Before you invest in a VS2 clarity diamond, it’s so important to understand what it really means. This expert guide was written by Benjamin Khordipour, a renowned gemologist, lecturer, and vintage diamond specialist.
Are you shopping for a VS2 clarity diamond? Feel free to send a message to our diamond experts. We will respond within one business hour.
What Is a VS2 Clarity Diamond?
A VS2 clarity diamond is a diamond with “Very Slightly Included” characteristics. This places the VS2 clarity in the middle of the clarity-scale used by the GIA.
The VS2 clarity diamond will contain small inclusions but they will be very difficult to see with the naked eye and will almost always require a 10x magnification to identify. These inclusions might include tiny crystals, feathers, or clouds, and are typically located in less noticeable areas of the diamond.
VS2 Clarity is one of the most popular grades for diamond clarity as it offers a sweet spot between visual performance and price.
As you can see in the chart above, the VS2 clarity sits just below VS1 and above SI1 on the clarity scale. The inclusions on the VS2 are usually benign and not noticeable. This is especially true with round, princess, and cushion cuts. Even in step cuts like emerald or Asscher, the VS2 inclusions are very hard to find.
How Much Does a VS2 Clarity Diamond Cost?
Because VS2 diamonds contain minor inclusions, they’re much more affordable than higher clarity grades like VVS or IF. The chart below shows the estimated prices for a round-cut, G-color and VS2 clarity diamond across various carat weights. These figures reflect current market values.
| Diamond Size, Clarity, and Color | Price |
|---|---|
| 0.50-Carats, VS2 Clarity and G Color | $1,150 |
| 1-Carat, VS2 Clarity and G Color | $5,400 |
| 1.5-Carats, VS2 Clarity and G Color | $13,350 |
| 2-Carats, VS2 Clarity and G Color | $27,000 |
| 3-Carats, VS2 Clarity and G Color | $63,000 |
| 4-Carats, VS2 Clarity and G Color | $126,000 |
| 5-Carats, VS2 Clarity and G Color | $197,500 |
Important Note: These prices are just estimates for the loose diamond, and do not include mounting prices.
Pros and Cons of the VS2 Clarity Diamond
One of the biggest advantages of a VS2 clarity diamond is its perfect combination between price and value. As mentioned above, the VS2 clarity diamond will appear eye-clean, meaning you won’t see any inclusions without 10x magnification. This makes them an excellent choice for shoppers who want a beautiful, high-quality diamond without paying the premium prices associated with the higher clarity grades. This will be especially true for round-cut diamonds and other brilliant cuts where the sparkle will hide the inclusions, even when viewed with a loupe.
That being said, VS2 clarity isn’t perfect in every scenario. In step-cut shapes like emerald or Asscher cuts, inclusions are easier to spot, and a VS1 clarity may be a better choice.
Additionally, not all VS2 diamonds will perform at the the same level. Some VS2 clarity diamonds may have inclusions in more noticeable areas, or in areas that impact durability. For that reason it will be important to judge each VS2 diamond individually, rather than relying solely on the grade. Consulting with a jewelry expert will usually be important when shopping for a VS2 diamond.
Top Insider Tips for Buying a VS2 Clarity Diamond
I reached out to veteran jewelry buyer Afshin Shaddaie for his top tips when buying a VS2 clarity diamond. Afshin is one of the world’s leading vintage jewelry specialists and a seasoned diamond buyer with over 30 years of experience. Here’s his top 6 tips for serious shoppers who are considering VS2 clarity diamonds.
- Check the inclusions carefully. Afshin recommends to check where the VS2 inclusions are on the diamond itself. The optimal position for the inclusion will be not too close to the edge, but also not directly in the center. This balance of positioning will make the inclusion less noticeable but also not affecting the durability of the gemstone.
- Choose brilliant cuts instead of step cuts. Brilliant cuts (like round, oval, marquise or cushion) will do a much better job in hiding VS2-level inclusions compared to step cuts (like emerald or Asscher).
- Match VS2 clarity to the best color grade. Because VS2 clarity diamonds are more affordable, there are more diamond colors at your disposal to pick from. The best value combination that Afshin recommends though, are color-grades from H color to K color. These color-grades pair beautifully with VS2 clarity, and allow you to allocate more of your budget toward the carat size.
- If buying a VS2 step-cut, choose a vintage diamond. If you prefer a step-cut diamond (like emerald or Asscher cut), Afshin recommends considering a vintage diamonds. Vintage diamonds have much smaller tables and large open culets, and those characteristics will greatly help mask inclusions better than modern versions.
- Avoid black crystal inclusions. The VS2 clarity diamond will always contain inclusion, but you will have control to pick which inclusions you prefer to have in your diamond. Even though GIA doesn’t heavily penalize them, black inclusions are highly visible and can hurt resale and investment value. We strongly caution to stay away from VS2 diamonds with them.
- Watch out for clustered inclusions. A diamond that ranks as VS2 will usually have a few tiny inclusions. Afshin advises to stay away from the VS2 diamonds where all the inclusions are packed into one area. Try, instead, to find a diamond were the inclusions are scattered across the diamond, especially in location towards the edge that can be easily hid by a prong or bezel.
Common Inclusions Found in VS2 Clarity Diamonds
In VS2 clarity diamonds, inclusions are present, but as mentioned before, they are typically very hard to detect without magnification.
However, not all inclusions are equal, and their size, type, placement, and visibility will all influence how they appear and the value of the diamond.
Understanding this section of the article, can greatly impact the value of your VS2 clarity. And as you’ll see, there is a lot more factors to understand then the “certifier’s clarity grade” of VS2.
Before beginning it is important to note that the following inclusions should never be in a VS2 clarity diamond: Cavities, open fractures, prominent surface-reaching feathers, dense or milky clouds or multiple dark crystals.
Pinpoint Inclusions in VS2 Clarity
A pinpoint inclusion is a tiny crystal inside the diamond that looks like a small dot under magnification.
In a VS2 clarity diamond, you’ll usually find just one or two pinpoints that are barely visible and don’t affect the sparkle. These are generally nothing to worry about. These are usually preferred types of inclusions in VS2 clarity as they are almost impossible to notice.
Just be cautious if see that the pinpoints are clustered together in one spot as even a mini-cluster can cause a small cloud that will dulls the diamond’s brilliance, and greatly lower its desirability and worth.
One of the biggest advantages of the pinpoint inclusion is that it usually presents far less durability risks than other inclusions.
Needle Inclusions in VS2 Clarity
A needle inclusions is long, thin crystals that look like tiny lines or streaks inside the diamond.
In VS2 clarity diamonds, needle inclusions will usually be very faint and located off to the side, making them very hard to spot with the naked eye. It will be very rare to find a large needle inclusion in a VS2 clarity because certifications will usually mark those diamonds as an I1 grade and lower.
The VS2-level needle inclusions will very rarely affect the diamond’s brilliance or durability.
However, sometimes, certifiers will slip a dominant needle inclusion into a VS2 and you will want to look out for that. Additionally, you will want to check to ensure that the needle inclusion is not near the center (or too dark in color), as this will greatly reduce the stone’s visual appeal.
Crystal Inclusions in VS2 Clarity
A crystal inclusion is tiny mineral crystals trapped inside the diamond during its formation.
In VS2 clarity diamonds, because crystals are a very intense inclusion, the crystals will always be very small and light-colored. They will be very difficult to see without magnification. And they shouldn’t be located under the table, though we always recommend double checking to ensure that is the case.
The crystal inclusions in VS2 clarity will be so small and have such a low relief that it will be very rare that it will impact the diamond’s beauty or performance.
That being said, Benjamin strongly cautions to avoid dark or black crystals as they can be visible to the naked eye and will impact both appearance and resale value.
Feather Inclusions in VS2 Clarity
A feather inclusion is a break in a gemstone, often white and feathery in appearance. The small internal cleavage or fracture will usually look white or transparent under magnification.
In VS2 clarity diamonds, feathers are usually tiny and tucked away near the edges (but not touching the side), making them hard to see and unlikely to affect durability.
Like crystal inclusion, always doublecheck to ensure that the feather inclusion is no where near the center of the diamond or touching the edge. Other than that the types of feather that will be found in a VS2 clarity diamond will usually be so tiny or so insignificant to impact its value greatly.
Indented Natural Inclusion in VS2 Clarity
Indented natural inclusions are small portions of the diamond’s original rough that dip slightly below the polished surface, and are usually found near the girdle.
In VS2 clarity diamonds, these are typically extremely minor and won’t affect the overall look of the stone. Additionally, they will be almost impossible to view even with a 10x powered loupe. That said, it’s wise to avoid indented naturals that are deep or located in slightly exposed areas.
Cloud Inclusions in VS2 Clarity
A cloud inclusion is a group of tiny microscopic pinpoints clustered together that are too small to plot individually but as a group will create a hazy effect in the diamond.
In VS2 clarity diamonds, clouds are usually small and away from the center. At this grading level, they usually won’t be noticeable or greatly impact the diamond’s sparkle. Additionally, they will need to be low density and very faint in color.
A cloud that is large or positioned near the center, can reduce brilliance and make the stone look dull. Always check to make sure the cloud doesn’t blur the diamond’s clarity or appear milky in certain lighting. We strongly caution, to show the cloud inclusions to a professional as some clouds will be acceptable and others will be problematic.
Comparing VS2 Clarity Diamonds to Other Diamond Grades
VS2 Clarity vs VS1 Clarity
To a serious buyer, the key difference between VS1 Clarity and VS2 Clarity will be in how easily the inclusions are found under 10× magnification, and also how much flexibility the stone has before becoming borderline SI1 Clarity.
The VS1 inclusions will be extremely small and often difficult to locate even for a trained grader. The VS2 inclusions are still minor but more readily identifiable once you know where to look. Additionally, the VS2 will have slightly greater sensitivity to inclusion type, contrast, and placement. For example, a small dark crystal or feather may be acceptable in VS2 but not in VS1.
In practical terms, VS1 offers a larger margin of safety against visual (or structural) concerns and tends to be more consistent stone-to-stone. In contrast, VS2 requires more careful vetting, but in good news, it can sometimes deliver identical face-up appearance and performance when well chosen.
VS2 Clarity vs SI1 Clarity
The difference between VS2 clarity and SI1 clarity is very practical and risk-based.
A VS2 Clarity diamond will have inclusions that are minor at 10× and virtually always invisible to the naked eye, offering a high margin of safety across shapes, sizes, and inclusion types. In contrast, an SI1 diamond sits at the threshold where inclusions are easily found under magnification (and may or may not be eye-clean depending on the stone’s size, cut, inclusion type, and placement).
To speak in real terms, VS2 delivers a certain set of expectations while SI1 demands careful inspection to avoid eye-visible inclusions, light-blocking features, or durability-sensitive feathers.
In addition to everything mentioned above, of course the SI1 diamond will be a lot more affordable than a VS2.
Shop VS2 Clarity Diamond Rings
In addition to collecting VS2 clarity diamonds for the past 40 years, we also specialize on antique cut VS2 clarity diamonds.
And as mentioned above, antique VS2 clarity diamonds have a much easier time hiding the inclusions, due to the larger culet, smaller table, and higher crown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions that we get regarding the VS2 clarity diamond. Co-written by Benjamin Khordipour and Afshin Shaddaie.
Is a VS2 clarity diamond eye-clean?
Yes. The VS2 clarity diamond is officially considered an eye-clean, meaning that you shouldn’t see any inclusions without assistance from a loupe or magnification.
That being said, if you’re not careful, you can get a poorly rated VS2 clarity that may show some inclusions without magnification.
Is a VS2 clarity diamond a good option for an engagement ring?
Yes. The VS2 clarity diamond is an excellent choice for an engagement ring. In fact, we strongly recommend it to our customers, and we have hundreds of engagement rings that have VS2 clarity diamonds inside. The VS2 offers a very clean look at the same time as keeping the price low.
Are all VS2 diamonds the same quality?
No. This is very important to understand. VS2 clarity diamonds can vary very dramatically, and for that reason it is important to buy a VS2 clarity from a trusted jeweler. The quality of the VS2 will all depend on the diamond expert that certifies it, which is highly subjective.
Are vintage VS2 diamonds different from modern ones?
Yes. Vintage diamonds with a VS2 clarity will have a massive advantage over modern diamonds with a VS2 clarity certification because the old diamonds do a much better job hiding the inclusions. Old European cuts, antique cushion cuts, and old mine cuts will have small tables, large culets, and tall crowns. Finding the inclusions on an antique diamond will be much harder, even with a loupe.
Can VS2 inclusions impact the durability of a diamond?
Yes, but it is very rare. Inclusions in VS2 diamonds can sometimes affect durability, but this is usually only a real concern in diamonds with lower clarity grades like I1 or below. In VS2 diamonds, the inclusions are typically so small that they don’t pose a significant risk to the stone’s integrity.
How important is it to view a VS2 diamond in person or through high-res video?
While seeing a diamond in person is always helpful, it’s not essential nowadays unless you really know what you’re looking for. The important factor that we recommend is deal with a jeweler who you trust, and ask them, point blank, if the diamond is a good VS2 clarity or not!
Conclusion: Is It a Good Idea to Buy VS2 Clarity Diamond?
Yes. The VS2 clarity diamond one of the best consumer choices when picking clarity. It is a balanced choice for most shoppers and it offers the entry combinations of beauty, quality, and value.
“One of the main reasons that so many of our antique diamonds in our collection are VS2 clarity,” says Michael Khordipour, “is because it is such a desirable clarity rating for the average consumer.”
As long as you choose a well-cut stone with well-placed inclusions, a VS2 diamond will look fantastic to the naked eye.
Are you looking for a VS2 clarity diamond? Feel free to reach out to our expert jewelers. We will respond within one business hour.
