What is VVS Moissanite? Is it The Best Clarity Moissanite Diamond

Think of a gemstone that dazzles more brightly than a diamond, with nearly perfect clarity, is sourced responsibly, and falls within your budget. Enter VVS Moissanite: the up-and-coming rockstar of the fine jewelry world. 

Whether hunting for the perfect engagement ring or just adding some sparkle to your collection, it is essential to understand what makes VVS Moissanite so unique. 

Everything related to this gem, from brilliance and beauty to affordability in one single stunning package, will be explained in this guide.

What is Moissanite?

First things first, before discussing VVS Moissanite, you need to know what exactly Moissanite is. 

Moissanite is a silicon carbide-based brilliant and sparkling gem. A French scientist named Henri Moissan discovered in a meteor crater in 1893 that natural Moissanite is genuinely very rare. 

Because of that, the Moissanite available today is usually grown in laboratories. That makes Moissanites entirely ethical and more eco-friendly than natural diamonds.

Moissanite resembles diamonds in appearance; however, it does have some distinguishing features. 

One of its more interesting characteristics is its brilliance. The refractive index is 2.65 to 2.69, usually higher than diamonds, giving a fire and sparkle beyond most conventional gemstones. Moissanite rings are an excellent choice for those seeking a stunning and ethical alternative to traditional diamond rings.

What Does VVS Stand For?

The term VVS was borrowed from the diamond grading systems (made by GIA) and is meant to mean "Very, Very Slightly Included." 

It describes inclusions of minute nature that can barely be seen with magnification. These inclusions are internal imperfections that occur while a gemstone is forming. In VVS Moissanite, these inclusions are so tiny that they are almost indistinguishable from naked-sight vision.

VVS is next to the highest grade on the clarity scale-"Flawless" and "Internally Flawless"-which shows that a VVS clarity grade represents some of the clearest gemstones. A simple breakdown of the clarity scale goes as follows:

Flawless (FL): No inclusions or blemishes are visible under 10x magnification.

Internally Flawless (IF): No inclusions, but may have surface blemishes visible under magnification.

Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1, VVS2): Inclusions so fine, they are in fact difficult to see under 10x magnification.

Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2): Inclusions which may be seen under 10x magnification but not visible to the naked eye.

Slightly Included (SI1, SI2): Inclusions readily visible under 10x magnification and may be visible to the naked eye.

Included: Inclusions can often be readily seen with the unaided eye and may reduce the durability of the gemstone.

In the case of a VVS Moissanite, for instance, it would mean you're getting a high clarity gemstone, enhancing the overall visual aesthetics of the gemstone.

How is VVS Moissanite Graded?

VVS Moissanite grades the same way as diamonds. The said gemstone would be observed by a gemologist under 10x magnification for identification of the size, nature, and location of inclusions. 

Thus, VVS1 is the higher grade, where inclusions are generally on the edges of the stone and virtually impossible to find, while VVS2 may have inclusions that are just a little more visible, though still minute and hard to spot.

Compared to other clarity grades, VVS Moissanite represents a very high degree of visual perfection. 

The inclusions within the VVS are so tiny that they do not restrict brilliance or dispersion; thus, this is an excellent grade for anyone desiring a near-flawless stone.

Advantages of VVS Quality Moissanite

1. High Clarity: Among the most outstanding advantages with regard to VVS Moissanite relates to the brilliant clarity of this stone. The near lack of imperfections thereby makes it so desirable for anyone looking for a kind of gemstone that would have negligible inclusions.

2. Brilliance and Fire: Moissanite is already known for its extraordinary brilliance and fire, but with a clarity rating like VVS, it becomes even more brilliant. Absence of noticeable inclusions means that more light can pass through with increased sparkle in terms of visual brilliance.

3. Affordability: Moissanite VVS is a great option for any person who desires the best quality diamond but on an extremely lower budget. Few types of diamonds would match its clarity and brilliance, and these would hardly be affordable. Moissanite VVS is an excellent choice for anyone who desires luxury but not the price tag.

4. Durability: Moissanite has a Mohs hardness rating of 9.25, making it one of the hardest available gemstones. That makes this incredibly resistant to scratching and very durable, hence suitable for everyday wear and even for engagement rings or fine jewelry.

5. Ethical and Sustainable: Since most Moissanite is created in a lab, it is inherently an environmentally friendly and conflict-free alternative to mined diamonds. If you're sensitive to the environmental and ethical impacts of gemstone mining, the VVS Moissanite is an ideal choice.

VVS Moissanite Compared with Other Clarity Grading 

You may be curious to learn how VVS Moissanite looks in comparison with other clarity grades and if it is really a good idea to pay more for this particular kind of Moissanite. So, let’s explain some of the differences.  

 - VVS vs. VS: VVS stands for ‘Very Very Slightly Included’ and VS for ‘Very Slightly Included’ and hence, VS Moissanite has slightly bigger inclusions than VVS. While it is very good and contains some items within inclusions that might not even be visible to the naked eye, VS Moissanite is replaced by a better version known as VVS.  

 - VVS vs. SI: Slightly included SI Moissanite will have inclusions that may be seen easily with the naked eye especially when put under certain lighting conditions. However, VVS Moissanite will look nearly flawless, which is not the case with those easily noticeable inclusions that set them apart. 

 - VVS vs. Flawless/IF: VVS Moissanite is rare, but Flawless and Internally Flawless (IF) Moissanite costs even more than VVS. But, actually, it is barely possible to distinguish being vs or VVS from Flawless during the comparison without the help of the magnifying glass. To most buyers, VVS denotes a range of stones with high clarity and at affordable price in the market. 

Ideal Uses for VVS Moissanite

Because VVS Moissanite is less cloudy and more hardwearing than any other, it is well suited to a vast array of jewelry purposes. Here are some of the most popular uses:Here are some of the most popular uses: 

1. Engagement Rings: VVS Moissanite is considered more and more as a perfect stone for setting in engagement rings, because it looks like a diamond of very high quality, but costs a lot less. It is hard in nature, which makes it perfect for a piece of jewelry that will be put on daily. 
2. Necklaces and Pendants: If someone wants big and bold jewelry then VVS Moissanite provides the brilliance needed in necklaces and pendants. 
3. Earrings: If you wish to dazzle like VVS diamond earrings but without causing a dent in your bridget, you can get Moissanite earrings. These are ideal to use in the workplace, for any important event and special occasions. 
4. Bracelets: A tennis bracelet or other complex jewelry can be enchanted with VVS Moissanite and showcase the lavishness of wristwear.  

Is VVS Moissanite Right for You?

Choosing the right clarity grade for your Moissanite depends on your preference and budget. If you are that one person who loves near perfection in a gemstone and wants to make sure the inclusions have minimum visibility, then VVS Moissanite diamond is the best option for you. Its balance of brilliance, fire, and clarity makes it one of the best options for high-quality jewelry.

On the other hand, if you have a tighter budget or are not concerned by minor inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye, then a lower clarity grade such as VS or SI may be a good choice without compromising too much regarding its visual appeal.

See how moissanite does when it compared it diamond here. Check brief comparison of moissanite vs diamonds.

Caring for Your VVS Moissanite

Like all gemstones, VVS Moissanite requires proper care to maintain its brilliance and longevity. Here are some tips for keeping your VVS Moissanite looking its best:

1. Regular Cleaning: Clean your Moissanite regularly with mild soap, water, and a soft brush to remove dirt and oils that may accumulate on the surface. Avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners.
2. Storage: Store your VVS Moissanite jewelry separately from other pieces to prevent scratching. Use soft pouches or lined boxes to keep it safe.
3. Avoid High Heat: While Moissanite is highly durable, excessive heat can damage the stone. Avoid exposing your jewelry to extreme temperatures or direct flames.
4. Professional Maintenance: Have your Moissanite jewelry checked and professionally cleaned by a jeweler at least once a year to ensure it remains in pristine condition.

Conclusion

It is VVS Moissanite that perfectly merges all three- beauty, clarity, and affordability in one. And if that were not enough, an ethical alternative to diamonds as well. Little wonder, due to its close-to-flawless look and brilliance, VVS Moissanite is fast becoming the darlings of wedding bands and fine jewelry.

Whether you want your gemstone to be near flawless or just a stone that can sparkle like no other, VVS Moissanite is the highest option without settling on quality and style.