VS1 diamonds have minute inclusions that are hard to identify at 10x magnification. Sometimes, a diamond grader will have to look through the diamond to identify the inclusion, and if they know where it is, it may still take time to find.
Because of inclusion location and other factors, such as the size, shape, and presence of other inclusions, VS1 diamonds can appear different from one another. In VS1 vs VS2 Diamond Clarity, this variation explains why the grade alone does not tell the full visual story.
VS2 Inclusions
VS2 diamonds have slightly more inclusions compared to VS1, but they are still slightly visible only with the help of 10x magnification. The majority of VS2 diamonds are still eye-full.
As mentioned earlier, when considering Eye Clean Diamonds, there are VS2 diamonds that are graded Eye-Clean. From an economic viewpoint, VS2 diamonds that are graded Eye-Clean, have inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye and are therefore hard to see even with 10x magnification, are a good option. This is why a VS2 eye clean diamond can be considered when comparing VS1 vs VS2 Diamond Clarity.
Difference Between VS1 and VS2 Diamonds
In daily viewing conditions, VS1 and VS2 diamonds normally appear Eye-Clean. Thus, for the cost-effectiveness of diamonds, higher grades are often not justified. VS1 vs VS2 Diamond Clarity therefore becomes a question of both grade and real-world appearance.
The difference becomes more relevant as weight increases, as larger stones will have bigger areas for inclusions to be visible. The shape of a stone also has bearing. The interior of stones like emerald and Asscher cuts will show inclusions more than most brilliants.
Many inclusions are hidden by a stone’s reflectance, especially in a round brilliant cut. In a step cut, the inclusions are larger and more open, so will be visible more than in a brilliant cut.
When looking at Fancy Shape Diamonds or Unique Cut Diamonds, the inclusion position can be hide more by the stone’s facets, so a stone with more visible inclusions should be looked at to see if the position makes it less noticeable.
Rather than looking at the Report alone, when assessing stones of this shape, the grade should be assessed in conjunction with other stones of the same shape, as this will give a better idea of appearance and value.
Knowing the Difference Between VS1 and VS2
In a general sense, a stone graded VS1 will have fewer inclusions than a VS2. Inclusions of a VS2 may be visible to the naked eye. A stone graded VS1 will require a loupe to view inclusions. This is one of the practical ways buyers interpret VS1 vs VS2 Diamond Clarity.
A stone graded VS2 may have a better value as compared to a VS1. This is because a VS1 assures more clarity and a VS2 may not. It is important to consider appearance and value.
Is a VS1 Diamond Always the Better Buy?
Not necessarily. The difference in diamond clarity grade from a VS1 to a VS2 is very subtle, but other factors should also be considered when determining the better buy. VS1 vs VS2 Diamond Clarity should therefore not be reduced to the assumption that the higher grade is always the better purchase.
Anatomy of a Diamond Purchase
For example, a VS1 and a VS2 of the same color with the same cut, face-up appearance and overall quality may warrant choosing the VS2, thereby allowing a larger budget to be allocated toward the cut of a larger diamond.
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
Choosing the VS2 in this instance would not indicate that VS1 is a higher clarity grade than VS2. It just means that the VS2 was the better value. This is an important distinction in VS1 vs VS2 Diamond Clarity.
Additional Information for Evaluating VS1 or VS2
When evaluating diamonds of VS1 or VS2 clarity, the clarity report is a good resource, but in order to fully evaluate the diamond you must also examine the diamond itself.
- Look at the diamond and assess if it matches the grade described in the report. Inspect the diamond for the clarities noted in the report and located on the clarity plot. Look for any other inclusions and determine where the largest inclusion is and how easily it can be located.
- Check out the diamond without aids and then with a 10x loupe to see if any inclusions are located near the table or are in an easily observable location. Be sure to check where the inclusions are in relation to the girdle, because inclusions located in that area may be easier to see.
- Examine cut, size, and shape. An open step cut may allow a large stone to disclose internal characteristics that a small brilliant cut diamond may not.
- Examine price and appearance. If a jeweler provides a discussion and you agree that the differences in clarity between the two grades are indistinguishable with the naked eye, then the higher clarity grade may not be worth the added cost.
Certified Diamonds graded by a certifying organization provide buyers a documented standard of comparison of the four principles of diamond evaluation. In VS1 vs VS2 Diamond Clarity, the report remains useful, but the stone itself still matters.
Common Errors in Comparison of VS1 and VS2
VS1 vs VS2 Diamond Clarity can be misunderstood when buyers treat the grade label as the complete visual assessment.
Most people making an assessment of diamond clarity mistakenly believe that if a stone is graded VS2, it means that inclusions are visible to the naked eye. Most of the time, that is not the case, and the stone is indeed, very slightly included.
Another misconception is that if a stone is graded VS1, it must mean that inclusions are not visible to the naked eye. The grading system just classifies inclusions based on the difficulty to locate them.
Generally speaking, the inclusions in a brilliant cut stone will be less visible compared to a step cut stone of similar clarity.
Price can also distort a buyer’s assessment. Sometimes, a buyer may pay a premium for a clarity improvement that is not apparent to the naked eye. In the pursuit to gain the best value for a diamond, a balance must be reached with the other 3C’s of a diamond.
Fancy Color Diamonds demonstrate the interdependence of the 4 Cs. For VS1 vs VS2 Diamond Clarity, the same principle applies because clarity should be weighed alongside cut, color, carat, and the intended purchase.
VS1 vs VS2 Clarity and Pricing
There is a clear commercial relationship between VS1 vs VS2 Diamond Clarity and pricing. Because of difference in price due to clarity, the higher VS grade, VS1 in this example, will have a higher price. Once again, there are several factors that impact the price per carat, including color, cut, shape, origin, certificate, and conditions on the market.
So, is the difference in price a function of clarity? Sometimes. Often, it is a case-by-case evaluation. A Diamond Price by Clarity Grade Chart can provide useful context, but VS1 vs VS2 Diamond Clarity still requires comparing the actual stones.
Benefit to the Buyer
For the buyer, VS1 vs VS2 Diamond Clarity becomes a balance between consistency, appearance, and price.
A jeweler or a retail buyer of diamonds may prefer a consistency of stones based on appearance rather than a group of diamonds based solely on clarity grade.
For the jeweler or retail buyer, an inconsistent or irregular stone, i.e. one with a visible inclusion, from a parcel of mainly clean stones may not be desirable. Because of the variance in inclusion size, color and position, even within the same clarity grade, the stone with the irregular appearance may be less valuable to the buyer than a stone with a clean appearance.
Located in Surat, India, Lepdo Diamonds specializes in manufacturing lab grown diamonds and supplying them to B2B customers. Matching the right products to customers sometimes means going beyond reading the grading reports. Consistency with respect to the final appearance of the diamond becomes critical when customers place repeat orders.
VS1 vs VS2 Diamond Clarity in Lab-Grown Diamonds
When grading lab grown diamonds, IGI Lab Grown Diamond Reports use the scale of VS1 and VS2. These two grades fall under the category of Very Slightly Included.
The nature of the inclusions in lab grown diamonds may be different from the inclusions in natural diamonds; however, during evaluation and analysis of diamonds, the position and nature of the inclusions, and the overall transparency of the diamonds are important factors.
From an economic viewpoint, it may be beneficial for customers to buy diamonds with a visual appearance of higher clarity.
VS1 and VS2 diamonds are equivalent in terms of clarity. VS2 diamonds, however, may not be free from inclusions that may affect clarity. Clarity becomes better with increasing grade, and inclusions become more and more free with increasing grade, above VS2. Clarity becomes worse and inclusions become more and more free with decreasing grade, below VS2.
Things become more difficult to identify at higher magnifications, and differences at those levels may not be detectable without a magnifying lens. Therefore, inclusions can appear more obviously in stones graded as SI, or may even be visible without magnification.
This is the case with the majority of stones graded VS, which means stones graded VS have inclusions that are generally not visible to the unaided eye. Because of this, stones graded VS represent an improvement in quality with respect to inclusions over stones graded lower than VS, and provide the best value in terms of price.
For lab-grown buying, VS1 vs VS2 Diamond Clarity still depends on the same combination of report grade, inclusion position, transparency, appearance, and commercial requirements.
VS1 vs VS2 Diamond Clarity Questions
1. Is VS1 Better Than VS2?
In the clarity grading scale, VS1 is better than VS2. However, differences in clarity at these levels may not always be visible without magnification. This is the core grading distinction in VS1 vs VS2 Diamond Clarity.
2. Should I Get a VS1 or a VS2?
You should choose the clarity grade based on the stone and not solely the clarity grade report. Generally speaking, if two diamonds have comparable characteristics and appear eye-clean, you should get the VS2 diamond. A VS1 diamond would be appropriate if you wanted to achieve the higher clarity grade. This is why buyers comparing VS1 or VS2 should examine both grade and appearance.
3. Is an Eye-Clean VS2 Diamond Rare?
A VS2 clarity diamond is rare because many diamonds at this clarity level appear eye-clean. An eye-clean diamond means no inclusions are visible to the naked eye. A VS2 eye clean diamond can therefore become an important value consideration in VS1 vs VS2 Diamond Clarity.
4. Can You Tell the Difference Between a VS1 and a VS2 Without the Aid of Magnification?
In most cases the answer is no. Determining diamond clarity between VS1 and VS2 is typically made by a gemologist with 10x magnification. In ordinary viewing conditions it can be difficult to determine differences in diamond clarity.
5. Is a VS2 a Poor Choice for an Engagement Ring?
In general no, a VS2 clarity diamond can be a good choice for an engagement ring as long as it is eye-clean. Other factors to consider are shape and carat weight of the diamond.
6. Is It Worth Paying a Premium to Upgrade From a VS2 to a VS1?
Possibly. A larger diamond with a VS2 clarity grade may benefit from the premium. The same may hold true for a premium placed on a larger step cut clarity diamond. If both diamonds are of similar size, and not magnified, the premium may provide no extra benefit.
7. Are Differences in Diamond Clarity Between a VS2 and a VS1 Noticeable?
Not normally, a VS2 has very minor inclusions if any at all, and typically a well-cut diamond will display brilliance and fire.
8. In a Business or Retail Setting, Is It Better to Purchase VS1 or VS2 Clarity Diamonds?
Again, a good answer may depend on business goals and customer demands. Many retailers prefer to carry diamond inventory of similar quality, and a consistent VS2 may be a better option compared to an inventory of varying quality VS1 diamonds. In B2B purchasing, VS1 vs VS2 Diamond Clarity is therefore also a consistency decision.
Key Insights for Purchasing VS1 and VS2 Diamonds
VS1 vs VS2 Diamond Clarity should ultimately be read as a grading comparison that still requires visual and commercial judgment.
VS1 and VS2 diamonds refer to grades of clarity. The difference between the two is often unnoticeable without the use of a magnifying tool. When speaking of clarity and grade, VS1 is higher than VS2. So, in this case, the VS1 grade would not make the diamond of better value.
When determining which clarity grade is of better value, one must examine numerous factors, such as the type and position of the inclusions, the cut quality of the diamond, the price, the size, and shape of the stone. This is why VS1 vs VS2 Diamond Clarity should be evaluated together with the rest of the diamond’s specification.
Because the factors that comprise the evaluation of diamonds are interrelated, these concepts must be evaluated simultaneously. For example, when considering VS1 versus VS2 diamonds, all other factors, including cut, color, and size, must also be taken into account. The best business purchase is the best business decision.
When considering B2B purchases of VS1 diamonds versus VS2 diamonds, the standards of commercial and visual value must be met. Ideally, these standards and conditions are harmonized. To meet and satisfy these standards, a certificate of analysis must verify the purchase of a diamond of better value, and in fact, improve nothing. For commercial comparison, VS1 vs VS2 Diamond Clarity should therefore be evaluated together with appearance, consistency, and the full buying requirement.
