Clarity Grades: SI1 and SI2 Diamonds

SI1 and SI2 clarity diamonds are a common choice. Keep reading to learn more about this clarity grade.

Diamond Clarity

Diamond Clarity Grading

Each diamond has a unique mix of features that make it special. Throughout history, jewelers and traders have used different methods for classifying diamonds and identifying those features.

Nowadays, the GIA’s 4 Cs of diamonds system is the most accepted and widely used method for quality grading worldwide. The 4 Cs are Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carats. Each of these traits it’s measured or described with a different scale. A stone’s value is determined by how high or low the gem scores in each C.

Generally speaking, Clarity expresses how clean or included a diamond looks. 

The GIA’s Diamond Clarity Scale identifies eleven possible grades, divided into six groups. 

​Image Source: GIA

Flawless (FL) is the highest possible grade and Included 3 (I3) is the lowest. Ritani does not carry Included diamonds.

Why Is Diamond Clarity Important?

Diamonds enjoy fantastic refraction and reflection properties such as high brilliance, fire, and scintillation. But those sparkling features can be affected by poor Clarity. Too many impurities can block a diamond’s light return. In extreme cases of very poor Clarity, like grades of the Included group (I1, I2, and I3), diamonds can look dull, foggy, and even become prone to chipping because of the many surface imperfections.

Only diamonds with Clarity grades FL to SI2 are considered by experts to be suitable for jewelry use. Every Earth-grown and Lab-grown diamond in our inventory falls within that range.

What Are Diamond Inclusions?

Two primary forms of imperfections can be present in diamonds: inclusions and blemishes. Inclusions are internal, and blemishes are located on the surface of the stone. Together they are referred to as “Clarity Characteristics.”

In a laboratory report, you will find what’s known as a plot diagram, a representation of the diamond with marks and notes that point out all the different kinds of inclusions and blemishes spotted during analysis.

Clarity grades are assigned after observing the stone under 10x magnification.

SI1 and SI2 Clarity Grades

The Slightly Included Clarity Group

SI is the fifth group in the Diamond Clarity Scale, and it’s comprised of two grades: Slightly Included 1 and Slightly Included 2.

If you're looking to get the most out of your budget, SI diamonds are a great choice. Going for lower Clarity will allow you to invest in more carat weight or any other feature that it’s more important to you.

Slightly Included diamonds have flaws that are likely visible upon close inspection, even without a loupe. But make no mistake, SI diamonds are not bad quality at all. From a distance, most people won’t be able to spot any inclusions at all.

Are SI Diamonds Good?

Yes! SI1 and SI2 diamonds are sparkly, gorgeous stones. They are in the sweet spot of being the less expensive Clarity grades while still offering amazing light return and a stunning appearance.

SI diamonds are popular for engagement rings, diamond earrings, and diamond pendants. Brilliant cuts have many tiny facets that create a lot of flashes. This shimmery effect makes it practically impossible to see inclusions anyways.

What’s The Difference Between SI1 And SI2?

Inclusions on an SI2 diamond tend to be larger, more numerous, or located in a more visible area than those in an SI1 grade.

Are SI Diamonds Eye-Clean?

There is no definitive range of what Clarity grades fit into the “Eye-Clean” category. This arbitrary term refers to any diamond that looks clean at a 6 to 12 inch distance. Some people have better eyesight and can spot inclusions better than others.

SI1 diamonds will typically pass the Eye-Clean test. Depending on the location of the inclusions, some SI2 can also be considered Eye-Clean.

Check out the SI2 diamond below - even at 40x magnification, it still does not have obvious inclusions.

VS vs. SI Grade Diamonds

Are you divided between a Very Slightly or a Slightly Included diamond? You are not alone. Many others face this debate, and while there isn’t an answer that will fit everybody’s personal situation, we suggest taking a look at your priorities. However, VS diamonds are definitely preferred for step-cut diamonds, such as the emerald-cut or Asscher-cut. 

Should You Get an SI Grade Diamond?

Every little trait a diamond possesses has an impact on value. When comparing diamonds of similar characteristics, you will soon notice that the slightest grade difference in Clarity can make a difference of hundreds or thousands of dollars. 

Ask yourself what features are of most importance to you or to your fiancé. For some, it’s all about size, in which case, going for lower Color and Clarity grades is often the way to get more carat weight for your buck. For purists, getting a diamond as colorless and clean as possible it’s the top priority, even if this means buying a smaller stone.

Both SI1 and SI2 are great choices. Their internal and external clarity characteristics are likely not noticeable unless you examine the stone at close range or with a loupe. 

We highly recommend getting an SI diamond if you want to maximize your budget.

3 Tips For Buying an SI1 or SI2 Diamond

Finding the SI diamond that’s perfect for you is easy with our filters and other search tools. Here are our best tips:

1. Choose a Brilliant Shape

Brilliant cuts, especially the Round, Oval, and Cushion, tend to mask inclusions better thanks to the arrangement of their tiny facets and spectacular fire and scintillation properties. Step Cuts like the Emerald have larger facets, making it easier to spot flaws, particularly in SI2 grades.

2. Pay Attention To The Location Of Inclusions

If you’re unsure about an SI1 or an SI2 diamond, check out our 360º HD videos. SI diamonds can look surprisingly clean! It’s all about size and location. Inclusions away from the table, closer to the girdle, are less likely to be noticeable once mounted in a ring setting, and prongs can also help conceal them.

3. Look For Best Value Recommendations

When you select all the search filters you want, our unique algorithm will show you suggestions for Best Value stones that fit your criteria while offering great prices.

Need help choosing the right Slightly Included diamond or just want a second opinion? Chat with one of our non-commissioned gemologists today!