VS Diamond Clarity

VS Diamond Basics

VS diamond clarity is divided into levels VS1 and VS2. Diamonds with these grades fall into the upper half of the diamond clarity range and are usually completely clean to the unaided eye. Here is useful information when considering a diamond in the VS range.

PriceScope Pointer: VS1 is always eye clean. VS2 is reliably eye clean for round brilliants, but certain shapes may have eye visible inclusions.

Before going on: Check out the PriceScope Diamond Buying Guide

VS Diamond Clarity Described

The diamond clarity grade describes a stone’s relative freedom from internal characteristics, classified as inclusions, and surface characteristics, classified as blemishes.

VS diamond clarity describes diamond with inclusions considered minor by a gemologist when using 10X magnification. The VS diamond clarity range spans two levels. A VS1 diamond has less noticeable clarity characteristics than a VS2 diamond.

The most typical inclusions in VS diamonds are small crystals, feathers, or distinct clouds. If the grade setting inclusion or inclusions are close to the very very slightly included (VVS) range the diamond will receive the VS1 grade. If the inclusion or inclusions are closer to the slightly included (SI) range the diamond will become VS2. Generally speaking, VS2 is considered the grade where a diamond begins to show inclusions which are somewhat easy to find but not blatantly noticeable when the stone is placed under 10X magnification.