Yes—VVS diamonds are real, and they occupy a very specific place in the world of diamonds: exceptionally clean, highly refined, and often misunderstood.

• They’re not flawless—but they can look that way.

• They do have inclusions—but you won’t see them.

That balance is exactly what defines VVS clarity.

What VVS Really Means

VVS stands for Very Very Slightly Included, a clarity grade near the very top of the scale.

It signals one thing above all: extreme subtlety.

Inside every diamond, there are natural internal features—tiny crystals, pinpoints, or faint lines formed during its growth. In a VVS diamond, those features are:

• Present

• Microscopic

• Exceptionally difficult to detect, even under magnification

So while VVS diamonds are not flawless, they exist in a space where inclusions become almost theoretical—there, but visually silent.

Gem Fact

Even under 10x magnification, VVS inclusions can take time and precision to locate.

Are VVS Diamonds Flawless?

Not quite—but they’re very close.

A flawless diamond (FL) has no internal inclusions at all under magnification. VVS diamonds sit just below that level.

The difference is technical, not visual.

• Flawless: no inclusions

• VVS: inclusions so small they’re nearly impossible to see

In real-world viewing, both appear equally clean. The distinction lives under a jeweler’s lens, not in everyday wear.

Why VVS Diamonds Look So Clean

Clarity becomes visible—or invisible—through light.

When inclusions are extremely small:

• Light moves freely through the diamond

• Reflections remain uninterrupted

• The surface appears smooth and continuous

The result is that crisp, glass-like appearance people often associate with “perfect” diamonds.

It’s not perfection—it’s precision at a level the eye can’t easily detect.

Where VVS Sits In The Bigger Picture

VVS clarity is often seen as a benchmark of high quality—but it’s not the only path to a beautiful diamond.

Placed within the clarity scale:

• FL / IF → technically flawless

• VVS → nearly flawless in appearance

• VS → clean to the eye in most cases

• SI → inclusions may begin to be visible

This is where perspective matters.

As clarity improves, differences become increasingly subtle. The jump from visible to invisible happens earlier than many expect—often before reaching VVS.

The Value Of VVS: What It Offers

VVS diamonds carry a distinct appeal.

They offer:

• Exceptional internal purity

• A sense of rarity and refinement

• Confidence in selecting a top-tier clarity grade

They are often chosen when precision matters—when the idea of “as clean as possible” is part of the decision.

In larger diamonds especially, that level of clarity can feel intentional.

What VVS Does Not Change

At the same time, VVS clarity has limits in what it actually affects.

It does not necessarily change:

• How much a diamond sparkles

• How large it appears

• How it looks to the naked eye compared to slightly lower grades

This is where expectations shift.

In many cases, a well-cut VS diamond will look identical to a VVS diamond once set and worn. The difference becomes a matter of grading, not appearance.

Expert Tip

Clarity describes the interior. Cut defines the brilliance. If sparkle is the goal, cut quality will always lead.

How Clarity Interacts With Design

Clarity doesn’t exist in isolation—it responds to the design around it.

• In solitaire settings, the diamond is fully exposed, making clarity more relevant

• In halo or pavé designs, surrounding stones and reflections draw the eye outward

• In larger stones, clarity becomes easier to appreciate—though still subtle

This is why clarity is often chosen alongside the setting, not before it.

Design Insight

A thoughtful setting can enhance how clean a diamond appears, regardless of its clarity grade.

Why VVS Diamonds Feel “Unreal”

Because they challenge expectations.

We tend to associate natural materials with visible imperfections. VVS diamonds push against that idea—they retain their natural origin, but without obvious traces.

That’s what creates the impression of something almost too perfect.

But the reality is simpler:

• The inclusions exist

• They’re just too small to interrupt what you see

A Perspective From Springer's Jewelers

Clarity often begins as a number—and becomes a visual experience.

Once diamonds are viewed side by side, the focus shifts naturally:

• From internal details to overall presence

• From grading to light performance

• From precision to preference

VVS clarity remains impressive, but it finds its place within a larger composition—one that includes cut, shape, and design.

So, Are VVS Diamonds Real?

They are. And more than that, they represent one of the most refined expressions of what a diamond can be.

• Not flawless, but nearly so.

• Not empty of inclusions, but untouched by them visually.

That’s the distinction—and the appeal.

Discover What Clarity Looks Like In Person

Understanding VVS on paper is one thing. Seeing how it compares is another.

At Springer's Jewelers, you can explore diamonds across clarity grades and experience how each one performs in real light and real designs.

Discover our selection, or schedule an appointment to see how clarity moves from a technical detail to something you can truly appreciate.