Moissanite Clarity Grades Explained: VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2 & What They Really Mean

Ask ten people what "VVS1" means and nine of them will tell you it means "very good." They're not wrong, exactly — but they're missing the precision that makes this grade matter. VVS1 is not just a marketing term. It is a specific, measurable standard that describes the internal and external characteristics of a gemstone under 10x magnification. And in the world of moissanite, it represents the difference between a stone that is genuinely flawless to the naked eye and one that carries inclusions you may eventually notice — and regret.

Clarity is the second pillar of moissanite quality, alongside color. And like color, it is widely misunderstood, frequently misrepresented, and almost never explained with the depth it deserves. This guide changes that.

What Is Clarity in Moissanite — And Why Does It Matter?

Clarity refers to the degree to which a gemstone is free from internal characteristics (called inclusions) and external characteristics (called blemishes). In natural diamonds, inclusions are the fingerprints of geological history — tiny crystals, feathers, clouds, and needles trapped inside the stone as it formed over billions of years under the earth's crust.

Moissanite is different. It is grown in a laboratory under controlled conditions, which means the inclusion landscape is fundamentally different from natural stones. Lab-created moissanite tends to have fewer and less severe inclusions than natural diamonds of equivalent grade — but inclusions can and do occur, particularly in lower-quality production runs.

The Clarity Scale — From Flawless to Included

The clarity scale used for moissanite mirrors the GIA diamond scale, adapted by the GRA for lab-created gemstones:

FL / IF — Flawless / Internally Flawless
No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification. Extremely rare in any gemstone, including moissanite. When you see a seller claiming "flawless" moissanite without a GRA certificate to back it up, be skeptical.

VVS1 and VVS2 — Very Very Slightly Included
Inclusions are present but are extremely difficult to detect even under 10x magnification by a trained gemologist. To the naked eye, VVS1 and VVS2 stones are completely eye-clean — meaning you will never see an inclusion without a loupe. This is the clarity tier that Moissanite Shine sources exclusively.

VS1 and VS2 — Very Slightly Included
Inclusions are minor and difficult to see under 10x magnification, but slightly easier to detect than VVS. VS stones are eye-clean in most cases, but the inclusions are more numerous or slightly larger than VVS. In larger carat weights (2ct and above), VS2 inclusions can occasionally become visible to a sharp naked eye.

SI1 and SI2 — Slightly Included
Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification and may be visible to the naked eye, particularly in SI2. These grades are common in budget moissanite and are the source of most "my stone looks cloudy" complaints online.

I1, I2, I3 — Included
Inclusions are obvious under magnification and visible to the naked eye. These grades affect transparency, brilliance, and durability. No reputable moissanite seller should be offering I-grade stones, but they exist in the market.

VVS1 vs. VVS2 — The Difference That Actually Matters

This is the question at the heart of most clarity conversations, and the answer requires some nuance.

VVS1 inclusions are positioned in the most difficult-to-detect locations — typically near the pavilion (the bottom of the stone) or in areas obscured by facets. Even under 10x magnification, a trained gemologist may need to search carefully to find them.

VVS2 inclusions are slightly easier to detect under magnification, often positioned closer to the table (the flat top of the stone) or in slightly more visible locations. They remain completely invisible to the naked eye.

Can You See the Difference Between VVS1 and VVS2 in Real Life?

No. Not without a loupe, controlled lighting, and training. The practical difference between VVS1 and VVS2 in a moissanite stone is essentially zero for the wearer. Both grades are eye-clean. Both grades will look identical in photographs, in natural light, and on your finger.

The reason Moissanite Shine specifies VVS1 — rather than simply "VVS" — is about setting a precise, verifiable standard. When we say VVS1, we mean the GRA certificate says VVS1. Not "VVS range." Not "near-VVS." VVS1. That specificity matters because it's the only way to hold a quality standard accountable.

Clarity vs. Color — Which One Should You Prioritize?

This is one of the most common questions I receive, and the answer is clear: in moissanite, color matters more than clarity.

Here's why. The clarity of lab-created moissanite is inherently better than natural diamonds at equivalent price points. The controlled growth environment produces stones that are almost universally eye-clean at VVS grades. Color, on the other hand, varies significantly between production batches and between manufacturers — and color is visible to the naked eye in ways that clarity rarely is.

If you're working with a budget and need to make a trade-off, prioritize color (DEF) over pushing from VVS2 to VVS1. A D-color VVS2 will look more brilliant than an F-color VVS1 in most real-world conditions.

That said — at Moissanite Shine, you don't have to choose. Every stone we sell is DEF color and VVS1 clarity, GRA-certified. We've set the standard at the top so you never have to compromise. You can explore our full range in the Best Sellers collection.

How Carat Size Changes the Clarity Equation

Here's something most buyers don't consider until it's too late: the larger the stone, the more important clarity becomes.

In a 0.5ct moissanite, a VS2 inclusion is essentially invisible — the stone is simply too small for the inclusion to register to the naked eye. In a 3ct moissanite, that same VS2 inclusion may be visible under certain lighting conditions, particularly if it's positioned near the table.

Clarity Recommendations by Carat Weight

Under 1ct: VS1 and above is eye-clean. VVS is ideal but VS1 is a legitimate choice if budget is a factor.

1ct to 2ct: VVS2 and above is strongly recommended. At this size, VS2 inclusions can occasionally be visible in direct sunlight or under bright artificial light.

2ct and above: VVS1 is the standard you should insist on. At 2ct and above, the table of the stone is large enough that inclusions near the center become visible to careful observers. This is the size range where clarity grade has the most visible real-world impact.

Our Moissanite Engagement Rings — which frequently feature stones in the 1ct to 3ct range — are all VVS1 for exactly this reason.

The Inclusion Types Found in Moissanite — And Which Ones to Avoid

Not all inclusions are equal. The type, size, and location of an inclusion determines how much it affects the stone's appearance and durability.

Needle Inclusions

Thin, rod-like inclusions that are common in moissanite. When small and few, they are invisible to the naked eye and have no impact on durability. When numerous, they can create a "haziness" in the stone's interior that reduces brilliance.

Cloud Inclusions

Groups of tiny pinpoint inclusions that cluster together. A small cloud in the pavilion is harmless. A large cloud near the table can create a milky, diffused appearance that significantly reduces the stone's fire and brilliance. This is the inclusion type most responsible for the "cloudy moissanite" complaints you'll find in online forums. For more on this, see our guide: Does Moissanite Fog Up? The Truth About Cloudiness, Condensation & Clarity.

Surface Blemishes

Scratches, nicks, or polish marks on the stone's exterior. In high-quality moissanite, these are rare and minor. They can often be polished out by a professional jeweler. Given that moissanite scores 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale — as explained in our guide Can Moissanite Get Scratched? — surface blemishes from normal wear are extremely uncommon.

How to Read a GRA Certificate for Clarity

Every Moissanite Shine stone comes with a GRA (Gemological Research Association) certificate. Here's how to read the clarity section:

The clarity grade will appear as a letter-number combination: VVS1, VVS2, VS1, etc. This is the grade assigned by the gemologist after examining the stone under 10x magnification.

The clarity plot is a diagram of the stone showing the location and type of any inclusions. In a VVS1 stone, this plot will show minimal markings — often none visible at the scale of the diagram.

The comments section may note specific inclusion types. "Eye-clean" is the most important phrase to look for. If the certificate doesn't use that language, ask the seller directly.

For a complete walkthrough of how to read and verify your certificate, see our detailed guide: GRA Certificate Explained: What It Is, What It Means & How to Verify Yours.

Clarity in Colored Moissanite — A Different Conversation

If you're considering a fancy-colored moissanite — pink, blue, teal, or green — the clarity conversation shifts slightly. Colored stones naturally draw the eye to their hue rather than their transparency, which means inclusions are less visually disruptive than in colorless stones.

That said, VVS clarity remains the standard we recommend for colored moissanite, particularly in engagement ring settings where the stone will be scrutinized closely. Our Moissanite Colored Stones Guide covers the full range of fancy color options and what to look for in each.

The Clarity Standard at Moissanite Shine — And Why It Exists

We didn't choose VVS1 as our clarity standard because it sounds impressive in marketing copy. We chose it because it is the grade at which we can confidently say: this stone will look flawless to every person who sees it, in every lighting condition, for the rest of its life.

That promise is backed by our Lifetime Gemstone Warranty — which covers your stone against any defects in clarity, color, or brilliance for as long as you own it. And if your taste evolves, our Lifetime Upgrade Program lets you trade up to a larger or higher-grade stone at any time.

Clarity is not a number on a certificate. It is the foundation of how your stone looks, how it photographs, and how it holds up to a lifetime of scrutiny. Start with VVS1. You'll never wonder if you should have.

Final Clarity Grade Recommendations — The Quick Reference

Ready to see VVS1 clarity in action? Browse our full collection — every stone is certified, every grade is verified, and every purchase is protected for life.

Continue your education:
Understanding Moissanite Grading: D-Color, VVS1 & GRA Explained
Moissanite Color Grades Explained: D, E, F, G, H & Beyond
The Anatomy of a Perfect Polish: Understanding Moissanite's Cut, Color, and Clarity
Is Moissanite Worth Buying? An Honest, Unbiased Review