The Final Information to VS2 Readability

By the time they become a girl’s best friend, diamonds (yes, even VS2 clarity diamonds) make a very long journey. They are formed, crystalized, and chiseled for a billion years using a perfect combination of the planet’s natural heat and pressure. On their long journey, these precious stones go through many transformations, and each one leaves unique fingerprints of nature telling its story. Those imprints are called inclusions, and they determine the clarity, therefore, the value of a diamond. 

Read our insider expert article to learn everything that you need to know before you buy your VS2 clarity diamond.

What Is VS2 Clarity?

When buying a diamond, it is essential to learn how they are valued and what to look for. While there are many elements such as shape, size, and the 4 Cs (color, cut, clarity, and carat) to consider, we will focus on clarity here. 

Diamond clarity is a measure that grades the visual appearance of a diamond. It grades the number of blemishes and inclusions present in a diamond. Diamonds with fewer inclusions have better light reflection and shine brighter. 

When choosing a diamond, it is important to select the one that does not have any inclusions that affect its overall beauty and durability. Inclusions and blemishes occur naturally within a diamond, and almost every one of these precious stones has them. On very rare occasions, there are diamonds that do not have any. Such diamonds are classed as flawless and are precious and expensive. 

VS2 stands for Very Slightly Included Level 2 and ranks as a mid-range clarity grade for diamonds. If clarity is important, but your budget does not allow for VVS1 or VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included), then a VS2 is where you would want to be on the clarity scale. Diamonds with this clarity sit comfortably within the middle of the overall grading scale. They will appear flawless to the naked eye despite having small blemishes and inclusions. These diamonds are classed as high-quality but less expensive than VVS1or VVS2 grades. 

Is VS2 Clarity Good?

Do you want to buy a diamond ring but cannot afford a flawless one? If you want the best balance between quality and value, you should be looking at VS2 clarity-graded diamonds. 

VS2 clarity sits in the middle of the clarity scale. Diamonds of this grade are more affordable as they are not flawless, but their blemishes and inclusions are not visible to the naked eye. If the diamond has a lot of inclusions, its overall appearance will be affected. The bigger the inclusion, the more likely it is to be noticeable, especially if its color contrasts. 

VS2 graded diamonds will generally have some tiny inclusions or one or two large ones, but the existence of these inclusions will not affect the diamond’s overall beauty. 

Estate Diamond Jewelry believes that VS2 is the perfect choice for economic diamond clarity. It offers the ideal balance of price and clarity. 

Does the Location of Inclusions Matter? 

The red circles mark the slight inclusions in this VS2 Clarity Diamond

One of the most crucial clarity factors is the location of inclusions. If the inclusion is positioned centrally on a diamond, the diamond will be graded lower. Inclusions nearer the girdle can be more difficult to see and have a lesser impact on the diamond’s light reflection; hence they will be graded higher. 

VS2 graded diamonds have minor inclusions, which can be challenging to see even for a skilled grader. The inclusions on diamonds of this grade have a wider range than in higher quality grades. It is important to check the size and position of the inclusions to make sure your affordable diamond shines bright and has value. 

VS2 graded diamonds look perfect to the naked eye and are often recommended by diamond specialists as an option that combines beauty and affordability. 

Where VS2 Sits on the Clarity Scale 

VS2 sits around the middle of the clarity scale. It is one step lower than VS1 (Very Slightly Included 1) and higher than SI1 (Slightly Included 1). 

To better understand the clarity scale, here are the tiers and their descriptions: 

• Flawless (FL) and Internally Flawless (IF) 

These diamonds constitute the top tier of the clarity scale. Diamonds graded Flawless are extremely rare, and they are kept in museums. If a flawless diamond is set into jewelry, it becomes Internally Flawless because the stone gets blemished when set. 

The diamonds in this category have tiny inclusions or blemishes, which even trained diamond specialists often struggle to spot. VVS1 stones will have a single, tiny inclusion, while VS2 will have more. 

Diamonds in this tier have a small number of inclusions that can be spotted under a microscope. VS1 diamonds may have a few tiny crystals, whereas VS2 has a broader range of inclusions. 

This is the lowest tier of diamonds that appear clear to the naked eye. Under the microscope, an untrained eye will see inclusions on SI1 diamonds, while a specialist may barely be able to spot the imperfections on SI2 stones. 

Diamonds in this category have visible inclusions. I1 has the least visible inclusions, while I2 stones come with many. I3 is the lowest on the diamond clarity scale, and the diamonds in this category have many visible blemishes and inclusions. 

VS2 Clarity Diamond vs. VS1 Clarity Diamond 

On the clarity scale, Very Slightly Included diamonds are placed within the category of VS1 and VS2. Diamonds with a VS rating typically have minuscule natural qualities and are difficult to find without a microscope. 

Both VS1 and VS2 diamonds are still very valuable despite not being flawless. It is also very difficult to differentiate between the two without the proper magnification tools. 

Inclusions are not visible on diamonds with a VS1 clarity grade. Instead, it may have almost unidentifiable inclusions, which can only be seen with 10x magnification. VS1 diamonds are in the top five percent of all gem-quality diamonds. On the other hand, VS2 diamonds tend to have more natural characteristics. These inclusions may be more easily found on a VS2 diamond. 

What Constitutes a VS2 Rating?

It’s worth noting that if two similar stones have the same inclusion number, they will be rated VS2 if the inclusions are more visible. For instance, if they are located by the center, they may get a VS2 rating. However, in most instances, any inclusions on a VS-graded diamond will only be picked up by an expert jeweler or gemologist. If no flaws can be seen with the naked eye, this is referred to as “eye clean.” 

While most VS1 and VS2 diamonds are seen as being eye-clean, there are some instances where inclusions tend to be more visible. For example, step-cut diamonds like the Asscher or emerald-cuts may produce more noticeable blemishes. For anything 2 carats or above, VS1 may be the better option because the bigger the diamond, the easier it is to see any imperfections. 

Essentially, whether you purchase a VS1 or VS2 diamond all comes down to budget, size, and cut.

Shop VS2 Clarity Diamonds

Here are some of the VS2 clarity diamonds from our collection. Click here to view our entire collection.

• 

  Woodmere Ring

  $18,000

• 

  Berkeley Ring. Circa 1940

  $2,800

• 

  Hayne Ring. Circa 1905

  $3,000

• 

  Halifax Ring. Circa 1900

  $24,000

• 

  Metz Ring. Circa 1940

  $9,500

• 

  Califon Ring. Circa 1940

  $3,000

• 

  Barnard Ring

  $12,000

• 

  Parksley Ring

  $20,000

• 

  Stockton Ring. Circa 1880

  $55,000

• 

  Glassboro Ring. Circa 1925

  $8,800

• 

  Yorkshire Ring

  $12,000

• 

  Lindenhurst Ring. Circa 1900

  $4,000

How Much Do VS2 Diamonds Cost? 

Here’s a top tip for anyone investing in a diamond: clarity is the best area to save some money. The price difference between various clarity levels can often be staggering. The best part is that lower clarity doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing beauty and appearance. 

A gem with many small inclusions or a few prominent inclusions will be given a low clarity grade—the lower the clarity grade, the lower the overall price. As mentioned earlier, the inclusions are rarely visible to the naked eye regarding VS diamonds. For most people, assuming you have average eyesight, it may be almost impossible to differentiate between a VS2 and a Flawless rated diamond. However, the price is guaranteed to turn heads despite there being no visible difference. 

VS2 diamonds are a wonderful choice if you’re looking for a high-quality diamond for a reasonable price. Despite having only minor flaws, VS2 diamonds are typically significantly less expensive than diamonds that sit higher on the clarity scale. One of the biggest selling points for these stones is that one can hardly tell the difference between a VS2 and a flawless diamond with the naked eye, which only adds to the appeal. 

A flawless 1.50 carat, round-cut diamond typically costs around $12,000 in most markets. In comparison, a similar cut at a VS2 grade may have a price of $8,000. Yet, both diamonds will appear more or less the same to the naked eye. However, as the carat size grows, so does the price. 

10 Insider Tips for Buying a VS2 Diamond 

If you’re considering buying a VS2 diamond, check out these 10 tips. 

1. Thoroughly inspect your chosen diamond for any inclusions/imperfections. It is a good start if you cannot see any apparent blemishes. 

2. VS2 diamonds’ inclusions are not visible to the naked eye. If you can see the inclusions without magnification, you are not looking at a VS2 grade diamond. 

3. Ask the diamond expert to show you any inclusions that appear using 10x magnification. 

4. If the inclusion is located in the center or near the pavilion, they are more visible. A diamond with such inclusions will be graded lower. Inclusions near the girdle are difficult to see even under magnification. This is a good thing. 

5. Look for the inclusion features such as feathers, naturals, pinpoints, clouds, needles, and crystals. 

6. Do not buy one with large feather inclusion in the corner if you care about the appearance and durability of your diamond. 

7. Avoid diamonds that have chips, cavities, knots, and etched channels. These will impact its durability and beauty. 

8. Shape matters. Princess, oval, cushion and emerald shapes are typically less expensive than a round-cut diamond of the same carat size. 

9. Some cuts show clarity more easily, so if you have set your eye on a particular round cut diamond, maybe it is a good idea to consider upgrading it to VS1. 

10. Your diamond is a keepsake for generations to come, so do as much research as you can before you are ready for your forever stone. 

Weight and Cut Matters When It Comes to VS2

As the carat weight increases, so does the potential for inclusion visibility. For this reason, many people tend to go for a higher clarity rate, the bigger the diamond. However, a larger carat doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to spend more money. While inclusions may be more visible on larger diamonds, it’s vital that you don’t limit yourself to only looking at flawless options. 

Instead, when looking at larger carat sizes, you must broaden your search to include VS2 diamonds, as well as VS1 and VVS2. Often, VS2 diamonds will appear neat and clean to the naked eye but cost less than a flawless gem. 

The most important thing is that the diamond appears noticeably neat and clean, no matter its clarity grade. 

If a diamond is between 1-2 carats and has a VS2 rating, you can be sure to get your money’s worth. Having said that, as the carat size increases, be sure to keep an eye on any inclusions. Unless you are using a magnifying tool, there should be no difference between a 2 carat VS2 diamond and a flawless diamond of the same weight. 

Additionally, inclusions are easier to spot on step-cut diamonds. A step-cut diamond refers to stones cut in either a square or rectangular shape. This includes Asscher, Emerald, and Baguette diamonds. If the VS2 diamond shows any inclusions, then it’s worth upgrading to VS1 or higher to get the most out of your diamond experience. 

Before purchasing a diamond, it’s a good idea to take a closer look using high-quality photography. That way, you can get a clear overall picture of what to expect. 

VS2 Diamonds Are Less Costly 

As mentioned earlier, the clarity grade can significantly impact the price of the diamond without affecting its appearance and beauty. Often, a diamond expert will examine a gem under 10x magnification to determine the inclusion size, number, nature, relief, and position, if any. Once they have assessed this accordingly, they will determine where the diamond sits on the clarity scale. 

Usually, customers won’t be able to tell the difference between the clarity of diamonds. Because of this, some buyers may make the common mistake of purchasing a diamond with an unnecessarily high clarity grade. Often, these diamonds end up costing far more than a visually identical gem with a lower clarity grade. 

A diamond expert will often go beyond the 4 C’s to ensure that each customer is given exactly what they are after without breaking the bank. That way, you can be sure to get the most value for your money. 

Final Thoughts 

Purchasing a diamond is a wondrous thing. Whether it’s an engagement ring, a gift, or just a personal treat, ensuring that you buy the perfect gem is essential. VS2 diamonds are the perfect choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, beautiful gem on a budget. Although detectable to a diamond expert, the average person would not be able to spot any VS2 diamond inclusions. That way, buyers can be sure to save a significant amount of money that they may have spent on a flawless diamond with the same appearance. 

It’s very rare to find a diamond without any imperfections considering its formation process. When being made, diamonds are exposed to around 2,200 degrees of heat beneath the earth’s mantle. On average, the process can take up to three billion years, so finding a diamond in a pristine condition seldom happens. Most diamonds you’ll find on the market contain some internal inclusions as souvenirs from their travels through the earth’s core. 

Ultimately, it’s important to buy what you connect with the most. Fortunately, the average person won’t see inclusions on a VS2 diamond. These diamonds offer buyers the best option for both beauty and affordability. If you’re interested in purchasing a VS2 diamond, then be sure to check out what is on offer here at Diamond Estate Jewelry. If you are unsure, then don’t hesitate to contact one of our diamond experts for more advice. 

Talk to a Diamond Expert 

Buying a diamond can be challenging, particularly if your knowledge isn’t entirely up to par. The last thing you want is to pay far more for a flawless diamond when you could purchase a visually identical VS2 gem for much less. This is where the help of a diamond expert comes in handy. 

By consulting an expert jeweler or gemologist, you will be able to gain access to a vast amount of diamond knowledge to help guide you towards making the perfect decision. Plus, professionals will have the tools needed to help determine the overall quality of the diamond you wish to purchase. That way, you’re guaranteed to choose the perfect gem for the best possible price. For example, magnifying tools will help determine the clarity of a particular diamond.