Bottom Line Recommendations…
- The main difference between SI1 and SI2 clarity grades is that in the SI1, the inclusions are situated near the edges. Those in the SI2 are closer to the center making them easier to spot. Take a look here at an SI2 emerald cut. Read through our guide below on the difference between SI1 and SI2 diamonds.
- The price of the SI1 is higher than the SI2. Note, however, that it is still possible to find an eye-clean diamond in the SI2. You will need to find the right combination between color, carat weight, and cut quality.
- SI diamonds with excellent cut quality will have more fire and brilliance allowing them to hide any imperfection much better as you can see here. Also, a larger diamond is more likely to show the imperfections than a smaller diamond.
- It is not recommended to go as low as SI clarity grades when dealing with step-cut diamonds such as the emerald cut and the Asscher cut. These have large tables that will draw the eye to any blemishes and inclusions. However, it is still possible to find an eye-clean diamond as you can see here.
- Always make sure that the diamond is as eye-clean as possible when dealing with the SI clarity scale. There is no point in spending your money on a diamond with visible inclusions.
SI diamonds offer the perfect combination of affordability and quality. Granted, these may not be the most prestigious stones but for the budget-conscious that still wants a decent looking diamond, SI1 and SI2 diamonds are an excellent choice.
Compared to the VVS diamonds, SI diamonds may not be as attractive. Make the wrong buying decision and you may end up with a stone that is outright unpleasant to look at.
However, with a few clever tips, you can find an SI stone that looks stunning.
Difference between SI1 and SI2 diamonds
It should come as no surprise that the SI1 diamonds have a higher rating than SI2 diamonds. The inclusions in the SI1 clarity scale are located further away from the center of the diamond and nearer the edges while the SI2 diamonds have inclusions that are nearer to the center of the stone.
This makes the inclusions in the SI2 diamonds easier to see than in the SI1 diamonds.
However, the best way to Judge the appearance of the diamond is to view the diamond yourself. Only then can you tell whether it’s eye-clean or not. An SI diamond will be cheaper than an SI2 diamond. If you found and SI2 stone that is eye clean, it is more preferable to an SI1 diamond that is also eye clean due to the difference in price.
When evaluating the diamonds, ensure that you observe it from different angles. Having a 360-degree video of the stone is a great way to make an informed buying decision especially when buying your diamond online.
Diamond clarity scale
Learning the diamond clarity scale is crucial. The clarity is among the diamond 4Cs. Others include the cut, color, and carat weight.
The clarity scale tells you how clear a diamond appears and whether there are any imperfections on the stone. Such imperfections could be blemishes found on the surface of the diamond or inclusions found inside the diamond structure.
Blemishes are far easier to remove than inclusions. The more the blemishes or inclusions, the less clear the diamond and the less sparkle and brilliance it will have.
The GIA diamond clarity scale is as flows:
FL flawless and IF internally flowerless — These diamonds do not have any inclusions, blemishes and are completely clear.
VVS1 and VVS2 — These are very very slightly included. The diamonds have slight inclusions that are not visible by the naked eye. They are also hard to spot under 10X magnification and only the trained eye will be able to find them.
SI1 and SI2 diamonds — These are slightly included. The inclusions may or may not be visible to the naked eye. It comes down to the nature of the inclusions and whether they are colored or clustered.
I1, I2 and I3 diamonds — These are included diamonds. The inclusions are visible to the naked eye.
The SI1 and the SI2 diamonds are closer to the included clarity grades. Compared to the VVS diamonds, these diamonds are cheaper and much easier to find. You can still find a stone that appears eye clean at a very affordable price in the SI clarity grade.
SI1 vs SI2 — price
Sometimes you might not tell the difference between an eye-clean SI1 and an eye-clean SI2. However, the differences in their prices can be huge.
Do not purchase diamonds with inclusions that are easy to spot with the naked eye. These are bad purchases as the diamonds are less appealing and will have less sparkle and brilliance.
There is no point in spending your money on a diamond with visible inclusions. Search instead for eye-clean diamonds that are in the SI1 or the SI2 clarity grade. You will get the best bang for your buck.
SI1 vs SI2 clarity grade — settings
Now that you know how to pick the best diamond in the SI1 and the SI2 clarity grade, the next step is knowing how to choose the right jeweler and setting for the diamond.
You will need to consider the inclusions in the stone when picking the ideal setting.
If your diamond is for an engagement ring, the idea is to make the inclusions as less visible as possible. This is because the diamond will be the center stone and will draw the eye to it.
The fact that the center stone draws attention means that inclusions can also be easily seen. The diamond should, therefore, be as eye-clean as possible.
Note however that if you have a diamond in the SI1 or the SI2 color grade that has visible inclusions, this is not to say that you cannot make the most of them. They can be used in earrings and necklaces as the eye is not drawn easily to these as it is to an engagement ring.
Some tips for buying SI1 and SI2 diamonds
The first thing that you need to do when shopping for a diamond in the SI1 or the SI2 color grade is to check how visible the inclusions are. Compared to the VVS1 diamond which is always eye clean, a stone in the SI grade can either be eye-clean or something unpleasant to look at.
Also keep in mind that while the clarity grade will be mentioned in the lab report and the diamond certificate, you will not know where the inclusions are located until you observe the diamond yourself.
It gets even more important to inspect the diamond yourself the lower down you go on the clarity scale. If you decide to buy your diamond online, make sure you do so from a reputable seller such as James Allen or the Blue Nile as these offer the best quality 360-degree videos of their diamonds.
Viewing the diamond under the normal 20X, 10X and a reduced magnification of 2X magnification, you can easily tell if it is going to be eye-clean or not.
As you evaluate diamonds in the SI color grade, remember that while most imperfections will be visible from the pavilion side of the stone, most diamond settings will keep this part of the diamond well hidden. Instead, focus on the inclusions that are visible through the top part of the diamond. After all, most people will view the diamond from the top side.
Conclusion
Not everyone can choose a good-looking diamond in the SI1 and the SI2 clarity grade. However, by following a few simple tips you will be able to pick a stone that is eye clean and friendly on your budget. Of course, you will require more time to sift through the many options, but you will be pleased when you finally find the ideal diamond for you.