Should I Buy a VS2 Clarity Diamond?

This princess-cut diamond has a VS2 clarity grade and looks great in its setting. © CustomMade. Used with permission.

No matter what clarity you choose, you must get a good, closeup look at your diamond before you buy. The magnified videos at James Allen and Blue Nile will really help you see a stone's clarity imperfections and cut quality, so you can purchase the best diamond within your budget.

Working with a custom jeweler like CustomMade is another great way to find that perfect rock. Their experts can guide you through all the Four Cs and help you create a unique ring that matches your style perfectly.

What does VS2 Mean?

Diamond clarity grades range from Flawless (F) to Included (I). These grades indicate the size and number of the diamond's imperfections and inclusions. Stones with higher grades have smaller and fewer flaws, while those with lower grades have larger or more numerous ones. VS stands for "Very Small" inclusions and ranks as a mid-range clarity grade for diamonds. VS clarity is further subdivided into two groups. VS1 has the fewest and smallest inclusions, while VS2 has more and larger inclusions.

However, a VS clarity doesn't mean a stone's quality suffers. In fact, nearly every VS2 clarity diamond will be eye-clean, with no visible imperfections. That's because these "Very Small" flaws, in both VS1 and VS2 stones, usually require magnification and a trained eye to see them. (In fact, even "Flawless" diamonds have imperfections. They're just impossible to see without the aid of a microscope).

One of these diamonds has an "internally flawless" clarity grade, while the other has a VS2 grade. It's hard to tell which is which. Would you believe that the biggest flaw in the VS2 diamond is actually visible in the photo?

Odds are, a VS2 diamond would look absolutely perfect in your engagement ring. However, savvy shoppers might want to drop down to an SI clarity diamond. That way you can put your money toward a larger diamond or even save it for the honeymoon!

VS2 vs SI1 Clarity

To settle on a clarity grade, you'll have to compare diamond prices and visuals.

Since VS clarity diamonds are nearly always flawless to the eye, moving up from VS2 to VS1 clarity isn't going to give your diamond any visual boost. On the other hand, going down to an SI1 clarity can let you buy a bigger diamond, and that can be very noticeable.

For $150 more, dropping to an SI1 clarity grade can give you a big boost in carat — from 1.22 in the VS2 diamond to 1.51 in the SI1 diamond. Check out this ring on the James Allen site.

Like VS2 diamonds, most SI1 clarity diamonds are flawless to the eye. But SI1 clarity diamonds are more likely to contain larger, noticeable flaws. If you're not the type to shop around and ensure your diamond will be eye-clean, stick to a VS2 clarity diamond.

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When is a VS2 Diamond Visibly Flawed?

There are two cases when a VS2 diamond will have a clearly visible flaw.

When you're shopping for diamonds, look out for large, dark imperfections located in the middle of the diamond. These are the most noticeable types of flaws.

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A VS2 clarity diamond could also show visible flaws in certain fancy shapes. For emerald and asscher cuts, expand your search to include VS1 clarity diamonds, too. These diamond shapes are like windows letting you see everything inside. While most diamond shapes are brilliant and sparkly, these cuts have nothing to distract your eye from flaws. That said, some VS2 clarity fancy-cut diamonds will still appear flawless.

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Similarly, when looking into purchasing a fancy colored VS2 diamond, they may have minor inclusions visible under magnification, but they won't be as noticeable combined with the color of the diamond.  They also typically offer a good balance of quality and value, making them a favorable choice for those seeking beautiful colored diamonds without breaking the bank.

Should I Buy a VS2 Clarity Diamond?

Ultimately, a VS2 clarity diamond is a great choice for an engagement ring. While you might be able to save a little cash by choosing a diamond with a lower clarity grade, it could take some time to find one that you'll be happy with.

Regardless of the clarity grade you choose, it's important to really see what you're paying for. We recommend James Allen and Blue Nile for just this reason. Their closeup videos let you see clarity details and cut quality.

Opting for a custom ring can be a great option, too. The experts at CustomMade can help you choose the perfect diamond and set it in a ring that will take your breath away.

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