Flawless vs. VVS Diamonds: A Full Comparison

Diamonds are precious and highly desirable gemstones for all types of jewelry, ranging from basic earrings to special engagement rings. However, not all diamonds are made equal. Whether natural or lab-grown, diamonds come in various grades, with clarity being one of the main factors determining the quality and value.

In terms of clarity, Flawless and VVS diamonds are characterized by high clarity and no to minor visible imperfections. But which one should you choose?

When comparing a Flawless diamond vs. VVS diamond, the differences are barely visible to the naked eye but can be observed under magnification.

In this full comparison guide, we’ll explain what Flawless and VVS diamonds are while exploring the primary similarities and differences between these two clarity grades. If you’ve decided to invest in loose diamonds or diamond jewelry, we’ve got some buying tips to help you make a well-considered and thoroughly researched choice.

First things first, let’s talk more about the characteristics that determine the quality and value of a diamond, with clarity being one of them.

As diamonds are unique with contrasting colors, shapes, and qualities, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) created a standardized way to objectively evaluate diamonds.

The system is based on evaluating the 4 Cs of diamonds, with each C corresponding to a specific characteristic, including clarity, color, carat, and cut. These are the GIA diamond grading scales , allowing people to communicate diamond quality in a universal language.

While these factors are crucial for determining the overall grade of a diamond, clarity can have a significant impact on the diamond’s appearance and value.

The GIA diamond clarity scale consists of 11 clarity grades, from Flawless (FL) to Included (I) diamonds.

• Flawless (FL) diamonds

• Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds

• Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) diamonds

• Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) diamonds

• Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) diamonds

• Included (I1, I2, and I3) diamonds

On the clarity scale, Flawless diamonds have the highest rating, whereas VVS diamonds are placed just below Internally Flawless diamonds. Therefore, FL and VVS diamonds are just one clarity grade apart from each other.

Before we compare Flawless vs. VVS diamonds, let’s define the terms and characterize these two clarity grades.

Flawless (FL) diamonds are the highest clarity diamonds with no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification. No matter how skilled a grader is, it’s impossible to detect any imperfections in FL diamonds.

Make sure not to confuse Flawless diamonds with Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds. While both appear eye-clean, Internally Flawless diamonds have no inclusions, but may have tiny blemishes on the surface.

Very, Very Slightly Included diamonds, also known as VVS diamonds , are high-clarity gemstones with minor inclusions that are invisible to the naked eye and extremely difficult to detect under even 10x magnification.

VVS diamonds are further categorized into VVS1 and VVS2 clarity grades, with VVS1 having less visible inclusions than VVS2. While skilled graders can distinguish between VVS1 and VVS2 under magnification, the differences are completely invisible to the unaided eye.

When differentiating between VVS vs. Flawless diamonds, it’s essential to consider their visual characteristics.

Flawless diamonds have absolutely no visible inclusions under 10x magnification.

VVS diamonds, on the other hand, may have minor visible inclusions under 10x magnification. Still, these imperfections are extremely difficult (VVS1) or difficult (VVS2) to detect even for experienced diamond graders.

When observed under the naked eye, Flawless and VVS diamonds exhibit exceptional clarity without any internal or external flaws.

In fact, FL and VVS diamonds appear pretty much identical, and distinguishing between them is hardly possible without magnification.

While there’s a slight clarity difference between Flawless and VVS diamonds, it has no impact on their overall appearance and brilliance in real-world settings. That being said, Flawless and VVS diamonds have identical light performance.

Despite the fact that Flawless and VVS diamonds appear indistinguishable to the unaided eye, the minor clarity differences between these two grades influence their price ranges.

Flawless diamonds not only have the highest clarity but are also quite rare, which in turn increases their resale value.

Given their exceptional quality and rarity, Flawless diamonds also have the highest investment value when compared to other clarity grades.

All things considered, Flawless diamonds generally command a higher price.

VVS diamonds, on the other hand, are more affordable while still offering high clarity.

As there are no visual differences between FL and VVS diamonds under the naked eye, you can achieve the same sparkly look with VVS diamonds at a much lower price.

While clarity influences the price of diamonds, it’s not the only factor you should consider.

To accurately estimate the price of a given diamond, it’s important to address a few other factors, including the carat weight, cut quality, and color of the gemstone.

For example, colorless diamonds with a high carat weight and excellent cut are way more expensive than lower carat weight diamonds with a fair cut and some tints of yellow or brown.

Whether you’ve decided to invest in a loose diamond or purchase a piece of jewelry like a diamond chain , there are a few aspects to keep in mind. Here’s what you should consider.

No matter how valuable Flawless diamonds are, they may not be suitable for everyone. And that’s totally fine. There are plenty of options to choose from, and considering your personal preferences and budget is key to finding the perfect one for you.

If you’re on a budget, but still want to get a high-clarity diamond, you can simply balance clarity with other characteristics. For example, you can get a lower carat weight diamond with a higher clarity like FL.

On the other hand, if you’re more into extravagant jewelry that can make a statement, opt for a VVS diamond with a higher carat weight.

For anyone who’s on a tight budget, purchasing a VS diamond might be a reasonable choice. If we compare VS vs. VVS diamonds , there are minuscule visual differences, with VS diamonds having minor inclusions that can be visible to the naked eye. Still, these imperfections don’t affect the overall brilliance of the gemstone.

If you’re looking for a gemstone that looks like a diamond but costs less, moissanite can be an option. Moissanite is slightly more brilliant than diamonds, features twice the amount of fire, and costs much less.

As higher-quality diamonds are quite expensive, it’s particularly important to purchase these gemstones from reputable sources.

Diamonds come with certifications of authenticity and grading reports, which help you identify genuine diamonds and their grades.

When buying a diamond or diamond jewelry, ensure the certification has been issued by a reputable and unbiased gemological laboratory such as GIA or AGS.

If you’re wondering how to read the clarity section of a diamond grading report, it’s quite straightforward. You should just find the “Clarity Grade” under the “Grading Results.” For GIA reports, the clarity grade will range from FL to I, whereas AGS reports grade diamond clarity on a scale from 0 to 10.

Last but not least, the intended use of a diamond can influence the choice between different clarity grades.

As Flawless and VVS diamonds look identical unless observed under magnification, they are often used in similar jewelry pieces.

Still, high-clarity diamonds are favored for engagement rings, earrings, or pendants where the diamond is prominently featured.

For diamond Cuban link chains or other jewelry pieces with tiny gemstones, lower-clarity diamonds can also be used as the imperfections won’t be visible.

At the end of the day, the visual differences between Flawless vs. VVS diamonds are negligible, so the choice really depends on your budget.

Let’s compare VVS vs. Flawless diamonds based on real-world examples.

When viewed in real-world settings, both VVS and Flawless diamonds have exceptional clarity and light performance.

Let’s take two diamonds with the same characteristics but different clarity grades: one being a Flawless diamond and the other being a VVS diamond. Unless we use 10x magnification, we won’t be able to tell these diamonds apart. They appear identical in terms of clarity and brilliance.

No matter how large a VVS diamond is, observing the inclusions with the naked eye is impossible. Therefore, people typically choose between VVS and FL diamonds based on their budget.

Before you purchase a diamond, don’t forget to read customer reviews. This will help you find the best option for you based on the customers’ observations and satisfaction.

After checking numerous customer reviews, we can verify that the differences between Flawless and VVS diamonds are completely invisible to the unaided eye.

Individuals who own both FL and VVS diamonds claim that they are indistinguishable in terms of clarity and brilliance.

Although Flawless and VVS diamonds are quite similar appearance-wise, each clarity grade comes with its unique benefits.

The primary benefit of Flawless diamonds is their unparalleled clarity and exceptional brilliance.

As it’s quite rare for a diamond to have no imperfections whatsoever, Flawless diamonds are also characterized by rarity.

Due to their clarity, rarity, and desirability, Flawless diamonds have a high resale value and offer legit investment opportunities.

In fact, Flawless diamonds not only hold their value but also tend to appreciate over time, making them a perfect investment.

VVS diamonds are also characterized by dazzling brilliance and near-flawless clarity.

While VVS diamonds are more common than FL diamonds, they are still highly desirable and, therefore, have a high resale value.

One of the main benefits of a VVS diamond is its affordability and cost-effectiveness. VVS diamonds offer comparable clarity at a lower price, with negligible visual differences and identical light performance.

Diamonds can elevate any look by adding a luxurious touch of elegance. While diamonds are classy, they also offer exceptional brilliance, all thanks to their unique properties and light performance.

While each diamond characteristic influences the quality and value of these gemstones, clarity has a significant impact on the overall appearance and brilliance.

Out of 6 primary clarity grades, Flawless and VVS clarity grades are two of the popular options.

When comparing a Flawless vs. VVS diamond, they appear identical to the naked eye. The differences in clarity become visible once we observe these two diamonds under 10x magnification. Flawless diamonds have no imperfections even under magnification, whereasVVS diamonds are eye-clean, but some minor inclusions may be detected by skilled graders and under professional equipment.

When it comes to pricing, Flawless diamonds are generally more expensive than VVS diamonds of the same color, carat weight, and cut quality. Although VVS diamonds are more affordable and cost-effective, their resale value and investment potential are slightly lower.

If you have trouble choosing between VVS vs. Flawless diamonds, make sure you consider your personal preferences, intended use, and budget. VVS diamonds are ideal for budget-conscious buyers as they offer almost identical visual characteristics at a much lower price. FL diamonds, on the other hand, are suitable for individuals who value high quality and rarity.

No matter which diamond clarity grade you opt for, purchasing a diamond that comes with proper certification is crucial. It’s recommended to purchase diamonds certified by reputable gemological laboratories and institutions, such as GIA or AGS.