A young Woman asked to see a Diamond Engagement Ring in the showcase. She asks about the quality. I told her it was
SI Clarity... and before I could explain what that meant, she looks at me and says...
"SI? What's that mean? Slightly Irregular?"
You'd be surprised what most people think the letters stand for.
SI Clarity means:
Slightly Included
Some also say, Slight Inclusions or Small Inclusions. They all pretty much mean the same thing. SI Clarity has small inclusions in it, it's slightly included!
SI Clarity is the most popular Clarity rating in the World. It's a great diamond to purchase, and you get a great looking stone for the price!
Microscopic Flaws
Slightly included means that there are tiny imperfections or flaws in the Diamond. Most of these flaws are microscopic.
Things like: Clouds, Pin Points, Carbon Spots, Feathers, and Crystals. There could also be things outside the Diamond like: Breaks and Chips, Fractures, Polishing Marks, Naturals, Trigons, Bearding, and Scratches. Don't worry about knowing what all these mean, just know that they are small identifying marks in the Diamond (like birthmarks or freckles) when viewed at 10X (or 10 Powered magnification) that help determine its Clarity rating.
These imperfections actually crystallized in the Diamond millions of years ago. Inclusions are unique in Diamonds just like snowflakes are in Mother Nature. No two are alike!
Depending on the SI Clarity Diamonds that you look at, those inclusions can vary widely.
Compare Diamonds at James Allen...
(Awesome Diamonds, Awesome Prices, use "RINGSUM" at checkout and save 10% off your ring mounting!)
.76, SI1, F, Round Brilliant, Ideal Cut $4,040
.75, SI2, F, Round Brilliant, Ideal Cut $3,060
SI Clarity is Divided up into 2 Categories
SI1 Clarity, and SI2 Clarity.
(Other Certificate companies actually add in a third category to the SI list, called the SI3 Clarity. But G.I.A. doesn't acknowledges it... So neither will I!)
Which SI Clarity is the best Clarity? Read on...
