If you are looking for a diamond ring, you may have come across the terms VS1 and VS2. These are clarity grades that indicate how many inclusions (internal flaws) or blemishes (external flaws) a diamond has. In this article, we will explain what VS1 and VS2 mean, how they affect the appearance and value of a diamond, and whether you should buy one or the other.

What are VS1 and VS2 diamonds?

VS stands for Very Slightly Included, which means that a diamond has very small inclusions that are difficult to see under 10x magnification. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the world’s leading authority on diamonds, divides the VS category into two subgrades: VS1 and VS2.

VS1 diamonds have fewer and smaller inclusions than VS2 diamonds. The inclusions in a VS1 diamond are typically located near the edges or corners of the stone, where they are less visible. The inclusions in a VS2 diamond may be more numerous or larger, or located near the center of the stone, where they are more noticeable.

How do VS1 and VS2 diamonds look?

To the naked eye, both VS1 and VS2 diamonds look clean and sparkling. Most people cannot tell the difference between them without using a loupe or microscope. However, some factors may make the inclusions more or less visible, such as:

  • The size of the diamond: Larger diamonds have larger facets that can reveal more inclusions.
  • The shape of the diamond: Some shapes have more facets than others, which can hide or reflect more inclusions. For example, round brilliant diamonds have 58 facets that create a lot of brilliance and fire, while emerald cut diamonds have 57 facets that create a more transparent and elegant look.
  • The color of the diamond: Colorless or near-colorless diamonds (D-J) have less contrast with their inclusions than colored diamonds (K-Z), which can make the inclusions more apparent.
  • The setting of the diamond: Some settings can cover or expose more of the diamond’s surface, which can affect how visible the inclusions are. For example, bezel settings wrap a metal rim around the diamond’s edge, while prong settings hold the diamond by its corners or sides.

How do VS1 and VS2 diamonds compare in price?

VS1 and VS2 diamonds are among the most popular clarity grades for consumers who want a high-quality diamond without paying a premium for flawless or internally flawless grades. However, there is still a noticeable price difference between them.

According to the Rapaport Diamond Price List, which is a benchmark for wholesale diamond prices, a 1-carat round brilliant diamond with D color and excellent cut would cost about $9,800 for VS1 clarity and about $8,600 for VS2 clarity as of April 2023. That’s a difference of about $1,200 or 14%.

Of course, the actual price of a diamond depends on many other factors besides clarity, such as color, cut, carat weight, fluorescence, certification, and demand. Therefore, it is important to compare similar diamonds from different vendors to find the best deal.

Should I buy VS1 or VS2 diamond?

The answer to this question depends on your personal preference, budget, and expectations. Here are some tips to help you decide:

  • If you want a flawless-looking diamond that has no visible inclusions even under magnification, you may want to consider higher clarity grades such as VVS1 or VVS2.
  • If you want a high-quality diamond that has very minor inclusions that are hard to see even under magnification, you may want to choose a VS1 diamond.
  • If you want a good-value diamond that has slight inclusions that are not noticeable to the naked eye but may be visible under magnification, you may want to opt for a VS2 diamond.
  • If you want to save money and don’t mind some visible inclusions under magnification as long as they don’t affect the beauty and sparkle of the diamond, you may want to look for lower clarity grades such as SI1 or SI2.

Whatever clarity grade you choose, make sure to inspect the diamond carefully before buying it. You can use online tools such as 360-degree videos or magnified images to see how the diamond looks from different angles and zoom levels. You can also ask for a grading report from a reputable lab such as GIA or AGS to verify the quality and characteristics of the diamond.

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Conclusion

Diamonds are graded on a scale of clarity, with VS1 and VS2 being two of the most popular grades. When it comes to purchasing a diamond, it’s important to understand the differences between these two grades and determine which one is best for your needs. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at VS1 and VS2 diamonds and help you make an informed decision.

  1. Understanding Diamond Clarity: Diamond clarity refers to the presence of blemishes or inclusions within the diamond. These imperfections can affect the overall appearance of the diamond and may also impact its value. The clarity of a diamond is graded on a scale from Flawless (FL) to Included (I), with VS1 and VS2 falling in the middle.
  2. VS1 Diamonds: A VS1 diamond is considered to have very slight inclusions that are difficult to see under 10x magnification. These inclusions are typically not visible to the naked eye and do not affect the overall beauty of the diamond. VS1 diamonds are a great choice for those who want a high-quality diamond without paying the premium price of a Flawless or Internally Flawless diamond.
  3. VS2 Diamonds: A VS2 diamond has slightly more visible inclusions than a VS1 diamond, but still not visible to the naked eye. The inclusions in a VS2 diamond are typically small and located near the edge of the diamond, which makes them less noticeable. VS2 diamonds are a more affordable option than VS1 diamonds and offer great value for their price.
  4. Factors to Consider: When deciding between a VS1 and VS2 diamond, there are several factors to consider. The first is your budget, as VS1 diamonds are generally more expensive than VS2 diamonds. Another factor to consider is the size of the diamond. If you’re looking for a larger diamond, you may need to opt for a lower clarity grade in order to stay within your budget.
  5. Making the Decision: Ultimately, the decision between a VS1 and VS2 diamond comes down to personal preference and budget. If you want a higher quality diamond with fewer inclusions, a VS1 diamond may be the better choice for you. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option that still offers great value, a VS2 diamond may be the way to go. It’s important to consider all of the factors and choose a diamond that fits your needs and budget.

Conclusion: In conclusion, both VS1 and VS2 diamonds are great choices for those looking for a high-quality diamond without paying the premium price of Flawless or Internally Flawless diamonds. While there are differences between these two grades, the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget. It’s important to do your research, compare prices and options, and choose a diamond that is beautiful and fits your needs.

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