If you listen to any hip-hop track, you'll hear the phrase "VVS on my neck." It’s the ultimate flex. But when you’re shopping for Moissanite, you see "VVS" everywhere—even on affordable pieces.
This leads to confusion: Is it real? Is it a marketing scam? Why is it cheaper than a VVS diamond?
We’ve compiled the ultimate guide to clear up the chaos. No fancy gemology degree required—just the raw facts.
The Definition: What is VVS?
VVS stands for Very Very Slightly Included.
It is a clarity grade used to describe how clean a gemstone is inside.
- Inclusions: Tiny internal flaws (like specks, clouds, or cracks).
- VVS Quality: The flaws are so microscopic that they can only be seen under 10x magnification by a professional.
The Bottom Line: To the naked eye, VVS Moissanite looks 100% flawless, clear, and icy.
💎 THE AUMPEX INSIGHT: THE "SCARCITY" MYTH
Here is the secret most jewelers won't tell you:
In Natural Diamonds: VVS is incredibly rare. That’s why a VVS diamond costs $20,000.
In Moissanite: VVS is the standard. Because Moissanite is lab-grown in a controlled environment, we can create perfect stones almost every time.
90% of high-quality Moissanite is VVS by default.
Don't let a seller charge you a huge premium for "VVS" Moissanite—it should be the baseline standard, not a luxury upgrade.
VVS1 vs. VVS2: Does It Matter?
You might see terms like "D Color VVS1" thrown around. Here is the difference:
- VVS1: Flaws are microscopic and usually on the bottom/side of the stone.
- VVS2: Flaws are still microscopic but might be slightly more central.
Reality Check: Without a microscope, you cannot tell the difference. Both will hit hard and shine bright. Don't stress over the number.
Moissanite vs. Diamond vs. CZ: The Clarity Battle
| Gemstone | VVS Availability | Passes Diamond Tester? | Price Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Diamond | Extremely Rare (< 1%) | YES | $$$$$ (Luxury) |
| Moissanite | Standard (High Availability) | YES (Conducts Heat) | $$ (Best Value) |
| Cubic Zirconia (CZ) | N/A (It's glass/plastic) | NO (Fails) | $ (Disposable) |
FAQ: The 5 Questions Everyone Asks
It is absolutely a real gemstone. It is Silicon Carbide (SiC), which has a hardness of 9.25 (harder than Ruby and Sapphire). Glass and CZ are soft and scratch easily. VVS Moissanite is built to last a lifetime.
Yes. Moissanite has a higher "Refractive Index" (2.65) than Diamond (2.42). This means it bends light more aggressively, creating more "fire" (rainbow flashes). A VVS Moissanite will out-sparkle a VVS Diamond in almost any lighting.
Real VVS Moissanite never looks cloudy. If your stone looks milky, it is either a low-grade stone (SI clarity) or a fake. VVS stones are crisp, clear, and sharp.
Avoid the hype. GRA is often used as a marketing gimmick for cheap stones. While a certificate is nice to have, the real test is the Diamond Tester and your own eyes. Trust the quality of the stone, not just a piece of paper.
No. Unless you scratch it with a real diamond, nothing else in your daily life (keys, steel, concrete) can scratch VVS Moissanite. It stays icy forever.
Final Verdict
VVS Moissanite isn’t a "fake diamond"—it’s a superior, smarter choice. It gives you the flawless look (VVS) and the insane sparkle (Fire) without the artificial price inflation of the diamond market.
Stop overpaying for a brand name. Start paying for the quality on your neck.
