VS1 vs VS2

[Kya]

I am taking a poll regarding VS1 vs VS2. Can you actually tell the difference between the two without a loupe?

Also, I am wondering if there can be a difference in optical performance even if the diamonds look eye clean at a glance.

Very interested in hearing everyone’s thoughts and opinions on this!!!

 

[headlight]

There are so many other factors that would play into a diamond selection. I would feel completely comfortable with both VS1 and VS2. The difference between the 2 would not impact your visual. As for mindset, I would have no issue mentally between the 2. But color is way more important to me. I recently got ACAs and one is VS1, the other VS2, both E color and both 55 tables, 2 factors that were extremely important to me. The fact that one is a VS2 is a total non-issue for me.

 

[Dancing Fire]

You tell me?...VS2 on top and VS1 on bottom.

 

[headlight]

To piggy-back on @Dancing Fire's post (always a pleasure to see your rings!):




Honestly, if you want to take it a big step further, here is a branded super ideal VVS2 (the larger one on the bottom) with a 3x SI2 (top):



And keep in mind these are highly enlarged. Obviously in the case of an SI2 you need to do your due diligence on a particular stone's clarity characteristics, but I think it drives the point home that with regard to your question, when you are talking about VS1 versus VS2 it shouldn't be of concern to you unless that VS1 is really important in your mind.

 

[LLJsmom]

I am totally fine with a VS2 if it is eye clean (for me that is really close) and has no impact on transparency and performance. Good 'nuff. I will put my money toward color and size, with cut being a non-negotiable.

 

[Dancing Fire]

When you get to my age every stone is "eye clean"!!

 

[Big Fat Facets]

it depends on the make of the diamond ...

personally, as a consumer, i have found that, generally, i am going to be, mostly, alright with vs2 and higher.

i mainly purchase larger faceted makes of diamonds. emerald cut, ideal antique cushion/old mine, ideal old european. because of this, i have had to shy away from numerous vs2 clarity stones.

if one is shopping for round brilliants, then ususally, vs2, should be fine. but personally, i would want to be sure i am alright with the inclusions i see with a 10x magnification loupe

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I prefer VS1 for a ring stone, but I am fine with VS2 for my studs. It's mostly mental for me.

 

[Lookinagain]

As long as I can't see any inclusions with my own eyes, I wouldn't care one way or the other.

 

[tyty333]

You really have to evaluate each VS2 on its on merits because I've seen plenty of VS2's with dark inclusions on the table that
I thought would have been SI1s. I would not want one of those VS2s. However, there are plenty of VS2s I would take where
the inclusion is well hidden.

 

[dk168]

My mind clean grade is VS, and both VS1 and VS2 are fine with me.

DK

 

[MamaBee]

It used to be easy to buy a vs1 and there would be very little markings of inclusions on a plot. The table was usually pretty clear. My 2.03 vs1 mrb is clear under the table and only has inclusions on the edges. When I looked for diamonds studs..I looked through so many vs1 diamonds. I couldn’t find plots that I was comfortable with. I always had a thing about my studs had to be very clean. I went with vvs2 diamonds when I had my studs made.
I would definitely get a vs2 because they can look very much like a vs1 they have out there now. I am tolerant of lots of inclusions...depending...In my ering diamond I don’t want any dark inclusions to be seen even with a loupe.
I forgot to add that I also have a SI2 cushion that is gorgeous and completely eye clean. Cushions hide inclusions nicely. I won’t look at it under the loupe. Haha

 

[mrs-b]

I prefer the added clarity I get, going from a VS2 to a VS1. HOWEVER - having said that - it all depends on the size of the diamond. If it's under .5ct - SI1 (or even SI2 if it's well placed) is fine. Up to a ct - SI1 is normally ok for me, tho I prefer VS2, or even VS1 if I can get it. Over a ct, I definitely want VS2. Over 3ct - VS1. I have a 3.05ct VS2, and I can see the inclusions in close up photography - to say nothing of when I look with a loupe! But at that size, going up to a VS1 is a major price jump. So keep in mind - this is what I *want*, not necessarily what I can *afford*!

I've had diamonds that were VVS2, VVS1 and even IF. Personally, I felt they just looked more crisp. Could I have identified where specifically? No. But they just looked cleaner. Sharper. Something...

 

[MamaBee]

I've had diamonds that were VVS2, VVS1 and even IF. Personally, I felt they just looked more crisp. Could I have identified where specifically? No. But they just looked cleaner. Sharper. Something...
[/QUOTE] Mrs-B

I agree! That’s why I want at least the table to be clean..