VS1 Clarity Diamonds Buying Guide

VS1 clarity diamonds contain slight inclusions that are barely visible using 10x magnification. In that case, a VS1 diamond clarity looks eye-clean in the face-up position. The term VS-1 is an abbreviation for Very Slightly Included in the first degree.

In that case, it is the highest of two spectrums of inclusion within the VS-clarity range. Conversely, a higher clarity grade does not necessarily mean the diamond will look and perform better.

First, the grading standards are different for each gemological laboratory. Second, the wide range of inclusion types and individual characteristics make every diamond unique. Third, the degree of optical precision and proportions dictate the sparkle factor and light performance.

Under those circumstances, some VS1 clarity diamonds are more desirable than others. It is also essential to consider that each clarity grade represents a range or spectrum of inclusion. It's also true that some VS-clarity diamonds are more desirable than others.

VS1 clarity diamonds are an excellent choice for engagement rings because they are eye-clean in the face-up position. In that case, you're not going to see the inclusions under normal circumstances.

Perhaps VS-1 clarity diamonds are trendy because they appear to be eye-clean. However, most VS2 clarity diamonds also look eye-clean from that vantage point.

Conversely, the lower VS2 clarity grade costs less than VS-1 clarity diamonds so that you can afford a larger diamond. As that may be, diamond prices are only one piece of the puzzle.

You also have to account for personal preference and the intrinsic value each clarity grade provides. In that case, it helps to have a good understanding of the different diamond clarity grades.

Most of the industry adheres to the GIA diamond clarity scale for grading purposes. The GIA clarity scale consists of eleven grades, as shown below.

According to the GIA, most diamonds contain slight or very slight inclusions. In other words, the majority of diamonds that the lab grades are SI or VS-clarity.

Under those conditions, VS1 clarity diamonds represent the middle of the spectrum for diamond clarity. Another thing that might surprise you is that we grade diamond clarity on a lack of inclusions.

In other words, the presence of specific inclusions is not the basis for the clarity grade. Likewise, the diamond color grade reflects a lack of color rather than its existence.

Many people ask whether the GIA or AGS grade diamond clarity more accurate than the other. In our experience, the two gemological laboratories grade clarity and color similarly.

In that case, the two labs might give the same diamond the same clarity grade. However, it's also possible that they might differ slightly because diamond grading is subjective.

Each clarity grade represents a range or spectrum of inclusion. In that case, one grader can see a diamond as VS1 clarity while another gives it a VS2 rating. Consequently, this sort of thing can occur within the same laboratory if you submit the same diamond twice.

Under those circumstances, it's essential to review the clarity characteristics within each diamond carefully. Consider both the inclusions visible in the clarity photograph and their position on the plotting diagram.

The plotting diagram shown here indicates the location of the primary inclusions. According to the key to symbols, the cluster is a cloud of pinpoint size diamond crystals. In a moment, we will use that information to find the inclusions in the clarity photograph below.

The inclusions within VS1 clarity diamonds are very slight. As such, you should not see them with the naked eye in the face-up position. It can also be challenging to find VS-1 clarity characteristics using a 10x jewelers loupe.

For the record, 10x magnification is the industry standard for diamond clarity grading. However, most diamond graders use higher degrees of magnification initially to identify the inclusions.

Most of the diamond clarity photographs online show the inclusions at 35x magnification. However, the ultra-high resolution video from Brian Gavin looks closer to 70x.

Under those circumstances, it might be easier for you to see the clarity characteristics. Conversely, such high-quality images have the downside of making inclusions seem larger than life.

As can be seen, the inclusions in VS1 clarity diamonds are very slight. Under those conditions, you might think that the type of clarity characteristics is of no concern.

Some jewelers like to say things like, "out of sight, out of mind." However, we disagree because what you can't see can hurt you. Consequently, many kinds of inclusions pose a potential durability risk.

One benefit that the higher clarity grade provides is that the inclusions are less significant. Although that may be true, that does not necessarily mean that they pose any less risk.

In that case, we urge you to avoid the following inclusion types. Be sure to consult our Diamond Concierge Service if you have specific questions.

You might be wondering about VS1 diamond prices and whether they provide good value. It is essential to realize that the clarity grade is only one factor that contributes to diamond prices.

As such, VS-1 clarity diamonds will cost more than VS-2 and less than VVS-2 clarity diamonds. Most people don't realize that diamond cut quality can affect the price by up to sixty percent.

In other words, the polish, symmetry, proportions, and optical precision can affect price more than clarity. It will also dictate the volume of light return (or light leakage) and the intensity of the sparkle factor.

The ASET Scope image shown here proves that this Black by Brian Gavin diamond will deliver a spectacular performance. Consequently, the higher degree of optical precision can take up to 4X longer to achieve.

Optical precision is the consistency of facet shape, size, and alignment from the perspective of 360-degrees. We use Hearts and Arrows Scope images to judge the degree of optical precision.

Consequently, the gemological laboratories do not account for optical precision as part of the symmetry grade. In that case, you will need to evaluate this characteristic for yourself.

Read our tutorial on Hearts and Arrows diamonds for additional insight on this topic. In the meantime, it's essential to recognize that any variance in the hearts' pattern will result in light leakage.

A lesser degree of optical precision will also negatively impact the light performance and reduce the sparkle factor intensity. For that reason, it is essential to evaluate the hearts' pattern for consistency of size and shape.

The price of a 1-carat diamond ring depends on multiple factors, including the basic 4Cs. In that case, the carat weight and clarity are only part of the equation.

The color grade, the intensity of fluorescence, and the overall cut quality also affect the price. As that may be, most people tend to focus more on some characteristics than others.

If you only focus on the price of a one-carat VS1 clarity diamond ring, then you're likely to fall short. In other words, it is more fruitful to search for a 1-carat, F-color, VS1 clarity, super ideal cut diamond.

When it comes to diamond prices, it's essential to take all of the characteristics into account. On that note, the price will also be higher if the proportions are more desirable. Refer to our One Minute Diamond Buying Guide if you want to streamline the process.

If you're trying to weigh the difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds, you're not alone. With Clarity posted this picture of three engagement rings on Instagram.

The subsequent challenge was to see whether people could tell which ring contains a lab-grown diamond. From our perspective, a more valid question is whether you should buy a lab-grown diamond.

First, you have to consider the fact that they are not just like natural diamonds. In fact, there are distinct physical and optical differences despite what the manufacturers would have you believe.

Second, you have to consider the true meaning of an engagement ring and factor for intrinsic value. Conversely, the price of natural diamonds continues to increase as lab-grown diamond prices plummet.

Every online diamond dealer offers VS1 clarity diamonds because they offer exceptional value. In that case, there is no shortage of vendors to choose from, but some are better than others.

The best places to buy engagement rings are the ones we've chosen to work with, in our experience. First, they have a proven track record for honoring their commitment and providing excellent customer service.

Second, they offer a reasonable inspection period with 10 to 30-day returns. Consequently, that is more than most traditional retail jewelry stores offer. Most of them also provide lifetime trade-up policies so you can upgrade the diamond for a special anniversary.

There are a lot of things to consider when buying a VS1 clarity diamond engagement ring. Under those circumstances, there are a lot of things that people tend to overlook.

Not the least of which is the types of inclusions, as well as their location and extent. If you want to simplify the process, then we suggest using our free Diamond Concierge Service.

In that case, you'll benefit from my 35+ years of experience as a buyer in the niche of ideal cut diamonds. Click on the banner below to submit a request, including the range of characteristics you're willing to consider.

We can also help you design the perfect gift for any special occasion, like this custom pendant by Brian Gavin. Consequently, the accent diamonds in this pendant have the same exacting properties as the center stone. In that case, the sparkle factor will be even across the board.