When you see "VVS moissanite" listed on a product page, it refers to the clarity grade of the stone — not a special type of moissanite. VVS stands for Very Very Slightly included, a grading term borrowed from the diamond industry that describes how clean a stone looks under 10x magnification. In practice, VVS moissanite is eye-clean, meaning any inclusions present are completely invisible without a loupe. This guide breaks down what VVS actually means, how it compares to other clarity grades, and whether it should be a deciding factor when you buy.
What Does VVS Mean?
VVS is a clarity grade from the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) diamond grading scale, now widely used to describe moissanite clarity as well. The scale runs from Flawless (FL) at the top to Included (I1, I2, I3) at the bottom. VVS falls near the top of the scale, just below Flawless and Internally Flawless grades.
VVS is divided into two subcategories:
- VVS1 — inclusions are extremely difficult to see even under 10x magnification. The inclusions are typically located near the edges or pavilion (bottom) of the stone where they're hardest to spot.
- VVS2 — inclusions are very difficult to see under magnification, slightly more visible than VVS1 but still impossible to detect with the naked eye. Inclusions may be positioned more centrally.
In both cases, VVS moissanite is considered eye-clean — a term that means no inclusions are visible when looking at the stone face-up without magnification. To a casual observer, and even to most jewelry professionals looking at the stone without tools, VVS1 and VVS2 moissanite look identical.
VVS vs VS vs SI: How Do They Compare?
Clarity grades below VVS include VS (Very Slightly included) and SI (Slightly Included). Here's how they differ in practice:
- VVS1 / VVS2. Inclusions are invisible to the naked eye and extremely difficult to see under 10x magnification. Eye-clean guaranteed. Best choice for fine jewelry where quality matters and you want complete peace of mind.
- VS1 / VS2. Inclusions are invisible to the naked eye but more easily visible under magnification. Still eye-clean in almost all cases. A VS stone looks identical to a VVS stone in normal wear — the difference only shows up under a loupe.
- SI1 / SI2. Inclusions are visible under 10x magnification and may be visible to the naked eye in SI2, depending on location and type. Some SI1 stones are still eye-clean; SI2 often is not. Best for buyers prioritizing size or budget over clarity.
- I1 / I2 / I3. Inclusions are visible to the naked eye. Not recommended for fine jewelry or settings where clarity matters.
For moissanite specifically, most reputable sellers offer D-F color with VVS or VS clarity as their standard quality. You're unlikely to encounter SI moissanite from established brands — the material is lab-grown under controlled conditions, so high clarity is the norm rather than the exception.
Does Clarity Actually Matter in Moissanite?
This is the most practical question, and the honest answer is: less than you might think — but it still matters for confidence.
Moissanite is produced in a lab under controlled conditions, which means the vast majority of moissanite on the market is already eye-clean. Unlike natural diamonds, where you might need to hunt for an eye-clean stone within a given grade, moissanite at the VVS or VS level is reliably free of visible inclusions. The difference between VVS1 and VS2 moissanite, in terms of what you can see while wearing the piece, is essentially nothing.
Where VVS clarity does matter:
- Certification confidence. A GRA or other certificate stating VVS clarity gives you documented assurance about what you're buying. It's especially useful when purchasing online, where you can't examine the stone in person.
- Resale or gifting. If you're giving moissanite as a gift or intend to eventually sell or trade it, having documented VVS clarity adds credibility and makes the piece easier to value.
- High-magnification settings. Some ring and earring settings are designed to maximize visibility of the stone from multiple angles. In these cases, clarity can matter more because the stone is viewed closely and frequently.
Where VVS clarity matters less: for fashion jewelry, pieces worn casually, or any setting where the stone is viewed from a distance. A VS stone in a simple prong setting looks identical to a VVS stone to anyone standing within arm's reach.
VVS1 vs VVS2: Is There a Real Difference?
For most buyers, no — not in any meaningful way.
The distinction between VVS1 and VVS2 exists on paper and under a gemologist's loupe. In everyday wear, with a stone set in jewelry and viewed at normal distances, no one will ever see the difference. Even a trained gemologist examining the stone without magnification won't be able to tell them apart.
VVS1 commands a slight premium in diamonds because it sits closer to Flawless on the scale. In moissanite, the price difference between VVS1 and VVS2 (where sellers distinguish them at all) is minimal. Many moissanite sellers simply list their stones as "VVS" without specifying VVS1 or VVS2 — because at the practical level, it doesn't change the buying decision for almost anyone.
If a seller offers both and the price difference is small, choose VVS1 for the certificate. If the price difference is meaningful, VVS2 gives you the same visual result for less money.
What to Look for When Buying VVS Moissanite
Not all sellers describe their clarity grades the same way. Here's how to evaluate what you're actually getting:
Check for a certificate. A GRA (Gemological Research Association) certificate is the most common third-party clarity verification for moissanite. The certificate lists color grade, clarity grade, cut, and carat weight. A VVS claim without documentation is marketing language — it may be accurate, but you have no way to confirm it. Reputable sellers include a certificate or can provide one on request.
Understand what's certified vs. what's claimed. Some sellers use "VVS" to describe their stones without third-party certification. This isn't necessarily dishonest — most moissanite at reputable sellers genuinely is eye-clean — but if the price is suspiciously low or the seller has poor reviews, the clarity claim deserves scrutiny.
Color matters more than clarity in moissanite. Because moissanite is routinely eye-clean, the color grade (D-F colorless, G-H near-colorless, I-J slightly warm) has more visible impact on the stone's appearance than the difference between VVS and VS clarity. A D-color VS stone typically looks better than an H-color VVS stone in a white gold setting. Prioritize color first, especially for colorless metal settings like white gold or platinum.
Cut determines sparkle. Clarity and color affect how a stone looks; cut determines how it performs. A well-cut round brilliant VVS moissanite will outsparkle a poorly cut stone of any clarity grade. Look for "Excellent" or "Ideal" cut grades when they're listed.
Is VVS Moissanite Worth It?
Yes — especially if you're buying certified stones from a reputable seller where VVS is the standard offering and doesn't carry a significant premium over VS.
The caveat is context. If a seller charges noticeably more for VVS over VS, and you're buying a piece for everyday casual wear, the premium may not justify itself. You won't see the difference in daily use. However, if VVS is the seller's standard grade and the price is competitive, there's no reason not to buy it — you get a documented, eye-clean stone with paperwork to back the claim.
Where VVS moissanite genuinely earns its grade is in fine jewelry settings — engagement rings, statement earrings, tennis necklaces — where you're investing in a piece meant to last years and represent quality. In those cases, having VVS certification gives you confidence that the stone meets a defined standard, not just a seller's informal description.
The bottom line: VVS moissanite is excellent quality. For most buyers, it's the right grade to buy because it's what reputable sellers offer as standard. If you're comparing VVS vs VS at a significant price difference, VS is a perfectly reasonable choice — but VVS gives you peace of mind and documentation that can matter when the piece matters.
Keep Reading
- Moissanite Color Grades Explained: D-E-F vs G-H-I (What Really Looks Different)
- GRA Certified Moissanite: What It Means and Why It Matters
- Moissanite vs Diamond: The Honest Comparison Nobody Talks About
Looking for certified VVS moissanite jewelry? Browse our moissanite earrings collection — every stone is D-color VVS with GRA certification.
