Jewelers are selling what is called an SI3 Clarity Diamond!
Is it for real? No, it's not! In fact...
SI3 Clarity is a Scam!
There is no such thing as SI3 Clarity.
If you look at the Clarity Grading System as implemented by G.I.A. (The Gemological Institute of America), you'll see that there is no such category called SI3! So if SI3 Clarity doesn't exist, then where does SI3 come from? Space?
Diamond Clarity Chart
Let's take a look at the Diamond Clarity Chart. G.I.A. devised this Chart along with the 4C's of Diamond Grading. Everyone across the Country uses this grading system to grade their Diamonds.
The G.I.A. Clarity Grades are: Flawless, Internally Flawless, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, I1, I2, and I3. There are 11 Categories in all. And SI3 is NOT one of them! (See Picture!)
What are SI3 Clarity Diamonds?
Why are SI3 Diamonds being sold Today if they don't exist?
SI3 Diamond Clarity is supposed to fall between the SI2 Clarity Range and the I1 Clarity Range. (See Picture again!) Some Jewelers and Certificate companies claim that the SI3 Clarity fills a much needed void in the G.I.A. Grading System.
They say that some Diamonds are borderline Clarity and are too good to really be considered an I1, but not good enough to be considered an SI2.
Since this is the most subjective Clarity range out of all the Clarity ranges, a man named Tom Tashey decided to stuff one more grade, SI3, in the middle of it to fill that gap.
G.I.A. Doesn't Recognize SI3
The problem is: G.I.A. doesn't recognize the SI3 Clarity.
All it does is lead to confusion for Jewelers, Pricing, and Customers!
An SI3 Stone is supposed to be a Diamond that faces up really well. It's supposed to almost look like an SI2 Clarity Diamond... But... it may have eye visible inclusions off to the side of the stone, near the Girdle's Edge! You see, these inclusions that fall towards the outside of a Diamond can keep that Diamond from being graded an SI2 Clarity.
It's sad! I've seen Diamonds like this. Truly beautiful Diamonds that have one big black carbon spot near the edge. And that one spot that's visible to the naked eye is the only thing keeping that Diamond from being graded higher and selling for a much higher price!
Customers can be Tricked!
A lot of Jewelers know that customers can be tricked. They know that if you set a Diamond properly, turning it just right in the head, that a lot of times the Prongs can actually cover up those identifying black marks and flaws. Prongs can make them practically invisible!
Some Jewelers will actually do this. They won't tell customers. They'll hide the inclusion and sell the stone as an SI2 Clarity Diamond.
Fraud?
You bet! Just because you can't see the flaw, doesn't mean it's not there.
You can even scope the Diamond and not see the black spot because it's already mounted. The inclusion is covered up. The customers don't notice that big carbon spot... Not Good!
This is why I always advise buying a Diamond that's loose! Never buy a pre-mounted Diamond. You never know what the prongs are hiding! Buying it Loose allows you to microscope the entire Diamond and view it from all angles and sides. If there are any imperfections in the Diamond, you'll be able to see them!
Hot Topic
Not only is SI3 a hot topic with Jewelers, but there's also a debate over where the SI3 Clarity range really fits into the chart.
Does it fit directly in the middle, spreading the Clarity Chart further apart? Does it chop some of the SI Clarity into more pieces making SI1 and SI2 smaller grades? They say this is what SI3 is supposed to be... Be added to the SI side, but that's just ridiculous to even think about. Why would you want to take a Diamond that you could sell as an SI2 and lower the grade on it (and the price) and call it an SI3 instead? Nuts! That's not going to happen. That's idiotic and insane!
SI3's are I1's
What most Jewelers believe is that SI3 is taking up some of the I1 Grade. They take a really nice looking I1 Clarity Diamond and try to pass it off as a better quality stone. It just sounds better calling it an SI. Most customers will hear SI and think "This is good!" Jewelers love it because it helps them sell more lower quality Diamonds. They turn these over and get paid more money for them. An SI3 rating will bank 20% more profit than an I1 Clarity rating!
It's all in perception. Customers are aware that I Clarity Diamonds are bad, and SI Clarity Diamonds are good. (Jewelers have planted that seed for years and years!) But sadly, some customers won't hear the "3" on the end of SI3. Won't hear... Or maybe just won't understand! It's rare for a customer to get into the intricate details of Diamonds like Girdles, Angles and the Depth of your Diamond. Normally they'll get a quick course about I, SI and VS. They'll hear about G-H Color and how it's white. They'll hear the price... and that's it! These people are just setting themselves up for a trap.
So why was SI3 Clarity brought into existence? Read on...
