Flawless and VVS (very, very slightly included) diamonds both score on the high end of the Gemological Institute of American’s (GIA) clarity scale but do have significant differences when viewed in a normal setting.
The main difference between flawless and VVS diamonds is flawless diamonds have no visible inclusions at 10x magnification. VVS diamonds have blemishes that can be seen with a jewelers loupe but are generally invisible to the naked eye.
We’ll compare flawless versus VVS diamonds, including:
- An overview of each
- Four differences
- Similarities
- How to decide which is right for you
What is Flawless Diamond?
A flawless (FL) diamond has no visible inclusions or blemishes under 10x magnification. It’s the highest clarity grade a diamond can earn.
On the clarity scale below, it’s the farthest position on the left, ahead of internally flawless and on the opposite end as I3.
No diamond is created without any inclusions. When it’s formed under intense heat and pressure, it inevitably develops flaws.
What distinguishes a flawless diamond from others is the gemologist would need 60x or 100x magnification to see them.
Check out this flawless diamond from the vendor where I bought my wife’s engagement ring.
No matter how you rotate the image, you won’t find any clarity characteristics, which is another term for blemishes.
Flawless diamonds differ from internally flawless (IF) because IF diamonds have visible imperfections on its surface.
They don’t extend into the stone. To the naked eye, you often cannot tell the difference between flawless and IF.
As a comparison, check out the image below of a flawless (left) and internally flawless (right) diamond.
Even though both are in high-resolution, they appear identical.
Internally flawless is the second highest grade on the clarity scale and still represents a small fraction of diamonds on the market — less than one percent.
This concept plays out down the clarity scale, where diamonds on the lower end are more common than ones at the top.
What is VVS Diamond Clarity?
VVS diamonds are almost flawless but have a few inclusions such as pinpoints or needles scattered throughout the diamond.
As an example, check out the diamond below, which earned a VVS1 grade from the GIA.
If you visit the vendor’s site, you can view the GIA report.
Note the occurrences of a feather and cavity, but they’re incredibly small.
The imperfections are rarely visible when viewed in a normal setting, so if you placed it next to a flawless diamond, you couldn’t tell them apart.
VVS diamond clarity means the gemologist identified small inclusions at 10x magnification, but the flaws have no impact on the structure, appearance, or brilliance of the stone.
This grade is broken into two subcategories: VVS1 and VVS2.
As an introduction to both, here’s a side-by-side comparison that demonstrates their similarity.
If they weren’t labeled, it’d be difficult to tell the difference in regard to the presence of inclusions.
VVS1
VVS1 clarity is a higher grade than VVS2. It often means the inclusions are on the pavilion of the diamond.
The imperfections cannot be seen with the naked eye, and even the gemologist using magnification has a difficult time spotting them.
In addition to pinpoints, the most common inclusions in a VVS1 diamond are internal graining, clouds, and feathers.
VVS1 diamonds are priced slightly above VVS2, but they’re similar enough in appearance and quality to both earn the VVS grade.
VVS2
VVS2 diamonds sit right below VVS1 in price and presence of inclusions.
The difference is the ease of identifying inclusions at 10x magnification.
They’re most often located on the crown of the diamond, which means they’re in a more prominent position.
But they’re so small the naked eye cannot see them, even when looking at a VVS2 diamond from the top down.
Their lack of visibility is also a result of the types of inclusions, which are the same minor ones found in a VVS1 diamond.
What are the Differences Between Flawless and VVS Clarity?
1. Flawless Diamonds Have Fewer Inclusions
Flawless and VVS are designations of a diamond’s clarity, so the primary difference between the two is the number, type, and impact of inclusions.
The inclusions in a flawless diamond are invisible at 10x magnification, while a trained gemologist can identify them in a VVS diamond.
All else being equal, a flawless diamond displays more brilliance than a VVS diamond.
That’s because any inclusion prevents light from properly entering and exiting its facets. Whether it’s a pinpoint, twinning wisp, or feather, it will distort light performance.
That being said, don’t worry about diminished brilliance because of these inclusions. The most important quality to consider for strong light performance is cut.
This engagement ring features a VVS2 diamond with an excellent cut.
Even though there are a few clouds, pinpoints, and needles, they won’t affect the diamond in a noticeable way.
But if you want the highest quality diamond with maximum cleanliness, choose a flawless diamond over VVS because of fewer inclusions.
2. Flawless Diamonds are More Expensive
If all the other qualities about the diamond are the same, a flawless diamond is more expensive than a VVS diamond.
There’s a corresponding price increase for every level higher a diamond scores across the four Cs of color, clarity, cut, and carat. So better clarity comes with a higher price.
The best way to understand the prices of flawless versus VVS diamonds is to examine the costs for diamonds that have the same characteristics except for clarity.
For example, I compared diamonds that have the following grades:
- Cut: Excellent
- Carat: 1.01
- Color: D
The average price of a flawless diamond with these qualities from James Allen, a leading online diamond retailer, is $14,094.
The range is between $11,360-$17,220.
The average price of VVS diamonds (VVS1 and VVS2) is $10,388. The range is from $7,260-$13,390.
The difference in price between those flawless and VVS diamonds is 36 percent. The difference between the lowest priced VVS diamond and most expensive flawless diamond is 58 percent.
You could earn more than half off your purchase by opting for a VVS diamond over a flawless one.
These price comparisons are true across almost all diamond retailers. The average price of a flawless diamond with those qualities at Blue Nile is $16,948, and the average price for VVS is $10,934.
So regardless of your jeweler, you can expect to save between 30-40 percent by choosing a VVS diamond versus a flawless one.
In most cases, there’s a 10-20 percent increase in price for every step up the clarity scale.
You’ll often see a premium when moving up to flawless because it represents the highest clarity grade available instead of the marginal differences between other grades.
It’s why I don’t recommend flawless diamonds and instead suggest starting at SI1 clarity and working your way up the scale until you find the right fit.
3. Flawless Diamonds are More Rare
If you want the most number of options, consider VVS diamonds instead of flawless ones. It’s estimated less than half of one percent of diamonds on the market earn the flawless grade.
It’s the most rare because so few survive the formation process without visible inclusions penetrating it along the way.
You’ll find this to be true when searching for a diamond in any online or in-person retailer. There will be far fewer diamonds available with the flawless grade, which is part of the reason they demand a higher price.
I analyzed Ritani’s inventory across all diamonds that weigh between 0.9 and one carat. There were nine flawless diamonds available and 2,650 VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds.
I did the same for Brilliant Earth’s round cuts. There were five flawless and 2,035 VVS1 or VVS2 diamonds in their inventory.
VVS diamonds are still rare, but it’s estimated seven to 10 percent on the market earn that grade. You’ll have a much easier time exploring a range of diamonds that earn a VVS1 or VVS2 clarity.
They’ll come with varying carat sizes, cut grades, degrees of fluorescence, and shapes.
4. Graining
Flawless diamonds have no inclusions on the inside or surface. With VVS clarity, you may encounter graining.
Graining can either be on the surface or internal.
Surface graining shows up as colored or transparent lines on the diamond caused by defects in its crystal formation.
It’s a naturally-occurring flaw when some parts grow faster than others. This type of graining is often invisible to the naked eye but is enough to prevent a diamond from earning a flawless grade.
Check out this magnified image of surface graining on a diamond.
If it’s the only issue with its clarity, it may be given an IF grade.
Internal graining is enough to take a diamond from flawless to VVS. Because the blemish is within the diamond, it wouldn’t earn an IF clarity grade.
It’s similar to surface graining in that it’s a natural inclusion caused by irregular crystal growth. It appears as streaks below its surface that travel in waves or straight lines.
Do Flawless and VVS Diamonds Have any Similarities?
Comparing flawless versus VVS diamonds showcases their many differences, but the two categories also share similarities.
Both flawless and VVS diamonds are considered eye-clean.
This is a valuable trait in a diamond because most buyers aren’t concerned with its appearance under a microscope. Instead, they don’t want to see inclusions when viewing it on a day-to-day basis.
As an example, here’s an engagement ring with a flawless diamond at its center.
It results in a stunning ring because it sparkles without any blemishes to detract from its aesthetic.
But this VVS1 diamond ring achieves the same effect.
The exception for VVS diamonds is for some large diamonds (more than two carats) that are given a VVS2 grade.
It’s possible minor inclusions could be visible, so it’s best to view it in person or through a high-resolution photo online.
You also won’t experience issues related to durability with a flawless or VVS diamond.
Chips and cavities place the diamond at further risk of breaking, but these are never present in a flawless or VVS diamond.
Instead, the inclusions are ones that won’t affect the structure of the stone, eliminating any concern about durability.
Is a Flawless or VVS Diamond Right For You?
If you want the pride of knowing your diamond is as perfect as they come, a flawless diamond is right for you.
You’ll have the confidence it’s free of inclusions, even if someone examines it with 10x magnification. Paired with an excellent cut and strong color grade, it’ll have maximum brilliance as your twirl it around.
But if a tighter budget plays a role in your decision, you should explore VVS diamonds — both VVS1 and VVS2 options. It’ll lower the price compared to flawless, and you can use that money toward a higher carat weight or a more luxurious setting.
In fact, I chose a VS1 clarity round-cut for my wife’s engagement ring, and it appears flawless to the naked eye.
So if you’re looking at overall value, VVS and flawless might not be the way to go. Ones lower on the scale may achieve the same appearance and brilliance, and you’ll save on costs.
But in the most important aspects of clarity, which are eye-cleanliness and durability, VVS and flawless diamonds earn a passing grade.
Jacob Clarke
Jacob Clarke is the founder of TeachJewelry.com.
He earned an Applied Jewelry Professional Diploma from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and now brings you essential information about diamonds, settings, and more.
Jacob has consulted with leading jewelry brands, and his work has been cited in Clean Origin, Diamond Nexus and industry publications.
He's also a member of the International Gem Society.
He enjoys discussing jewelry with readers, so contact him with any questions at jacob.clarke@teachjewelry.com.