Choosing a diamond is about more than just carat size or sparkle. There are also details to consider that affect value and appearance. One of the most common questions diamond buyers ask is: How important is clarity?
Which clarity grade offers the best value for money? Do small internal flaws really matter? Can you tell the difference between a VS1 and a VS2 diamond? More importantly, is a higher clarity grade worth paying more for?
This guide will explore the real differences between VS1 and VS2 diamonds, two of the most popular clarity grades, and how they affect appearance, pricing, and purchasing decisions. This article will give you all the clarity you need to make a confident choice.
Understanding Diamond Clarity
Diamond clarity refers to the presence of inclusions and blemishes within a diamond. It is one of the 4Cs (along with cut, color, and carat weight) and plays a vital role in determining a diamond's visual appeal and value.
Clarity grades are assessed under 10x magnification. The GIA clarity scale ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I1-I3), with VS1 and VS2 both falling into the "slightly included" range, meaning they contain tiny blemishes that are usually unnoticeable to the naked eye.
The Role of Clarity in Appearance and Value
Clarity affects the overall beauty of a diamond, but its impact is limited. Large, dark, or centrally located inclusions can interfere with light reflection and reduce the diamond’s brilliance, especially in step-cut diamonds such as emeralds or Asscher cuts.
But in most well-cut diamonds, especially brilliant-cut ones, tiny inclusions are nearly invisible without magnification. Because of this, the visual advantage of higher clarity grades begins to level off around VS. A VS1 diamond may appear almost identical to a VVS1 or even Flawless diamond to the naked eye.
Clarity still plays a role in price, however—not because of how good the diamond looks, but because higher clarity diamonds are rarer. For example, a 2-carat, D-color, “Excellent” round natural diamond with VS1 clarity might sell for around $30,000, while the same Flawless diamond, though indistinguishable to the naked eye, might cost more than $50,000.
In short, clarity does matter—but after a certain point, you tend to be paying for rarity, not for visible difference.
Why VS Diamonds Are a Good Choice
VS1 and VS2 clarity grades offer one of the best combinations of beauty and value. Diamonds in this range are typically eye-clean, meaning their inclusions are invisible without magnification. They retain nearly all the brilliance of higher-clarity diamonds—without the price premium associated with FL or VVS grades.
This makes them especially appealing for buyers looking to prioritize cut, carat size, or design without compromising on visible quality. For lab-grown diamonds, which tend to have fewer dramatic inclusions to begin with, VS clarity is often the most practical and popular choice, delivering exceptional appearance while staying within budget.
What Are the Differences Between VS1 and VS2?
VS1 and VS2 both fall under the "Very Slightly Included" (VS) clarity category, and to the naked eye, they are often visually indistinguishable—especially in diamonds under 2 carats. But there are a few key differences worth noting, particularly for buyers who value precision or are selecting larger stones.
Inclusion Size and Visibility
VS1 diamonds typically feature tiny, minimal inclusions that are hard to detect—even under 10x magnification. These inclusions are often placed near the pavilion or edges of the stone, making them nearly invisible in real-world settings.
VS2 diamonds may have slightly larger or more centrally located inclusions. In most cases, they still appear eye-clean, especially in diamonds under 1.5 carats. However, in larger diamonds or step-cut shapes like emerald or Asscher, inclusions may be easier to notice, particularly under close inspection.
Clarity and Appearance
Both VS1 and VS2 diamonds are visually clean to the naked eye, offering excellent everyday brilliance. That said, VS1 provides more margin for error, making it a better choice for buyers who want a near-perfect look without stepping into VVS or Flawless territory.
VS2 clarity still delivers beautiful results, especially when paired with brilliant-cut shapes (such as round, oval, or pear), which naturally mask inclusions better than open-faceted step cuts.
Value and Affordability
The price difference between VS1 and VS2 diamonds is most noticeable in the natural diamond market, where higher-clarity stones like VS1 are significantly rarer. In such cases, VS1 diamonds can command a 10–25% premium over VS2 of the same size, cut, and color—largely due to their scarcity rather than any visible difference.
However, in the lab-grown diamond market, this price gap tends to be much smaller. Because lab diamonds are grown under controlled conditions, they often contain fewer dramatic inclusions overall. As a result, the difference in cost between VS1 and VS2 clarity is often minimal—sometimes as little as 5% or less.
Suitability by Diamond Size
In smaller diamonds (under 1.5 carats), VS2 inclusions are almost always undetectable, making them a great option for value-conscious shoppers. In larger stones (2 carats and above), VS1 may offer added peace of mind, especially if the design exposes the center of the stone.
Pro Tip: If you're leaning toward a VS2 diamond, prioritize a well-cut stone. Superior cut can enhance brilliance and help hide minor inclusions, giving you maximum sparkle for less.
VS1 vs VS2: A Comparative Analysis
| Feature | VS1 | VS2 |
| Eye-Clean Appearance | Almost always eye-clean at any size | Typically eye-clean under 1.5ct |
| Inclusion Size & Visibility | Smaller, fewer inclusions | Slightly larger or more visible inclusions |
| Position of Inclusions | Usually near the edges or pavilion | May appear closer to the center (table) |
| Best Use Cases | Larger diamonds, step cuts, high-transparency designs | Brilliant cuts, diamonds under 1.5ct, halo settings |
| Price Difference (Natural Diamonds) | 10–25% more expensive than VS2 | More affordable than VS1 with similar appearance |
| Price Difference (Lab-Grown Diamonds) | Slightly higher than VS2 (up to ~5%) | Great value with minimal difference in appearance |
| Overall Value | Ideal for buyers who want near-flawless look without VVS pricing | Smart choice for balancing quality and budget |
Practical Tips for Choosing Between VS1 and VS2
Prioritize cut: A well-cut VS2 can look far more brilliant than a poorly cut VS1.
Consider diamond shape: Brilliant cuts (round, oval) mask inclusions better than step cuts (emerald, Asscher).
Check the inclusion location: If the inclusion sits under a prong or near the edge, it may be practically invisible.
Ask for magnified images: Especially important if buying online. Look for diamonds with clean center tables.
Trust your eye: If the stone looks beautiful to you, that’s what matters most—especially when clarity differences are invisible without magnification.
Understanding the nuances between VS1 and VS2 diamonds can help you choose the right balance of clarity, price, and presentation. Whether you value perfection or practicality, both options offer beautiful, high-quality diamonds that shine in everyday wear.