VVS1 - VS1 - SI1
Diamond clarity is the quality of diamonds that relates to the existence and visual appearance of internal characteristics of a diamond called inclusions, and surface defects, called blemishes. Clarity is one of the four Cs of diamond grading, the others being carat, colour, and cut.
What is a VVS1 Diamond?
A VVS1 diamond has inclusions that are difficult to see at 10x magnification. Even a trained gemologist will have to scan a diamond multiple times to find a hint of a flaw.
When these inclusions are spotted, they generally have no impact on the diamond. It could be a single pinpoint near the girdle or a few small feathers scattered across the table.
Sitting comfortably in the top end of the clarity scale, VVS1 clarity diamonds are two to three grades better than the average clarity selection for engagement rings in Australia – VVS1 are remarkable, rare diamonds and their scarcity and quality is reflected in the price.
What is a VS1 Diamond?
A VS1, or "Very, Very Slightly Included 1", diamond has minute inclusions typically only visible under magnification. Typically these imperfections cannot be identified by the naked eye.
VS1 is a high clarity grade with typically no eye visible inclusions and only small, hard to identify inclusions under magnification. These diamonds represent the top 5% of all gem quality stones and are highly recommended as a blend of value and quality. Common inclusions include clouds, feathers, crystals, pinpoints and indented naturals. VS1 means a minimal number of small non-noticeable inclusions.
What is an SI1 Diamond?
SI1 or “Slightly Included 1” is on the lower end of the range and has two subdivisions. SI1 has the fewest and smallest inclusions, while SI2 has more and larger inclusions.
If you choose an SI1 clarity diamond, it’s important to understand what this clarity grade might reveal about your diamond. Most flaws in SI1 diamonds will be crystal inclusions, pinpricks, or cloudy formations. Twinning wisps and cracks or 'feathers' also contribute to the diamond’s clarity grade. When considering an SI1 Diamond, it is important to note that the colour of the stone will attribute to its beauty and we recommend only D colouring for all lower graded stones such as an SI1.
VVS1 vs VS1
The difference between a VS1 and VVS1 clarity diamond is that a VS1 diamond has a higher number of inclusions that affect the diamond's brilliance, appearance and durability. While the two may look identical without magnification, a VVS1 diamond is cleaner and has fewer blemishes.
Comparing VS1 versus VVS1 diamonds involves understanding how the inclusions affect its overall appeal.
Here are some guidelines to help decide which is right for you.
You should consider a VVS1 diamond if:
- It’s important to you that it has very few inclusions
- You’re after a very, very clean, high graded stone
- You’re choosing a diamond larger than 1.5 carats and don’t want any visible inclusions
You should choose a VS1 diamond if:
- You want a diamond that’s eye-clean, and you’re willing to pay more compared to others that don’t have visible inclusions, like SI1 or VS2
- The diamond is more than 1.5 carats, and you want to ensure inclusions aren’t visible
- Your budget doesn't allow for a VVS1
VS1 vs SI1
The difference between SI1 and VS1 diamonds is the extent to which the inclusions affect its brilliance, visible appearance, and durability. While they may have specific inclusions in common, SI1 diamonds have more impactful flaws compared to VS1 diamonds.
VS1 Diamonds Have Fewer Inclusions. In most cases, VS1 diamonds have fewer inclusions than ones that earn an SI1 grade. The number of blemishes is only one factor that determines clarity grade, but a high number of inclusions will likely prevent the diamond from reaching the very slightly included status.
Just because diamonds are the hardest minerals doesn’t mean they can’t chip or break. In certain cases, diamonds with low clarity grades might be more susceptible to chips and fractures. In terms of durability, large flaws raise the most concern. Simply put, they can create vulnerable spots where the diamond is more likely to break.
Any clarity feature at the diamond’s surface is also a cause for concern and this an important feature to note when considering the clarity of a stone.
We understand that everyone has a different budget, want or need when purchasing a lab-diamond. As such, we are proud to offer all three tiers of clarity VVS1, VS1 and SI1, available to purchase directly online.
For those wishing to increase or decrease the clarity or colour or their lab-diamond, please email us for a custom quote.