Natural Diamond Prices – December 2024
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In the fascinating world of diamonds, clarity is a crucial aspect defining their brilliance and beauty. Understanding the nuances of clarity grades is essential when navigating the realm of these precious gems. Here’s everything you need to know about VVS diamonds, exploring their grades, comparisons with other clarity grades, the significance of cut and color, pricing insights, and where to acquire these treasures.
What Are VVS Diamonds
VVS, or Very Very Slightly Included, is a clarity grade denoting diamonds with remarkable clarity. These gems exhibit minimal internal characteristics (inclusions) and surface imperfections (blemishes), invisible to the naked eye. Within the VVS clarity range, diamonds are classified into two levels: VVS1 and VVS2. VVS1 diamonds possess even fewer noticeable clarity characteristics compared to VVS2 diamonds, making them exceptionally rare and highly coveted.
Shop VVS diamonds from trusted vendors like Whiteflash, James Allen, and Blue Nile. Their expertly curated collections ensure exceptional clarity and remarkable light performance, making them an ideal choice for your engagement ring.
The Difference Between GIA and IGI Clarity Grades
The IGI is often perceived as being slightly more lenient by about half to a full grade compared to the GIA when it comes to clarity grading. On PriceScope’s platform, you’ll notice that IGI-certified diamonds are often priced lower. This pricing difference reflects the online marketplace dynamic, where diamonds listed for consumers are often sourced from business inventories and sold with minimal markups. In traditional brick-and-mortar stores, this wholesale price advantage is sometimes passed on to consumers, making IGI-certified diamonds an appealing option.
Explore our diamond search to shop IGI-certified diamonds at unbeatable prices!
Comparing VVS Diamonds with Other Clarity Grades
VVS diamonds stand out when compared to other clarity grades due to their exceptional clarity. Unlike lower clarity grades, such as Included (I1, I2, I3), which may exhibit visible inclusions (imperfections) affecting light transmission and durability, VVS diamonds boast unparalleled clarity, enhancing their brilliance and allure.
The Importance of Cut and Color in VVS Diamonds
While VVS diamonds excel in clarity, their brilliance is further accentuated by superior cut and color grades. Cut quality plays a pivotal role in maximizing a diamond’s sparkle, fire, and overall beauty. Additionally, pairing VVS diamonds with top color grades (D, E, or F) enhances their natural brilliance, elevating them to collection-worthy status.
Cut quality is sometimes compromised in higher clarity diamonds in the choice to vary proportions or symmetry to exclude inclusions that are near the surface of the proposed diamond being cut and polished. Well chosen diamonds in the VS2 to SI1 clarity range, without transparency issues, are as brilliant as Flawless and VVS stones.
VVS Diamonds and Pricing
VVS diamonds command premium prices due to their exceptional clarity and rarity. When coupled with superior cut and color grades, these diamonds become prized possessions, maintaining their value over time. Investing in VVS diamonds ensures not only exquisite beauty but also long-term value retention.
VVS1 and VVS2 Diamonds
VVS diamonds are categorized into two sub-grades: VVS1 and VVS2, each representing slightly different levels of clarity within the Very Very Slightly Included range. Here’s a closer look at these two distinctions:
VVS1 Diamonds
- Clarity Characteristics: VVS1 diamonds are nearly flawless, with inclusions so minuscule they are extremely challenging to detect even under 10x magnification by a skilled gemologist. These inclusions are often positioned in inconspicuous areas, such as near the diamond’s edge, making them virtually undetectable.
- Rarity and Appeal: VVS1 diamonds are rarer and, as a result, are more valuable than VVS2 diamonds. Their unmatched clarity makes them highly desirable for collectors and individuals seeking the pinnacle of diamond purity.
- Pricing Insights: Due to their exceptional clarity, VVS1 diamonds typically command higher prices compared to VVS2 and other clarity grades. This premium reflects their rarity and the labor-intensive grading process required to identify their subtle inclusions.
VVS2 Diamonds
- Clarity Characteristics: VVS2 diamonds contain slightly more inclusions than VVS1 diamonds, but these inclusions remain minute and difficult to detect under 10x magnification. Unlike lower clarity grades, the inclusions in VVS2 diamonds do not affect their brilliance or visual appeal.
- Accessibility: While still rare, VVS2 diamonds offer a balance of exceptional clarity and slightly lower pricing than VVS1 diamonds, making them a practical choice for those seeking high-quality diamonds without the additional premium of a VVS1 grade.
- Visual Perception: To the naked eye, there is no discernible difference in appearance between VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds. Both grades exhibit exceptional clarity and beauty, ensuring their appeal in fine jewelry.
Where to Buy VVS Diamonds
When seeking to acquire VVS diamonds, it’s essential to prioritize authenticity, quality, and trustworthiness. Reputable sources such as PriceScope’s endorsed vendors offer a reliable platform for purchasing these exceptional gems. Among these esteemed vendors are Whiteflash, James Allen, Blue Nile, and Adiamor, renowned for their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
Trusted Jewelers: Established jewelers with a proven track record of integrity and expertise provide a secure environment for purchasing VVS diamonds. Their knowledgeable staff can offer valuable guidance and assistance in selecting the perfect diamond to suit your preferences and budget.
Certified Dealers: Choosing certified dealers ensures that your VVS diamond meets rigorous standards of authenticity and quality. Certified diamonds come with detailed grading reports from reputable gemological laboratories, assuring the diamond’s characteristics and value.
Image Source: Whiteflash
Discover Exceptional VVS Diamonds at Renowned Auction Houses
For those in search of extraordinary VVS diamonds that embody prestige and refinement, auction houses provide an exclusive opportunity to acquire expertly curated pieces. These venues often showcase rare and one-of-a-kind diamonds, offering collectors and enthusiasts the chance to own gems with rich histories and exceptional provenance.
By choosing trusted jewelers, certified dealers, and established auction houses, you can invest in VVS diamonds with confidence. Ensuring authenticity and proper certification not only guarantees the quality of your purchase but also preserves its value and significance for years to come.
Explore the Preloved PS Jewels Forum on PriceScope to find unique pre-owned VVS diamonds and fine jewelry. Connect with a trusted community and discover quality pieces at competitive prices.
Real World Insights into VVS Diamonds
Contrary to common misconceptions, a diamond’s brilliance is primarily influenced by its cut quality rather than its clarity grade. While VVS diamonds boast unparalleled clarity, their sparkle and optical properties are primarily determined by their cut. Moreover, discerning buyers prioritize VVS diamonds with top cut and color grades for their unparalleled beauty and investment potential.
Understanding Intermediate VVS Diamond Clarity
VVS diamonds occupy a prestigious position in the internationally accepted diamond clarity grading scale. Falling within the “slightly included” range, VVS diamonds surpass lower clarity grades, reflecting their superior clarity and brilliance. Graders meticulously assess various factors, including location, number, color, size, and nature of inclusions, to assign the appropriate clarity grade.
Image Source: Blue Nile
VVS Lab-Grown Diamonds
VVS clarity denotes exceptional purity with nearly invisible inclusions under 10X magnification. VVS lab-grown diamonds offer the same brilliance and beauty as natural diamonds, with the added benefits of ethical sourcing and environmental sustainability. As an increasingly popular choice, VVS lab-created diamonds find applications across various jewelry pieces, including engagement rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets, providing consumers with a sustainable and high-quality alternative without compromising on clarity or value.
Final Thoughts
While clarity grading standards aim to be consistent, differences can arise due to the subjective methodologies used by various labs. Understanding these variations is crucial when assessing the value and authenticity of VVS diamonds. Ensuring accurate grading helps maintain transparency in diamond transactions, protecting consumers from misleading practices and fostering trust in the purchasing process.
