Flawless Diamonds Vs. VVS Diamonds: Understanding the Difference

They shine like drops of liquid light when caressed by the sun's tender embrace. Everyone slips into awe when admiring their beauty. Women covet them as symbols of eternal love, while men aspire to present them as tokens of loyalty. Such is the captivating power of a fabulous lab diamond. However, at the zenith of desirability, not all diamonds are created equal. Some are born into a realm of pure perfection, while others dance on the edge of brilliance. 

At the highest regard, we find Flawless diamonds, some rare and exquisite marvels. While right below, in a realm only slightly less exclusive but equally alluring,  reside the VVS (Very Very Slightly Included) diamonds. One must think, what segregates these gems, dictating how rare and supreme in quality a stone is?

Well, it is the grading system set by Gemological Institute of America (GIA) that helps us understand a diamond's quality. It's like a diamond report card with four main grades: Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat. The clarity grade among these decides whether a diamond is “Flawless” or “VVS”.

In this blog, let's take a closer look at the factors that contribute to a diamond’s clarity, and what makes Flawless and VVS diamonds unique.

Table of Content:

• Exploring Diamond Clarity
• Flawless Diamonds
• Very Very Slightly Included Diamonds
• Pros and Cons
• Making the Right Choice

Exploring Diamond Clarity

Just like mined diamonds, lab diamonds also take shape when carbon is subjected to intense heat and pressure within the controlled environment of a laboratory. During this process, both internal imperfections known as "inclusions", and surface flaws, referred to as "blemishes", can form within the diamond. It is important to note that while no diamond is void of these flaws, the lesser their presence, the closer it comes to purity, and the better its clarity.

A diamond’s clarity is evaluated based on these inclusions and blemishes, considering that no diamond is purely perfect, and some are less flawed than others. The GIA Diamond Clarity Scale has 11 categories in total, and we'll delve into the fascinating intricacies of two (Flawless and Very Very Slightly Included diamonds) that often bewilder buyers and connoisseurs alike.

Flawless Diamonds

Flawless diamonds are diamonds that are entirely free from any internal or external imperfections when viewed under 10x magnification. However, it is important to note that Flawless diamonds still have small blemishes on the surface, which can be polished away. 

This exceptional level of higher clarity grade makes Flawless diamonds extremely rare and valuable in the world of gemstones. A mined Flawless diamond costs up to thousands of dollars, while lab diamonds are a much more affordable option and can be 40% to 70% less in price compared to the former.

Very Very Slightly Included Diamonds

Very Very Slightly Included Diamonds are almost like the second runner-up of a competition, and, as the name suggests, they have very few and small inclusions which are so tiny, that can only be seen with the help of a microscope. A person will not be able to spot any problems with the VVS diamond without the aid of magnification.

The VVS category is further divided into two subcategories: VVS1 and VVS2. In a VVS1 diamond, the inclusions are typically located near the diamond’s surface, while in a VVS2 diamond, the inclusions might extend slightly deeper. These inclusions are minor and do not affect the diamond’s transparency, brilliance, or overall appearance to the naked eye. 

VVS diamonds are also highly valuable for their exceptional clarity and rarity as they offer an outstanding caliber without the price tag of Flawless or internally Flawless diamonds. For both natural and lab grown diamonds, VVS diamonds are priced attractively, though are not as expensive as Flawless ones.

Pros and Cons

Flawless and VVS diamonds each have their own advantages and disadvantages based on their clarity characteristics.

Advantages of Flawless Diamonds:

1. Flawless diamonds have exceptional clarity and no visible inclusions, even under 10x magnification.

2. Flawless diamonds are rare, making them highly valuable and desirable for collectors and investors.

Disadvantages of Flawless Diamonds:

1. Due to their rarity and exceptional clarity, Flawless diamonds come at a very high price, often making them unaffordable for the average consumer.

2. These diamonds might seem excessively immaculate to buyers who have a fondness for the distinct features and quirks that can be found in other diamonds.

Advantages of VVS Diamonds:

1. VVS diamonds offer near-perfect clarity with inclusions that are difficult to detect even under magnification, making them a smart alternative to Flawless diamonds.

2. VVS diamonds are more readily available in various sizes and shapes, offering consumers a broader range of choices.

Disadvantages of VVS Diamonds:

1. While more affordable than Flawless diamonds, VVS diamonds can still be relatively expensive compared to diamonds with other eye-clean clarity grades.

2. In rare cases, some VVS diamonds might have inclusions visible to the naked eye, particularly in larger carat weights or certain diamond shapes.

Making the Right Choice

In the realm of radiant diamonds, the choice is ultimately yours - the pure allure of Flawless diamonds or the harmonious blend of clarity and value found in VVS clarity diamonds! However, we recommend taking several factors into account while making your choice.

Firstly, your budget and priorities play a significant role, as you might want to think about where you want to invest more within your diamond's four C’s (cut, color, carat, and clarity).

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Secondly, personal preference is key; as some may gravitate towards Flawless diamonds, while others might prefer the magic of VVS. It's also a good idea to think about how you plan to use the diamond in future. Usually, Flawless diamonds are considered best for special occasions, whereas VVS diamonds are known for their durability, making them perfect for everyday wear.

If you're still unsure, our experts are here to help! [Book an Appointment Today] They can guide you in aligning your choice with your specific needs, preferences, and budget, ensuring you find the ideal diamond that truly speaks to you. 

Last but not the least, always remember – a diamond represents enduring love and prideful choices, transcending its physical attributes. So as you embark on your journey to acquire a precious gem, we invite you to explore the world of brilliance at Friendly Diamonds, where all our gems are sourced ethically and created with care. Choose ethical brilliance, choose lab grown!