When it comes to choosing a diamond, clarity is one of the essential factors to consider.
When magnified large enough, all diamonds have imperfections, but the goal should be a diamond that’s free from visible imperfections when viewed with the naked eye.
SI clarity diamonds have been popular for decades since they offer what seems to be a great balance between value and appearance.
Unfortunately, the quality of SI diamonds seems to have slipped over the past ten years. And what used to be the Goldilocks zone of clarity is now a minefield.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of SI diamond clarity, offering insights into its value and risks.
Why is this clarity important?
We ran a poll recently, and 87% of ladies said they’d prefer their engagement ring’s diamond to be free from any visible inclusions.
That’s a lot.
Most ladies were more than happy to slightly compromise on size and color as long as the diamond was overwhelmingly blemish-free.
Diamond clarity profoundly influences the radiant sparkle and dazzling brilliance — qualities that are the heart and soul of engagement rings.
A diamond exhibiting minimal inclusions and blemishes permits maximum light interaction, thus elevating its fiery brilliance and sparkle.
Diamond Clarity Chart
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), among other diamond grading labs, utilizes a clarity chart to grade diamonds based on the type, size, and severity of imperfections in a diamond.
The diamond clarity scale ranges from Flawless (F), a grade given to diamonds with no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification, to Included (I3), where inclusions and/or blemishes are visible to the naked eye.
The clarity designation of a diamond will be clearly indicated on its grading report.
What Is SI Diamond Clarity?
SI stands for “Slightly Included”.
These diamonds are on the middle of this clarity scale, offering quality diamonds at more accessible price points than the top tiers.
The GIA states that SI diamonds have “visible inclusions under 10x magnification”.
And as you’ll see below, the inclusions are also visible to the naked in many cases.
The SI clarity grade is further divided into two: SI1 and SI2.
These subcategories help diamond graders distinguish between diamonds with fewer inclusions (SI1 diamonds) and those with more or larger inclusions (SI2 diamonds).
SI is a broad category where the appearance of two diamonds with the same SI-grade can look drastically different.
Difference Between SI1 and SI2 Clarity
The term “eye-clean” refers to diamonds that appear flawless to the naked eye, meaning no inclusions or blemishes are visible without magnification.
From experience, about 50% of SI1’s are eye-clean, which drops to 25% when you reach SI2.
SI diamonds for engagement rings can be risky business.
A stone might look a-ok to you, but your fiancee sees the impurities.
SI1 – Might be eye clean.
SI1 clarity diamonds have been the darling of the mined diamond jewellery trade for years.
They’re affordable, and inclusions are usually not blatant at first glance.
An SI1 diamond typically has a few smaller inclusions, which each, if taken individually, wouldn’t be an eye sore.
SI2 – Probably not eye clean.
Technically, SI2 diamonds have more and/or larger inclusions than SI1 diamonds.
Currently, most SI2 diamonds have inclusions that aren’t hard to spot without magnification.
If you’re shopping in the SI tier, SI1 and 2, I recommend you view the diamonds in person if possible and make the call for yourself.
Price of SI Clarity Diamonds
As you can imagine, with some Si diamonds being eye-clean, and others not there is quite a spread in prices. This is a clarity range where comparing apples to apples is hard.
Since SI diamonds fall in a budget-friendly range, they pair well with mid-tier colors like I.
1,00ct Round Brilliant I SI1 – $3 050
1,00ct Round Brilliant I SI2 – $2 590
*These are the average prices based on quotes from 5 established online jewellers.
The price of SI diamonds can vary significantly depending on factors like carat weight, cut quality, diamond shape, and whether the stone is eye-clean.
SI vs VS Clarity Grade Diamonds
VS diamonds (VS1 and VS2) usually have minor inclusions not visible to the naked eye.
If you compare these images with those of the SI grades above, you can see the stark difference.
Yet, a well-chosen SI diamond can be eye-clean and exhibit a similar aesthetic appeal to a VS diamond.
Generally, the premium to up the clarity to VS is well justified.
1,00ct Round Brilliant I VS2 – $3 650.
If the jump to VS2 is too steep I recommend rather decreasing the size to 0,90ct. Then you’ll be in the mid two thousand range.
Is there a significant difference in price between SI and VS diamonds?
Yes, there is a noticeable price difference between si diamonds and vs diamonds due to the clarity range. SI diamonds tend to be more affordable, offering an opportunity to save money while still getting a beautiful diamond. It’s a popular choice for those looking to maximize their carat weight or diamond size without compromising too much on clarity.
Lab Grown SI Diamonds
Sharing identical physical, chemical, and optical characteristics with natural diamonds, lab diamonds have become a popular alternative.
Since the process of creating lab grown diamonds is finely controlled, manufacturers invest their resources into creating diamonds with high clarity grades.
This results in superior clarity quality lab-grown diamonds being more readily available and significantly more affordable than their natural counterparts.
A 1,00ct Round Brilliant D VS1 will cost you no more than $700.
Pros of SI Clarity Diamonds
Affordability
One of the significant benefits of choosing an SI diamond is its affordability. These diamonds are priced lower than diamonds with higher clarity grades, such as VS (Very Slightly Included) or VVS (Very, Very Slightly Included). Are they good value, though? That will boil down to whether they’re eye clean or not.
Possible Eye-Clean Appearance
Some SI diamonds, especially those graded SI1, can appear eye-clean.
Variety of Choices
SI clarity diamonds are common, meaning you’ll have a wide range of diamonds to choose from in carat weight, color, and cut.
Cons of SI Clarity Diamonds
Visible Inclusions
In SI clarity diamonds, especially SI2s, inclusions may be visible to the naked eye, particularly in larger diamonds or step-cut diamond shapes like Emerald or Asscher cuts with large, open facets.
Lower Resale Value
This is a very common clarity grade, and there is always a steady supply.
Quality Variation
There can be a considerable variation in the appearance of SI clarity diamonds due to the size, number, location, and color of inclusions. Some SI diamonds might look almost as clean as VS diamonds, while others could have noticeable inclusions. Therefore, careful examination and selection are crucial.
Is An SI Clarity Diamond Right For Me?
I can think of three scenarios where a mined Si clarity grade diamond can make sense for an engagement ring:
- You’re well familiar with SI diamonds and the imperfections don’t bother you at all.
- You’re maximising diamond size in and visual compromises in other areas are A-OK.
- You found a truly eye clean SI diamond at a great price.
If you’re a lab diamond convert there’s no reason to be looking at clarities below the VS clarity range. I can’t recommend lab grown diamonds enough if you’re browsing in the SI range for mined diamonds. They’re downright superior.
Conclusion
Carefully selected SI diamonds can deliver spectacular beauty and excellent value. Understanding the ins and outs of this clarity grade enables you to make an informed decision and select a diamond that beautifully balances brilliance and budget.
Whether you’re considering natural or lab grown SI diamonds, you’ll find that this clarity grade can offer a plethora of captivating choices for your dream diamond engagement ring.
While diamonds si clarity might not match the near-perfection of a flawless diamond or VVS diamonds, many si diamonds, especially those of the si1 clarity grade, can appear “eye-clean” and offer excellent value. The si diamond clarity grade often offers a balance between price and aesthetics.
While diamonds si clarity might not match the near-perfection of a flawless diamond or VVS diamonds, many si diamonds, especially those of the si1 clarity grade, can appear “eye-clean” and offer excellent value. The si diamond clarity grade often offers a balance between price and aesthetics.
It varies. Some si diamonds will have inclusions visible to the naked eye, while others, particularly si1 diamonds, might not. The visibility also depends on the diamond shape, cut quality, and the location and nature of the inclusions.
Yes, there is a noticeable price difference between si diamonds and vs diamonds due to the clarity range. SI diamonds tend to be more affordable, offering an opportunity to save money while still getting a beautiful diamond. It’s a popular choice for those looking to maximize their carat weight or diamond size without compromising too much on clarity.
Some diamond shapes, like emerald cut diamonds, have broad, flat facets that might make inclusions more visible. Conversely, fancy shapes like heart-shaped diamonds or those with many facets, can sometimes mask or draw attention away from minor inclusions. The cut quality and diamond’s crystal structure also play a role in how inclusions are perceived.
Most SI diamonds don’t have “dangerous imperfections” that compromise their structural integrity. However, some internal inclusions, especially if they reach or are near the diamond’s surface, could potentially pose a risk, especially in si2 diamonds where inclusions tend to be more prominent. Always check the clarity plot on the grading report and consult with a gemologist.
While there’s a general consistency among reputable labs, slight variations can exist. Some labs might grade a diamond as SI1, while another might classify it as SI2. Always consider the reputation of the grading lab and, if possible, view the diamond firsthand to make your assessment.
Generally, the larger the diamond, the more visible any inclusions might be. This means that for diamonds of higher carat weight, the inclusions characteristic of SI diamonds might become more apparent. It’s crucial, especially with larger diamonds, to scrutinize the clarity and ensure it meets your visual standards.
