Vvs Vs Regular Moissanite For A Ring Is The Extra Sparkle Worth It

When shopping for a moissanite engagement ring, one of the most common dilemmas is choosing between VVS (Very Very Slightly Included) and regular-grade moissanite. While both offer exceptional brilliance and fire—often surpassing that of diamonds—the difference in price can make buyers pause. Is the upgrade to VVS clarity truly worth the added cost? The answer depends on what you value: perfection under magnification or real-world sparkle and affordability.

Moissanite has become a popular alternative to diamond due to its durability, ethical sourcing, and stunning optical properties. But not all moissanite is created equal. Clarity grade plays a subtle yet meaningful role in appearance, longevity, and perceived value. Understanding the practical differences between VVS and regular moissanite helps ensure your choice aligns with both aesthetic preferences and budget priorities.

Understanding Moissanite Clarity Grades

Unlike diamonds, which are graded on a detailed clarity scale by organizations like GIA, moissanite clarity is typically categorized more simply. Most reputable brands use terms like “VVS” and “regular” (sometimes labeled as “SI” or “I1”) to denote clarity levels. These grades refer to the presence and visibility of internal inclusions or blemishes within the stone.

• VVS Moissanite: Contains minute inclusions only detectable under 10x magnification. To the naked eye, these stones appear flawless.
• Regular Moissanite: May have slightly more visible inclusions when examined closely, though still typically invisible without magnification.

It’s important to note that moissanite is lab-created, meaning inclusions are often intentional byproducts of the growth process rather than natural flaws. This makes clarity more consistent across batches than in mined diamonds, but variations still exist based on manufacturing techniques and quality control.

“Even top-tier VVS moissanite is grown under high-pressure conditions where microscopic strain lines can form. The best producers minimize these through precise cooling cycles.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Gemologist & Materials Scientist

Sparkle Showdown: Does Clarity Affect Brilliance?

One of the biggest misconceptions about moissanite is that higher clarity directly translates to more sparkle. In reality, sparkle—or brilliance and fire—is primarily influenced by cut quality, not clarity. A well-cut regular moissanite will outperform a poorly cut VVS stone in terms of light return and scintillation.

Moissanite naturally has a higher refractive index (2.65–2.69) than diamond (2.42), meaning it bends and reflects light more dramatically. This results in intense fire—those rainbow flashes you see when the stone moves. Whether this effect comes from a VVS or regular stone makes no measurable difference to the human eye.

Tip: Prioritize excellent cut over clarity. A perfectly proportioned crown and pavilion maximize sparkle regardless of grade.

That said, some lower-grade moissanites may exhibit slight cloudiness or color tints under certain lighting, especially in larger carat sizes (over 6mm). This isn’t due to inclusions per se, but inconsistencies in crystal structure during growth. High-quality VVS stones are less likely to show such effects because they undergo stricter selection processes.

Comparison Table: VVS vs Regular Moissanite

Feature	VVS Moissanite	Regular Moissanite
Clarity	Nearly flawless; inclusions undetectable without magnification	Minor inclusions possible; rarely visible to naked eye
Brilliance	Exceptional fire and sparkle	Same level of fire and sparkle
Price (6.5mm ~1ct)	$500–$700	$300–$450
Color Stability	Consistently colorless (D-E-F range)	Slight warmth possible (G-H range)
Best For	Perfectionists, large center stones, professional settings	Budget-conscious buyers, everyday wearers

Real-World Example: Choosing Between Grades

Sophia was shopping for an engagement ring with a 7mm round moissanite. She loved the look of VVS stones she saw online but hesitated at the $650 price tag compared to $380 for a regular version. After visiting a local jeweler who carried both, she examined them side by side under natural light and store lighting.

To her surprise, both stones sparkled intensely. The regular moissanite had no visible flaws, though under a loupe, the jeweler pointed out a tiny feather near the girdle—completely invisible when set. Sophia opted for the regular grade, saving nearly $300, which she used toward a custom platinum setting. Six months later, she says no one has ever questioned the stone’s quality—and her ring gets compliments daily.

This scenario reflects a common outcome: for most people, the visual difference between VVS and regular moissanite is negligible outside of laboratory conditions.

When VVS Might Be Worth the Upgrade

While regular moissanite performs excellently in most cases, there are specific situations where investing in VVS clarity makes sense:

1. You're buying a large stone (7mm+): Larger surfaces make any potential cloudiness more noticeable, especially in bright sunlight.
2. You prefer maximum colorlessness: Premium VVS stones are often selected from the most colorless batches, reducing yellow or gray undertones.
3. The ring will be professionally photographed: Jewelry photographers using macro lenses might capture imperfections invisible to the eye.
4. Resale or heirloom value matters: Higher-grade stones may hold value better over time, especially if documentation is provided.

Still, even in these cases, the decision should be balanced against other factors like cut precision, symmetry, and fluorescence. A poorly cut VVS stone may look duller than a well-cut regular one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you tell the difference between VVS and regular moissanite without a microscope?

In nearly all cases, no. Both grades appear completely clean to the naked eye. Differences only emerge under 10x magnification or in rare instances of poor batch quality.

Does VVS moissanite last longer?

No. Durability (measured by hardness on the Mohs scale) is identical across moissanite grades—9.25, making it suitable for daily wear. Longevity depends more on setting security and maintenance than clarity.

Is VVS moissanite considered \"flawless\"?

Technically, no. True flawlessness is extremely rare. VVS means inclusions are very difficult to see under magnification, but not necessarily absent. No grading body certifies moissanite as \"Internally Flawless\" like they do with diamonds.

Action Checklist: How to Choose the Right Moissanite

• ✅ Decide on your budget before comparing grades
• ✅ Focus on cut quality—look for terms like “hearts and arrows” or “ideal proportions”
• ✅ View the stone in multiple lighting conditions (daylight, indoor, evening)
• ✅ Ask for certification or warranty from the vendor
• ✅ Consider upgrading the setting instead of the stone if funds are limited

Final Verdict: Is the Extra Sparkle Worth It?

The short answer: usually not. The “extra sparkle” associated with VVS moissanite is more myth than reality. What you’re really paying for is peace of mind and microscopic perfection—not enhanced brilliance. For the vast majority of wearers, regular moissanite delivers the same dazzling performance at a significantly better price.

That doesn’t mean VVS is unnecessary. If you’re particular about gemological purity, planning a high-profile reveal, or building a legacy piece, the upgrade can be justified. But for everyday elegance and lasting beauty, regular moissanite stands up impressively.

💬 Ready to choose your perfect ring? Revisit your priorities—sparkle, size, setting, or savings—and make a decision that feels right for your story. Share your thoughts or experiences below.