VVS Diamonds: Let’s Get Practical
Are VVS diamonds always eye-clean?
Yes. Any VVS diamond will be absolutely eye clean by the definition below. VVS1 is as close as a diamond to get to being considered Internally Flawless. The inclusions in a VVS1 diamond may not even be visible in the face up position, even with a microscope. In certain cases, they are located using 10X magnification while viewing the diamond through the pavilion. The inclusions in a VVS2 diamond are difficult to see in the face up position, even with a microscope.
There is no laboratory definition for eye-clean, but a PriceScope survey of gemologists resulted in this consensus:
Photo Courtesy of PS member Soxfan
Eye-clean = No inclusions visible to the unaided eye when viewed from the face up position in daylight equivalent or fluorescent lighting from approximately 6 – 12 inches from the eye using 20/20 vision.
VVS Diamonds: Real World Information
A VVS diamond will not sparkle better than a diamond with lower clarity. A diamond’s observable brightness, fire, sparkle, and contrast are all attributable to its cut quality. A diamond’s optical properties are not influenced by inclusions and blemishes, except in the very lowest grading category Included: (I1-I2-I3): Those three grades are reserved specifically for diamonds with inclusions numerous or severe enough to impact light transmission and/or durability.
All VVS diamonds, when paired with D,E, or F color and a top cut grade, are considered to be collection quality. Such diamonds, with the purest natural color and clarity grades, have typically held their value best over time and have a special status in the eyes of many diamond professionals, collectors, enthusiasts, and auction houses.