What does VVS mean in a gemstone?
When you see the acronym VVS in a jewelry description, you're reading a gemological classification that has a very precise meaning. It's not marketing. It's an international standard that describes the clarity of a gemstone. Here we explain what it means and why it matters.
The clarity scale in gemology
The clarity of a gemstone measures the absence of inclusions — internal or superficial imperfections that affect transparency and brilliance. The most widely used international scale, developed by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), ranges from FL (Flawless) to I3 (Included, with inclusions visible to the naked eye). VVS is at the high end of that scale.
What VVS means exactly
VVS stands for Very Very Slightly Included. It means that the stone has inclusions so small that they are practically impossible to detect even under 10x magnification. To the naked eye, a VVS stone is visually perfect. There is nothing that the human eye can see that detracts from its brilliance or transparency.
VVS1 vs VVS2
Within the VVS category, there are two subcategories: VVS1 and VVS2. The difference is minimal and only detectable with precision instruments. VVS1 has inclusions in a less visible position (usually near the edge of the stone), while VVS2 has them in a slightly more central position. In practice, for use in jewelry, both are equivalent in visual appearance.
Why Silver Status works with VVS moissanite
The VVS moissanite we use at Silver Status meets this clarity standard: visually perfect, with no inclusions detectable to the naked eye, and with a refractive index higher than that of diamond, producing more fire and flashes of color. It is the combination of maximum clarity with the most exceptional optical properties on the current market.
VVS vs other classifications: the real difference
An SI1 (Slightly Included) stone may have inclusions visible under magnification and in some cases to the naked eye in direct light conditions. A VS (Very Slightly Included) stone has inclusions visible under magnification but not to the naked eye. A VVS has nothing visible under any normal use conditions. For everyday jewelry, VVS is the standard that guarantees the stone will always look perfect, regardless of light or angle.
If you want to understand more about moissanite, read Is moissanite a real stone? or our honest comparison between moissanite and diamond. Explore our collection of VVS moissanite jewelry in 925 silver.
