All You Need to Know About VS1 Clarity Diamonds

What are VS1 clarity diamonds, and how can you tell if you're buying them? A diamond's Clarity refers to the visual appearance of blemishes and inclusions, which are natural imperfections. By definition, VS1 diamonds are Very Slightly Included. However, most people have trouble spotting these imperfections, even with magnification.

VS1 clarity diamond on its own means very little

To understand what a Clarity diamond is, it's essential to know what Clarity is (one of the 4 C's of diamonds). A diamond's Clarity refers to the visual appearance of blemishes and inclusions. By definition, VS1 clarity diamonds are those that are Very Slightly Included. This means they have very few flaws or inclusions; however, these blemishes and inclusions are barely noticeable to the naked eye.

Don't let this term intimidate you.

If you're in the market for a diamond, you've probably come across the term VS1 clarity diamond and wondered what it meant. Clarity diamond is a designation given to diamonds that are very slightly included, meaning that any blemishes or inclusions are unlikely to be visible to the naked eye. In other words, a VS1 clarity diamond is still considered to be of excellent quality.

If there was only one grade for Clarity...

When it comes to diamond clarity, there is a wide range of grades. The highest quality diamonds are considered flawless, meaning they have no blemishes or inclusions. However, these stones are scarce and very expensive. Most diamonds fall on the lower end of the clarity scale, going from FL (flawless) down to I3 (included). VS1 clarity diamond is among the grades in between, standing for Very Slightly Included.

How to get more Clarity from your life

1. Live with intention. Wake up each day knowing what you want to accomplish and make it happen.

2. Simplify your life. Get rid of the physical and mental clutter that's weighing you down.

3. Set boundaries. Learn to say no to the things that don't serve you and yes to the things that do.

4. Be present. Stop living in your head and start enjoying the moment you're in.

5. Be grateful. A grateful heart is a happy heart. Make gratitude a daily practice.

What do visible inclusions mean?

When a diamond is being graded for Clarity, the grader looks at the size, number, position, nature, and color of any inclusions or blemishes present. Inclusions are anything inside the diamond that was not naturally created by carbon crystal growth. Blemishes are surface irregularities that do not originate from within the diamond. Together, these make up what is known as a diamond's clarity grade.

The science behind why VSI can still be an excellent option

Regarding Clarity, diamonds are graded on a 6-point scale from Included (I) to Flawless (FL). VS1 clarity diamond is graded as Very Slightly Included, meaning slight inclusions are present but are not visible without magnification. However, just because a diamond is graded as VS1 clarity diamond does not mean it is low quality. In fact, many diamonds with VS1 clarity diamond are still very high quality and quite beautiful. The main reason is that the inclusions present in VS1 clarity diamonds are usually small and insignificant. They will not affect the diamond's overall appearance or durability. So if you're looking for a beautiful diamond that won't break the bank, then a VS1 clarity diamond could be an excellent option.

Consider both price and value when buying a diamond

When purchasing a diamond, it's essential to consider the price and the value. A diamond's price is determined by its quality, measured by the 4 C's: Carat, Cut, Clarity, and Color. The value of a diamond is determined by its rarity. The rarer a diamond is, the more valuable it is.

Bonus Tip # 1: Go for Four Cs instead of color.

While the Clarity of a diamond is essential, it's not the only factor determining a diamond's quality. The cut of a diamond is also critical. When shopping for a diamond, look for one with a Very Good or Ideal cut grade from a reputable grading lab like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). A well-cut diamond will appear brighter and have more sparkle than a poorly-cut diamond of the same Clarity and carat weight. Additionally, match the cut grade on your diamond with the carat weight listed on any third-party grading reports.

Bonus Tip # 2: Cut should match carat weight with 3rd party grading reports.

When buying a diamond, you want to ensure that the cut is proportional to the carat weight. A well-cut diamond will appear more prominent than a poorly-cut diamond of the same carat weight. For example, a one-carat round diamond with excellent cut grades will look more extensive than a one-carat round diamond with poor cut grades.

Also, remember that many popular diamond shapes (such as rounds and ovals) look more significant than less popular shapes (such as marquises and pears). So, if you're looking for a large diamond on a budget, you may want to consider a less popular shape.