Are VVS Diamonds Lab Created? (Real Diamonds + More)


Are VVS Diamonds Lab Created

Most of us know there are naturally occurring diamonds and lab created diamonds. Both are beautiful. Both can be set to make exquisite jewelry. But naturally occurring diamonds are typically more valuable.

VVS diamonds are those that have only slight inclusions within their structures. They can be naturally occurring or lab created. They are as close to flawless as you can get without being flawless. The VVS designation is with regard to the ranking of its clarity, not its origin.

This article is about VVS diamonds and what their designation means. We’ll look at the difference between naturally occurring and lab created, too.

Keep reading to find out more about what VVS stands for and what you should know.

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What Are VVS Diamonds?

VVS stands for “very, very slightly included,” meaning there are a few miniscule inclusions or flaws within the diamond. The flaws are so small you can’t see them with your naked eye. Even under 10x magnification, an untrained eye has a difficult time locating the inclusions.

The VVS designation indicates where the diamond falls in the ranking categories for clarity. At the top of the list is the FL ranking, or Flawless.

Just under the top is the IF ranking, or Internally Flawless. VVS diamonds are next in the rankings, right after FL and IF.

Read also >> Where to Buy GIA Certified Diamonds (11 Best Places)

Read also >> Are All Diamonds GIA Certified? (All You Need To Know)

Are VVS Diamonds Lab Created?

VVS diamonds may be lab created. They may also be naturally occurring. The VVS designation isn’t dependent on how the diamond was grown. It’s in reference to the clarity of the diamond.

The diamond has to meet the criteria by having very few inclusions that cannot be detected with eyes alone.

Generally, good quality VVS diamonds are colorless and they appear flawless. 

Two Types of VVS Diamonds

There are two categories of VVS diamonds–VVS1 and VVS2. The difference between them has to do with the positions of the inclusions.

  • VVS1 – The inclusions are positioned nearer to the outer part of the diamond.
  • VVS2 – The inclusions are closer to the middle of the stone.

VVS1 inclusions are even more difficult to detect than VVS2. For this reason, VVS1 diamonds cost more than VVS2. 

What Are Diamond Inclusions?

Diamond inclusions are flaws. VVS diamond inclusions are so minuscule, you cannot see them without applying magnification. Even then it’s tough to find them.

A few various kinds of inclusions exist. Let’s look at different types.

  • Natural – Raw part of a diamond that wasn’t touched during polishing. 
  • Pinpoint – Tiny little crystals that are usually white or black tinted. They look like tiny little dots.
  • Taint clouds – This is a collection of pinpoints in one part of the diamond. This can make the diamond look cloudy.
  • Internal graining – This inclusion causes little lines to appear. They’re caused by abnormal crystal growth.
  • Feather and chip – The feather is a tiny crack. Chips are damage caused by hitting other surfaces.

Natural and pinpoint inclusions occur in both VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds. The other three types occur in VVS2 only. 

How Much Do VVS Diamonds Cost?

The cost of VVS diamonds varies a lot. This is because the cost is determined by much more than the rank associated with inclusions. 

The cost of a diamond also depends on its cut, carat, and color. Even a high quality flawless diamond can lose a lot of value if it’s cut poorly.

Lower weight diamonds don’t cost as much as those that are bigger, either. So, a quarter carat VVS diamond with a beautiful cut and practically no color may cost less than a 1.5 carat diamond that’s tinged yellow and has an obvious inclusion simply because it’s so small.

Where Do You Find VVS Diamonds?

Not as many jewelers keep loose diamonds in stock anymore. They tend to have diamond jewelry for sale and a few loose stones around but no large inventory.

Any jeweler that does custom design fine jewelry may have VVS diamonds on hand. Otherwise, you’ll need to find one that will order loose stones for you.

Is It Easier to Find Naturally Occurring or Lab Created VVS Diamonds?

Generally, it’s easier to find lab created VVS diamonds because naturally occurring diamonds literally take billions of years to form.

That means there are not nearly as many naturally occurring VVS diamonds as there are lab created ones. 

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Can You Tell the Difference Between a Natural and a Lab Created Diamond?

Naturally occurring and lab created diamonds look the same. You won’t be able to tell the difference between them. 

Not even skilled jewelers can tell the difference between natural and lab created diamonds by looking at them. They must use a microscope to determine which is which.

The inclusions in lab created diamonds look different under a microscope than those found in naturally occurring diamonds.

Jewelers can tell how the inclusions formed based on the way they look. 

Are Most Lab Diamonds Marked?

Here’s a little secret. Most lab created diamonds are laser inscribed with a lab trademark or a report number. You will need a microscope to see these, also. 

Do Jewelers Have to Tell You a Diamond Is Lab Created?

Technically, jewelers do not have to tell you whether diamonds are lab created or not. However, any reputable jeweler is as transparent as possible when it comes to diamond and gemstone origins. 

Lab created diamonds are the same as naturally occurring except for the time it takes to make them and the environment in which they were formed.

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Final Thoughts

VVS diamonds are lab created or naturally occurring diamonds that have only a few minute inclusions.

The VVS standard is in reference to the diamond’s clarity, not how it was formed. It’s a piece of what determines the value of the stone.

VVS diamonds come in two sub-categories–VVS1 and VVS2. The inclusions are so small in a VVS diamond that you cannot see them without a microscope or some kind of magnifier.

VVS diamonds are the closest to flawless as you can get without being completely inclusion-free.

References

https://www.gemsociety.org/article/lab-grown-diamonds-faq/

Lindsey

Lindsey graduated with an MBA in 2009. Since then, Lindsey has worked in the retail and consumer service industry as a manager, advisor, and marketer. Lindsey is also the head writer and Co-founder of Rvandplaya.com. Lindsey is based in Morgantown, West Virginia.

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