Are VVS Diamonds Real?
When you hear the term VVS diamond, it can sound like industry jargon. But if you’re considering one for an engagement ring or fine jewelry purchase, the question naturally arises: are VVS diamonds real?
The answer is simple: Yes — VVS diamonds are 100% real diamonds. What the term describes is not authenticity, but clarity: how free a diamond is from inclusions or internal features. Understanding what VVS means helps you see where it stands in the world of fine jewelry and why it matters to both everyday buyers and seasoned collectors.
What Does VVS Mean?
VVS stands for Very, Very Slightly Included.
This is a clarity grade used by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and other labs.
Diamonds in this category contain extremely small inclusions, so tiny that even an expert has difficulty spotting them under 10x magnification.
Grades: VVS is divided into two subcategories:
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VVS1: Inclusions are nearly impossible to detect, even under magnification.
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VVS2: Inclusions are slightly easier to see under magnification but still invisible to the naked eye.
On the clarity scale, VVS sits just below Flawless (FL) and Internally Flawless (IF), and just above Very Slightly Included (VS).
How Rare Are VVS Diamonds?
While VVS diamonds are not as rare as Flawless or Internally Flawless stones, they are still considered uncommon. According to GIA data, only a relatively small percentage of gem-quality diamonds achieve VVS clarity.
Connoisseurs know that to the eye, VVS diamonds look identical to flawless ones. For many, this makes them a practical choice: a stone with near-perfect optics without paying the premium of a truly flawless grade.
The Place of VVS Diamonds in the Jewelry World
In engagement rings: VVS diamonds are often chosen for center stones when buyers want exceptional clarity without moving into the highest (and most expensive) categories.
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In high jewelry: Many luxury houses use VVS stones in their collections. They deliver the brilliance needed for a statement piece while balancing cost and availability.
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For connoisseurs: VVS diamonds are respected for their purity, but many collectors weigh clarity alongside other factors like cut and carat. A beautifully cut VS stone can rival a VVS in sparkle, so clarity is only part of the equation.
Do VVS Diamonds Sparkle More?
Not necessarily. Sparkle depends mainly on cut quality — how well a diamond is proportioned and polished.
A perfectly cut VS diamond can look just as dazzling as a VVS.
However, inclusions in lower-clarity grades (like SI or I) can sometimes reduce brilliance. That’s why VVS is valued: its inclusions are too small to affect light performance.
Why Buyers Choose VVS Diamonds
Many buyers and collectors appreciate VVS diamonds because they offer:
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Peace of mind: You know the stone is virtually free of inclusions.
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Long-term appeal: Clarity doesn’t change over time, so the diamond will remain as pure as the day it was graded.
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Balance of rarity and value: While not as rare as flawless, VVS still belongs to the upper tier of clarity, giving it prestige.
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Connoisseur’s perspective: Some enthusiasts prefer IF or FL for the prestige of absolute rarity, but many view VVS as a smart balance — extremely pure, indistinguishable to the eye, and more practical in cost.
Natural vs. Lab Grown VVS Diamonds
Both natural and lab grown diamonds can receive VVS grades.
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Natural VVS diamonds: Formed over billions of years, rarer in large sizes.
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Lab grown VVS diamonds: Produced under controlled conditions, allowing more availability at lower prices.
Both are chemically identical, and both are graded using the same system by GIA, IGI, and other labs.
FAQs About VVS Diamonds
Are VVS diamonds real?
Yes. They are real diamonds, graded for clarity by labs like GIA.
Do VVS diamonds look better than other grades?
They look the same as flawless diamonds to the naked eye. Their sparkle comes from cut quality, not clarity alone.
Are VVS diamonds rare?
Yes, rarer than most diamonds on the market, though not as rare as flawless stones.
Are VVS diamonds worth it?
If you value purity and long-term prestige, yes. But a well-cut VS can offer similar beauty at a lower price.
Conclusion: The Truth About VVS Diamonds
So, are VVS diamonds real? Absolutely. But more than that, they represent one of the highest clarity standards in gemology.
Collectors and connoisseurs respect VVS diamonds because they combine rarity, purity, and beauty, without being unattainable. Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring, a pendant, or a piece of high jewelry, a VVS diamond gives you confidence in knowing your gem is nearly flawless to the eye — a piece of nature (or technology, in the case of lab grown) refined to brilliance.
At Mervis Diamond Importers, we’ll guide you through clarity grades side by side, so you can see for yourself why VVS diamonds stand among the finest — and whether they’re the right choice for your story.