Should I choose VS1 or VS2?

[belgian_mussels]

Hi Diamond experts,

Should I go for VS1 or VS2? How does the clarity affect the beauty of a F colour stone?

Please advise.

Belgian_mussels

 

[Sparkalicious]

Hi Belgian Mussels! Welcome to PS!

Clarity in the VS range, whether it be VS1 or VS2, should not adversely affect the beauty of an F color stone.

The most important determinant of your stones beauty will be the cut.

Given that the stone is well cut and you select a color, F, for example, which satisfies you, sticking within the VS range should keep you "safe" from any visible inclusions that you may perceive as marring the beauty of your diamond.

As far as clarity is concerned, as long as the diamond is "eyeclean" or has no inclusions visible to the unaided eye, which is generally the case in the VS range, you will likely be happy. After all, why pay more for what you cannot see?? ... unless it is more of a "purity" or "mindclean" preference".

My 2 cents says stick with VS2, instead of paying the increased premium for a VS1 stone, and ... for peace of mind ... confirm with your vendor that the diamond is "eyeclean" to your standards.

Good luck!

 

[jackk]

It is my understanding that clarity, as long as its eyeclean, does not really affect the beauty of the stone (assuming theres no major atrocity in the diamond). I would consider a VS2 or SI1 personally. I would ask and make sure they are eye clean though.


In my opinion once a diamond is eyeclean, clarity is the least important of the 4 C''s.

 

[belgian_mussels]

Thank you Jackk and Sparkalicious.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 3/8/2008 2:41:17 AM
Author:belgian_mussels
Hi Diamond experts,

Should I go for VS1 or VS2? How does the clarity affect the beauty of a F colour stone?

Please advise.

Belgian_mussels

Welcome BM!

Clarity can be subject to opinion and vision, so you can't really generalise. Assuming we are not considering a mammoth 5 or 6 carater or large fancy shape such as an EC where a VS2 may not be eyeclean, these clarity grades will not affect the average size diamond ( 1carat plus) visually, it is cut which gives a diamond it's beauty. So unless you prefer the slightly higher VS1 grade, then VS2 is a nice grade to choose, or even an eyeclean SI1.

If you were considering a larger emerald cut, say 4 carats or more, it is possible that higher clarity may be needed, but this isn't always the case, each diamond needs taking on it's own merits.

One other thing we have to consider is the lab doing the grading. GIA and AGS are considered to be the top tier labs for diamond grading, other labs are believed by some to be less so, so the grading lab of the diamond needs to be taken into account.

One thing I will point out is, that some with excellent vision may see small inclusions in this clarity grade. We had a poster a while back who found a .75 ct round of VS clarity, he could see a small dark inclusion to the side readily, and it bugged him. He exchanged the diamond and was happier, also clarity grading is done face up, so you need to take each diamond on a case by case basis. Also always check with a trusted vendor that a diamond is eyeclean and that it matches your comfort level of 'eyecleanliness.' Some folk have eagle eyes and others do not.

Lastly inclusions are not created equal. You have to consider colour, location, size, visibility and type of inclusion which may make a difference with a VS grade. This was the case with the person mentioned above. He found another VS2 without a dark inclusion and he was pleased he did the exchange.

Here is a thread which may help. https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/clarity-eye-clean-definition-interpretation-and-taste.30483/

 

[honey22]

I have an 0.8ct D VS2 with a cloud under the table, and a tiny feather off to the side of the table and I can''t see a thing, even with a loupe! Maybe I am just blind, but it just looks like a little sparkly fireball. I think you would be very unlucky to see a VS2 inclusion, but as others have said here, they do come and go.

If it''s a great cut, you should be very happy with a VS2. I was orignally set on a VVS2 or VS1. I was really stressing about the VS2, even though WF said it was totally eyeclean, but after seeing it, I have no worries in the world and are so glad that I saved a bit of money instead of going for a higher clarity that wouldn''t have made an ounce of difference.

 

[surfgirl]

Date: 3/8/2008 4:33:13 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 3/8/2008 2:41:17 AM

Author:belgian_mussels

Hi Diamond experts,


Should I go for VS1 or VS2? How does the clarity affect the beauty of a F colour stone?


Please advise.


Belgian_mussels

Welcome BM!


Clarity can be subject to opinion and vision, so you can''t really generalise.

One other thing we have to consider is the lab doing the grading. GIA and AGS are considered to be the top tier labs for diamond grading, other labs are believed by some to be less so, so the grading lab of the diamond needs to be taken into account.

One thing I will point out is, that some with excellent vision may see small inclusions in this clarity grade.

Lastly inclusions are not created equal. You have to consider colour, location, size, visibility and type of inclusion which may make a difference with a VS grade.

I have to ditto Lorelei on all her above point. Typically here at PS, most people try to get the biggest diamond they can afford and they usually forego in either color, clarity, or both to get to a certain size range. However, to me, clarity IS important. I love that I can look into my stone and see nothing, and I also have very sharp vision and can see tiny imperfections more easily than some so to me better clarity is always important. It''s a subjective preference and to each his/her own. No right or wrong there. To me, you can have several stones with identical gradings but only one will "speak" to you and the others wont. So you could put an f/VS1 and an f/VS2 side by side and it shouldn''t matter which is which. What should matter is which one do YOU like more?

 

[belgian_mussels]

You guys rock!
Thank you.

I am looking at round brilliant stones between .80ct and 1ct. As usual, I could not see the inclusions - vs1 or vs2 under the 10x loupe. Perhaps my eyesight is poor. The strangest thing was that the vendor could not tell me too. The GIA dossiers do not map out the inclusions, hence I have trouble locating them. Does it help if I use a 30x loupe?


Another advice required:

Is this stone reasonably priced?

Round brilliant 0.81ct
Excellent cut
Excellent polish
Very good symmetry
F colour
VS1
GIA certified
Culet: none
Fluro: nil
US$ 7,200 without setting.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

That price is either a major typo or an insanely overpriced stone (and I would recommend not dealing with that jeweler)!!!

Here are a couple of outstanding quality stones (ideal, hearts and arrows) at a MUCH smaller price:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4133/ .82 F VS1 $4414

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/4137/ .85 F VS1 $4595

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Oh, and inclusions in VS1 are difficult to impossible for most people to see with a 10x loupe. I wouldn''t personally need to look at the stone with 30x. You are pretty much completely safe with VS1.

 

[Imdanny]

I wonder if clouds do affect a diamond's performance, and if there would be less chance of clouds in a VS1 vs a VS2.

Something else I think is interesting is that sometimes (although rarely) I like magnified pictures of VS2 diamonds better than other magnified pictures of VS1.

I've read that you can't go off of magnified pictures, but they are a lot of what would
make a diamond "mind clean" for me. I figure if I can't see anything (except clouds, I don't know about that one) at magnification, then I surely wouldn't be seeing anything in real life.

In any case, I think clarity is more important to me than color.

 

[elle_chris]

I recently bought a 2.5 carat VS2 clarity, that has a cloud under the table. When I took it the appraiser, he said it had no bearing on the light return in my stone.
I asked because I was worried about clouds as well.
I honestly believe if it''s a properly graded stone, you wouldn''t have any type of problems with a VS2 clarity.
If however you''d rather have a VS1, by all means do it.

It''s all about what makes you comfortable.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 3/8/2008 9:41:21 PM
Author: Imdanny
I wonder if clouds do affect a diamond''s performance, and if there would be less chance of clouds in a VS1 vs a VS2.

Something else I think is interesting is that sometimes (although rarely) I like magnified pictures of VS2 diamonds better than other magnified pictures of VS1.

I''ve read that you can''t go off of magnified pictures, but they are a lot of what would
make a diamond ''mind clean'' for me. I figure if I can''t see anything (except clouds, I don''t know about that one) at magnification, then I surely wouldn''t be seeing anything in real life.

In any case, I think clarity is more important to me than color.

Danny, you''d have to like the VS2 images for a reason other than clarity because it is unlikely for you to see much of anything as far as inclusions in a VS1 image! There will be no inclusions that effect performance in a VS1 and probably rarely in VS2.

 

[Imdanny]

It must be where the inclusions were.

 

[Gothgrrl]

I have several stones that are VS2. I must say it's pretty hard to see them even with a loupe. I too had a thing for really clean stones. I went from a VVS2 to a VS2 to get a bigger size.

 

[belgian_mussels]

Hi guys,

I forgot to add that I am living in Australia. Most local jewellers that I have visited quoted prices between US$6800-US$7200 (AU$7300-7800) for a round brilliant 0.80ct-0.85ct, F colour, VS1 and triple excellent.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 3/9/2008 12:09:21 AM
Author: belgian_mussels
Hi guys,

I forgot to add that I am living in Australia. Most local jewellers that I have visited quoted prices between US$6800-US$7200 (AU$7300-7800) for a round brilliant 0.80ct-0.85ct, F colour, VS1 and triple excellent.

Hi Belgian, as soon as I saw that you live in Aust I had to post - I''m in Perh and am also buying a ring at the moment. What city are you from?
I will say right now, DO NOT even bother with Australia for diamonds. No offence to any decent Aussie vendors such as Jogia and Garry H, but the jewellery here is WAAY overpriced.

For $7500 you''ll be able to get close to 1.5ct with nice colour and clarity from a PS recommended vendor such as GOG or Whiteflash. If what you''re after is 0.8ct, you should only have to spend about $3000 to $3500 for a very nice ideal cut stone.
Don''t ask me why theres such a big discrepancy in price, all I know is its not worth it to buy locally, unfortunately. Especially with the exchange rate what it is at the moment, you''ll do very well. I have found during my search that even after conversion, shipping, GST and customs and duties you will still be a couple grand better off with a ~1ct stone.
Crazy huh?

I can understand if you may be hesitant about buying online for such an important purchase, but you''ve taken the right first step by visiting PS!

Just do a search on any of the recommended vendors here and you''ll find copious amounts of praise for their great service and product.
There are a number of other aussies on the board who have successfully bought their diamonds online, such as Honey22, Katebar and Deelight just to mention who I can remember. They all have great advice to give.

Personally I am currently in talks with Jonathan W from Good Old Gold http://www.goodoldgold.com
He has been a pleasure to deal with and has done alot for me - even though I''m only buying a small stone (0.60ct), Jon and his team have put in alot of time and effort helping me find my ideal diamond. Even though I haven''t yet finalized my purchase, I can highly recommend them as a choice for vendor.

I''m sure if you just post with the kind of specs you''re after, the nice folks here can find you your ideal diamond too!

 

[honey22]

Date: 3/9/2008 12:09:21 AM
Author: belgian_mussels
Hi guys,

I forgot to add that I am living in Australia. Most local jewellers that I have visited quoted prices between US$6800-US$7200 (AU$7300-7800) for a round brilliant 0.80ct-0.85ct, F colour, VS1 and triple excellent.

Hi again, I posted some suggestions in your other thread but thought I would chime in again when I heard you were an Aussie.

Just to give you a better idea, I will give you details of my purchase.

0.8ct D VS2 ACA from WF, set in 6 prong Classic Tiff setting, yellow gold + shipping and insurance = $5300 US dollars. Converted to AU @0.88c exchange rate = $6067 or around that figure. I ended up paying $945 fees, which included customs duty, GST and processing fees. So, around the $7000 mark (all up, delivered to my door) for a stunning stunning stone! I can''t tell you how gorgeous it is. Be wary of GIA triple ex''s, they are not all created equal (see other thread got the xxx that scores 6 on the HCA). My stone is an AGS Ideal, their cut standards are stricter than GIA. Yes, you can get gorgeous GIA XXX which are just as nice, but you need to check the numbers more carefully.

I looked at so many places in Melbourne. I am 110% sure I have a better stone for much less money than what I would have ended up with here. Holloway Diamonds is in Melb, they sell gorgeous stunning rings, but you will find it cheaper to purchase from US, but if you are flexible in the budget and want to go to a B&M store - he''s your man!

 

[belgian_mussels]

Hi fellow Aussies,

Thank you...thank you...

Living in Canberra poses some challenges when it comes to shopping, not much variety!

I am aware of internet vendors such as WF, GOG, JamesAllen, Blue Nile etc. But my hubby refused to buy from them. He likes B&M stores! He is willing to part with his money only upon seeing the diamonds himself.

Honey22, I will certainly be careful of GIAXXX. Certainly agree that AGS has stricter criteria in terms of cut.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 3/9/2008 8:06:36 AM
Author: belgian_mussels
Hi fellow Aussies,

Thank you...thank you...

Living in Canberra poses some challenges when it comes to shopping, not much variety!

I am aware of internet vendors such as WF, GOG, JamesAllen, Blue Nile etc. But my hubby refused to buy from them. He likes B&M stores! He is willing to part with his money only upon seeing the diamonds himself.

Honey22, I will certainly be careful of GIAXXX. Certainly agree that AGS has stricter criteria in terms of cut.

thats a real shame that your hubby doesn''t wanna consider the sites !

- have you asked him to look at these forums?
Considering how narrow the choices are in Perth, I can only imagne how it is in Canberra!

It could be a little impractical, but you do know of the 30 day return policy that stores such as GOG have? If your partner really has to see it to decide, what about checking the stone out and *if* you''re really not happy, you can always send it back. 30 days is plenty of time. I know it may sound silly cuz of shipping costs, but I would bet it will still be a better option than buying locally...? Plus if you do your research and choose a great stone using a trusted vendors *eyes*, I doubt hubby won''t like it!

You could also ask Jon at GOG to film a video for you to help decide on stones - have u seen any of his videos on the site? They are really well done and can be a great decision tool for us so far away!

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 3/9/2008 6:45:34 AM
Author: honey22

Date: 3/9/2008 12:09:21 AM
Author: belgian_mussels
Hi guys,

I forgot to add that I am living in Australia. Most local jewellers that I have visited quoted prices between US$6800-US$7200 (AU$7300-7800) for a round brilliant 0.80ct-0.85ct, F colour, VS1 and triple excellent.

Hi again, I posted some suggestions in your other thread but thought I would chime in again when I heard you were an Aussie.

Just to give you a better idea, I will give you details of my purchase.

0.8ct D VS2 ACA from WF, set in 6 prong Classic Tiff setting, yellow gold + shipping and insurance = $5300 US dollars. Converted to AU @0.88c exchange rate = $6067 or around that figure. I ended up paying $945 fees, which included customs duty, GST and processing fees. So, around the $7000 mark (all up, delivered to my door) for a stunning stunning stone! I can''t tell you how gorgeous it is. Be wary of GIA triple ex''s, they are not all created equal (see other thread got the xxx that scores 6 on the HCA). My stone is an AGS Ideal, their cut standards are stricter than GIA. Yes, you can get gorgeous GIA XXX which are just as nice, but you need to check the numbers more carefully.

I looked at so many places in Melbourne. I am 110% sure I have a better stone for much less money than what I would have ended up with here. Holloway Diamonds is in Melb, they sell gorgeous stunning rings, but you will find it cheaper to purchase from US, but if you are flexible in the budget and want to go to a B&M store - he''s your man!

Honey, can I ask you about the fees you paid - are these set or are they variable based on the value of the item? I knew there would be fees involved, but $945 sounds like quite abit! Were you able to have your stone and setting listed separately for GST or did you have to pay 15% on the whole thing?
sorry about all the questions, and Belgian I hope you don''t mind! I''m just starting to get bit concerned about all these diff. fees

 

[Diamond*Dana]

I cannot comment too much on the price in Australia, but I will say that I have an F VS2 stone and I cannot see anything even with a loupe (and I have looked...a lot). Not only do I not see anything from the top, I don''t see anything from the sides (the entire stone is exposed with the setting I have). Good luck in your search!

 

[NewYorkd.o.c.]

If you cannot locate any of the inclusions under 10x, I would go for the VS2.
In my case, I looked at a VS1 that had 3 tiny dots under table and a VS2 that had one tiny feather near the girdle.
We chose the VS2 bc the feather will be covered by the setting and it was almost $1k less.