What Is VS2 Clarity in a Diamond? A Simple Buying Guide

VS2 clarity means a diamond has very small inclusions that are hard to spot, even under 10x magnification. It’s one of the best value grades, offering eye-clean beauty without the premium price of higher clarity levels.

Key Things to Know About VS2 Clarity:

• Stands for “Very Slightly Included,” inclusions are usually invisible without magnification
• Most VS2 diamonds are eye-clean, especially under 2 carats or in brilliant cuts
• Offers major value, looks great without the premium of VVS or Flawless grades
• Placement matters: inclusions off-center or near prongs are ideal
• Step cuts or large carat sizes may need extra inspection at VS2

At Mikado Diamonds, we help you spot the winners, VS2 stones that look flawless in real life, not just on a report.

Keep reading to learn when VS2 makes sense, when it doesn’t, and how to choose the best one for your ring.

What Does VS2 Clarity Mean?

Understanding the Clarity Scale

When gem labs like GIA or IGI grade a diamond, they evaluate its clarity on an 11-step scale, ranging from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3).

The clarity grade tells you how many internal marks (inclusions) or surface blemishes a diamond has under 10x magnification, not what you can see with the naked eye.

Here’s the full GIA clarity scale for context:

• FL – Flawless
• IF – Internally Flawless
• VVS1 / VVS2 – Very Very Slightly Included
• VS1 / VS2 – Very Slightly Included
• SI1 / SI2 – Slightly Included
• I1 / I2 / I3 – Included

VS2 sits right in the middle, 6th out of 11 grades, making it a solid mid-high clarity level. The “VS” stands for Very Slightly Included, meaning the diamond has small internal characteristics that are difficult to spot, even under magnification.

What Kind of Flaws Does a VS2 Diamond Have?

VS2 diamonds typically have tiny imperfections like feathers, crystals, clouds, or other natural marks formed during the diamond’s creation. These inclusions are usually faint and located toward the edges, not dead center.

In most cases, they’re invisible to the naked eye, especially in diamonds under 2 carats or in brilliant cuts like round or oval.

You’d need a 10x jeweler’s loupe or microscope to find them, and even then, it might take a trained eye to notice.

Here’s a simple way I explain it to clients: A VS2 might have a tiny white feather near the edge. If it’s placed well and the cut is excellent, you’d never know it’s there unless someone told you, and even then, you'd probably squint to find it.

When Is VS2 Clarity Not the Right Choice?

While VS2 is an excellent clarity grade for most buyers, there are a few situations where it might not be the safest bet, especially if you're chasing that flawless look or buying a larger stone.

Larger Carat Stones (2ct+)

The bigger the diamond, the more real estate there is for flaws to show up. In a 3-carat diamond, for example, a small inclusion that would be invisible in a 1-carat stone might catch the light in just the wrong way.

That doesn’t mean VS2 is off the table, but it does mean you need to check where the inclusion is located. If it's tucked near the edge or easily hidden by a prong, you're golden.

If it's smack dab in the center under the table? You might notice it, especially in strong lighting.

Step-Cut Diamonds (Emerald, Asscher, etc.)

Step cuts are gorgeous. They’re architectural, elegant, and seriously underrated. But they’re also less forgiving when it comes to inclusions.

Unlike brilliant cuts that bounce light around and hide internal flaws, step cuts like emerald and Asscher have long, open facets that act almost like windows. A VS2 inclusion that’s invisible in a round diamond may stand out in an emerald cut.

That’s why I recommend extra scrutiny here. If you love step cuts and want to stick with VS2, make sure the inclusion is off-center, faint, or can be hidden by the setting. Otherwise, you may want to bump up to VS1 for peace of mind.

Black Inclusions Under the Table

This is the VS2 buyer’s biggest landmine: a dark or black inclusion, directly under the table, that shows up in normal lighting. These are rare, but when they happen, they’re hard to ignore.

VS2 vs. Other Clarity Grades: Side-by-Side Comparison

When you're staring at a diamond grading report, the clarity scale can feel like a math problem you didn’t study for. Here's a straightforward comparison to help you make sense of it all, no gemology degree required.

Why VS2 Stands Out

VS2 is widely considered the lowest clarity grade that’s still eye-clean in most brilliant-cut diamonds under 2 carats. It's the “sweet spot” where you're not paying for perfection, but you’re also not compromising on beauty.

You get to redirect that clarity budget into a bigger carat, richer color, or a premium cut, all of which will make a more visible difference in how your diamond actually looks on the hand.

And if you're working with a custom jeweler like Mikado, we’ll help you review images, analyze reports, and even hide any minor flaws under prongs. 

Because the best diamond isn’t just the one with the highest score, it’s the one that looks stunning to the eye and still fits your vision.

Ready to Pick the Right Diamond?

In most cases, VS2 hits the sweet spot between visible beauty and smart spending. But like any diamond grade, it takes experience to know which stones are truly worth it and which ones to pass on.

At Mikado Diamonds, we’ve helped hundreds of clients choose VS2 diamonds that look flawless in real life (not just on paper).

Here’s how to take the next step:

💍 Book a virtual consultation for one-on-one, pressure-free diamond guidance/

Because the best diamond is the one that makes you light up.