VVS vs. VS1 vs. VS2 Diamond Earrings: Does Clarity Really Make a Difference?
Written by Manny. S
The diamond clarity is one of the features that creates the most confusion when one is buying diamond stud earrings. With VVS, VS1, and VS2 all sounding very similar to each other, any difference in clarity rating will mean a very noticeable difference in how these earrings look. This is not always the case, especially with regular diamond stud earrings.
Customers generally think that clarity is the determining factor in how shiny and pretty diamonds will be compared to others. While this may be true, it is less important with diamond stud earrings because cut and lighting play a bigger role than the tiny imperfections within the diamonds.
Being familiar with the differences between VVS, VS1, and VS2 earrings can keep customers from making some expensive mistakes.
Table of Content
- What Does Diamond Clarity Actually Mean?
- Can You Actually See the Difference in Diamond Earrings?
- Why Clarity Matters Less in Earrings Than Rings
- Are VS2 Diamond Earrings Good Enough for Everyday Wear?
- When Are VVS Diamond Studs the Right Choice?
- Does Diamond Size Make Clarity Differences Easier to Notice?
- What Matters More Than Clarity When Buying Diamond Earrings?
- Conclusion
What Does Diamond Clarity Actually Mean?
The clarity of a diamond is defined as the microscopic flaws and external blemishes present within a diamond. These defects are referred to as inclusions and blemishes. Clarity in diamonds depends upon the number of inclusions in them.
The Gemological Institute of America evaluates diamonds for their clarity on the basis of inclusions and blemishes found at 10x magnification. It suggests that quite a few inclusions found at the time of grading may not be visible without using magnification.
Some of the clarity ratings relevant to diamond earrings are listed below:
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VVS (Very Very Slightly Included): Inclusions are invisible without magnification.
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VS1 (Very Slightly Included 1): Inclusions are just slightly visible under magnification.
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VS2 (Very Slightly Included 2): Slightly more noticeable inclusions that require magnification.
As a consumer, your main concern is not the presence of inclusions. Rather, it is whether you can notice the inclusions while wearing the diamond earrings.
VVS vs. VS1 vs. VS2: What Sets Them Apart?
On paper, VVS diamonds are considered higher quality than VS1 and VS2 diamonds. However, the visible difference between these grades is usually very small in earrings.
The biggest distinguishing factor for most consumers would be the price point rather than aesthetics.
Even a small difference in clarity like the difference between VVS quality diamonds and VS1 or VS2 quality diamonds can make a significant impact on the price point despite the fact that people cannot distinguish between the two without a magnifying glass.
Can You Actually See the Difference in Diamond Earrings?
In the majority of cases, the answer to that question is no.
The difference in clarity among VVS, VS1, and VS2 diamond stud earrings is almost nonexistent. As earring stones are evaluated at a greater distance than those in engagement rings, it's only natural that small flaws will be difficult to see.
This factor explains why VS1 and VS2 diamond stud earrings are so commonly purchased. In many cases, well-chosen VS2 diamonds will seem completely flawless even without magnification but will prove cheaper than higher-grade counterparts.
Size also needs to be taken into consideration. Smaller diamonds are easier to hide, as their visible area is smaller. In most cases, any flaws found on typical stud earrings will go unnoticed by an ordinary customer since they will only be noticeable through a jeweler's loupe.
Why Clarity Matters Less in Earrings Than Rings
A ring is observed up close on a daily basis, while earrings are not. This plays a major role in clarity assessment.
When a ring is placed within view, it is automatically examined in detail by hand. Earrings do not receive the same attention that rings get. Therefore, inclusions become harder to notice. It is precisely why there are consumers who will buy VS2 earrings, despite wishing to purchase rings of higher clarity.
In addition, most earrings are typically smaller than center stones in rings. In this case, extreme clarity grades are almost meaningless for small stones.
Therefore, earrings prove to be an excellent option for finding the right compromise in terms of clarity and affordability.
Are VS2 Diamond Earrings Good Enough for Everyday Wear?
They definitely are.
VS2 diamond studs, when properly cut, would sparkle without any visible inclusions that would spoil the appearance. The vast majority of VS2 diamonds are described as eye-clean, which means that they cannot be noticed without magnification.
VS2 clarity is the right clarity grade for those who seek these characteristics in a diamond:
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Better value for money
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Higher carat weight within budget restrictions
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Durability for everyday wearing
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Beauty and shine with no additional expense on better clarity grad
However, it should be noted that all VS2 diamonds are different. The presence of certain inclusions may affect the overall appearance of the stone positively.
When Are VVS Diamond Studs the Right Choice?
There would not be any noticeable impact on the majority of individuals when buying VVS diamond earrings, as the decision-making process here depends on uniqueness, precision, and high-quality characteristics. The fact that some people get a feeling of satisfaction from purchasing VVS earrings can explain why they are willing to spend money on something of this kind.
VVS clarity comes into play when dealing with
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Large diamonds
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Luxury investments
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Uniqueness
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Precision grading
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Earrings for certain events
In truth, the bigger the stone, the more difficult it is to ignore its flaws, thus making clarity grade play a big role in making things even.
Does Diamond Size Make Clarity Differences Easier to Notice?
Yes, clarity differences can be more easily noticed on bigger diamonds.
Bigger diamonds have a relatively higher visible surface area, which makes it slightly easier to notice their clarity features. This can be crucial while assessing big diamonds like those used in diamond stud earrings, especially when comparing some 1-carat diamond earrings of either VS1 or VS2 against VVS.
As a rule of thumb, the diamond that is rated VS2 and has lower carats can appear flawless if it is used in diamond earrings. However, with higher carats, say, a 1-carat diamond for each ear or even above 1 carat per ear, one may find small differences in the level of clarity.
In other words, buyers prefer to buy VS1 diamond earrings as large diamond earrings for assurance even though they do not contribute a lot aesthetically as opposed to VVS or even VS2 diamonds.
But one should keep in mind that clarity does not render cut quality less relevant, as big clarity diamond earrings shine brighter under bright lighting conditions.
What Matters More Than Clarity When Buying Diamond Earrings?
While clarity is important, it should not be your sole consideration. Other factors can also affect how the earrings appear when worn.
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Diamond Cut
Diamond cut quality is an important consideration that will determine its brightness. A well-cut diamond will reflect light very effectively and therefore be more brilliant than a highly clear one with poor proportions.
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Diamond Certification
It is always advisable to select diamonds certified by reputable organizations such as the Gemological Institute of America.
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Earring Setting
The positioning of the prongs and the design of the earrings may help you hide imperfections while enhancing visual appeal.
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Size of the Diamonds
Since larger diamonds will naturally display finer details, clarity selection becomes more critical.
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Balance of Color
Generally, a better-looking diamond is produced by harmonious color, cut, and clarity combinations than by an extreme focus on any single factor.
Conclusion
In the case of VVS, VS1, and VS2 diamond earrings, it can be said that the average consumer won’t perceive a huge difference, which is what is to be expected.
By wearing VVS, VS1 diamonds, and appropriately selected VS2 diamond earrings, one can be sure that they will look as dazzling as VVS diamond earrings. The reason is that earrings are worn at a considerable distance from the observer, thus, small imperfections won’t be of any concern.
While VVS diamond earrings are still appealing for people who are looking for something rare or perfect, practically speaking, there are no reasons why one should pick such stones instead of VS1 and VS2 clarity diamonds.
Making a smart decision doesn’t imply purchasing the most perfect diamonds. Instead, choosing a perfect-looking diamond is what makes sense.
