VVS clarity comes in two grades:

VVS1
Minute inclusions that are extremely difficult to see.
VVS2
Minute inclusions that are very difficult to see.

A VVS diamond does contain inclusions, but they are hard to make out even under a 10× loupe, and to the naked eye the stone is flawless. A diamond with inclusions visible to the naked eye will not be graded VVS.

Where VVS sits on the scale

Diamond clarity is divided into six categories and 11 grades. From highest to lowest:

  1. Flawless (FL)
  2. Internally Flawless (IF)
  3. Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2)
  4. Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2)
  5. Slightly Included (SI1, SI2)
  6. Included (I1, I2, I3)

VVS sits in the upper-middle range and holds relatively high value. For buyers with high standards for clarity, it is a natural first choice.

Choosing a clarity grade

  • Collector grade FL and IF. Very few diamonds reach these grades, and prices are high.
  • High standards VVS1 and VVS2. High-grade diamonds, priced on the high side.
  • Best value VS1 and VS2. Mid-range diamonds at a reasonable price.
  • Economy SI1. Some stones are clean to the naked eye and some show visible flaws, so choose one that is eye-clean.
  • Not recommended SI2 and below, where flaws are clearly visible to the naked eye.