When shopping for a lab grown diamond, many buyers wonder whether paying more for VVS1 clarity is actually worth it. The short answer is that VVS1 diamonds are exceptionally clean, but for most people, the extra cost does not always translate into a visible difference.
In many cases, buyers can save money by choosing a slightly lower clarity grade while still getting a diamond that looks flawless to the naked eye. However, there are situations where VVS1 clarity makes sense, especially for buyers prioritizing rarity, prestige, or high magnification perfection.
Understanding when VVS1 is worth the extra money helps you avoid overpaying while still choosing a beautiful stone with excellent visual performance.
(Related: Is VVS2 Worth It?)
What Does VVS1 Mean in a Lab Grown Diamond?
VVS1 stands for “Very Very Slightly Included 1.” It is one of the highest clarity grades on the diamond clarity scale.
A VVS1 lab grown diamond contains inclusions so tiny that even professional graders struggle to see them under 10x magnification. These imperfections are invisible to the naked eye and extremely difficult to detect even with magnification.
On the standard clarity scale, VVS1 sits just below Internally Flawless (IF) and Flawless (FL):
- FL: Flawless
- IF: Internally Flawless
- VVS1
- VVS2
- VS1
- VS2
- SI1
Because VVS1 diamonds are extremely clean, they often carry premium pricing compared to VS or VVS2 diamonds.
(Related: Is VS1 Better Than VS2?)
Is VVS1 Worth the Extra Money?
For many buyers, VVS1 is not necessary to achieve a stunning diamond appearance. Most VS1 and VS2 lab grown diamonds already appear eye clean, meaning inclusions cannot be seen without magnification.
The value of VVS1 depends on your priorities:
VVS1 May Be Worth It If:
- You want one of the highest clarity grades available
- You value rarity and prestige
- You are purchasing a larger diamond where clarity becomes easier to inspect
- You enjoy viewing diamonds under magnification
- You want maximum certification quality
VVS1 May Not Be Worth It If:
- You are trying to maximize size within your budget
- You cannot see a visible difference compared to VS1 or VVS2
- You care more about sparkle than microscopic clarity details
- You prefer better cut quality or higher carat weight over ultra high clarity
For most shoppers, the visual difference between VVS1 and VS1 is nearly impossible to detect without professional tools.
(Related: Is VS2 Clarity Good Enough?)
The Real Difference Between VVS1 and Lower Clarity Grades
One of the biggest misconceptions in diamond buying is assuming higher clarity always means a visibly better diamond.
In reality, once a diamond reaches eye clean status, clarity upgrades become less noticeable.
VVS1 vs VVS2
The difference between VVS1 and VVS2 is extremely small. Both are considered ultra high clarity grades, and both appear flawless to the naked eye.
VVS1 simply contains fewer or slightly smaller inclusions under magnification.
For most buyers, VVS2 offers better value because it delivers nearly identical visual performance at a lower price.
VVS1 vs VS1
This comparison is where value becomes more important.
VS1 diamonds still have very small inclusions that are difficult to see under magnification, yet they often cost noticeably less than VVS1 stones.
A well cut VS1 lab grown diamond can look identical to a VVS1 diamond in normal everyday viewing conditions.
VVS1 vs VS2
VS2 is one of the most popular clarity grades because it balances beauty and price very effectively.
Many VS2 lab grown diamonds are eye clean, especially in smaller carat weights and brilliant cuts like round or oval diamonds.
Choosing VS2 instead of VVS1 can free up budget for:
- A larger diamond
- Better cut quality
- Higher colour grade
- A premium setting
(Related: What Is the Best Clarity for a Lab Grown Diamond?)
Does VVS1 Make a Diamond Sparkle More?
Not necessarily.
Sparkle primarily comes from cut quality, not clarity grade.
A perfectly cut VS2 diamond will often appear brighter and more brilliant than a poorly cut VVS1 diamond.
This is one of the most important points buyers should understand. Clarity affects purity, while cut affects light performance.
If your goal is maximum sparkle, prioritize:
- Excellent or Ideal cut
- Strong proportions
- Symmetry and polish
- Then clarity
Many buyers overspend on clarity while overlooking cut quality, which has a much bigger impact on appearance.
(Related: What Clarity Lab Diamond Should I Buy?)
When VVS1 Matters More
Although VVS1 is not essential for everyone, there are situations where the upgrade can make sense.
Large Carat Diamonds
As diamonds increase in size, inclusions become easier to detect.
For diamonds above 2 carats, some buyers prefer VVS clarity to maintain a cleaner appearance under close inspection.
Emerald and Asscher Cuts
Step cut diamonds such as emerald and Asscher cuts have large open facets that reveal inclusions more easily than brilliant cuts.
In these shapes, higher clarity grades can sometimes provide visible benefits.
Collectors and Perfectionists
Some buyers simply enjoy owning a top tier clarity grade. Even if the difference is microscopic, the certification itself may hold emotional or personal value.
For these buyers, VVS1 can absolutely feel worth the premium.
(Related: What Colour Lab Diamond Gives the Best Value?)
Are VVS1 Lab Grown Diamonds Overpriced?
Not necessarily, but they are often priced beyond what most buyers truly need.
Lab grown diamonds already cost significantly less than mined diamonds, which means upgrading to VVS1 may seem more affordable than it would in natural diamonds.
However, the price jump between VS and VVS clarity still exists.
In many cases:
- The appearance difference is invisible
- The cost increase is noticeable
- The practical value remains limited
This is why many experts recommend focusing on the “sweet spot” clarity grades instead.
(Related: Is Colour More Important Than Clarity?)
The Best Value Clarity Grades for Lab Grown Diamonds
For buyers seeking the best balance of beauty and price, these clarity grades usually offer the strongest value:
VS1
VS1 diamonds are extremely clean and often indistinguishable from VVS diamonds without magnification.
This is one of the best choices for buyers wanting premium quality without paying for microscopic perfection.
VS2
VS2 is frequently considered the value leader in lab grown diamonds.
A carefully selected VS2 stone can look flawless in everyday wear while costing much less than VVS1.
VVS2
If you want ultra high clarity but still care about value, VVS2 is often the smarter choice compared to VVS1.
The visual difference is negligible for most people.
(Related: Should I Choose Colour or Clarity First?)
How to Decide if VVS1 Is Worth It for You
The right clarity grade depends on your budget, priorities, and viewing expectations.
Ask yourself:
- Will I ever inspect the diamond under magnification?
- Do I value rarity and certification prestige?
- Would I rather have a larger stone instead?
- Am I choosing a shape that exposes inclusions more easily?
- Is this diamond for everyday wear or investment level quality?
Most buyers discover that once they compare diamonds side by side, they prefer allocating budget toward cut and size rather than ultra high clarity grades.
(Related: Can I Save Money by Choosing G or H Colour?)
Tips for Buying the Best Value Lab Grown Diamond
Prioritize Cut First
A superior cut has the biggest impact on beauty and brilliance.
Never sacrifice cut quality just to reach VVS1 clarity.
Request High Resolution Videos
Videos help you confirm whether a lower clarity diamond still appears eye clean.
Many VS1 and VS2 diamonds look exceptional in real world conditions.
Compare Certifications
Always choose certified lab grown diamonds from respected grading labs such as IGI or GIA.
Certification ensures accurate clarity grading and transparency.
Consider Shape Carefully
Brilliant cuts hide inclusions better than step cuts.
Round, cushion, and oval diamonds often allow buyers to choose lower clarity grades confidently.
Compare Multiple Stones
Comparing several loose lab diamonds side by side often reveals how small the difference between VVS1 and lower clarity grades really is.
(Related: Do Emerald Cut Diamonds Show More Colour?)
Final Thoughts
VVS1 lab grown diamonds are undeniably beautiful and exceptionally clean. However, for most buyers, the extra money does not create a major visible improvement over high quality VS1, VS2, or VVS2 diamonds.
If your goal is getting the best overall value, focusing on excellent cut quality and an eye clean clarity grade is usually the smarter approach. In many cases, a carefully selected VS1 or VS2 diamond will look virtually identical to a VVS1 stone in everyday wear while costing significantly less.
VVS1 becomes more worthwhile when you value rarity, premium certification quality, or ultra high clarity for larger or step cut diamonds. The key is understanding what actually impacts appearance versus what only affects grading under magnification.