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WHICH DIAMOND CLARITY IS SI CLARITY?

WHAT DOES SI CLARITY MEAN? SI1, SI2 OR SI3 CLARITY?

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Which Diamond Clarity is SI Clarity?

Which clarity is SI clarity?

You ask the jeweler what the clarity of a diamond is. He tells you “SI clarity“…

You smile and nod.

SI is a good clarity, right?

This is where it gets tricky…

For SI could be good or not-so-good depending on which diamond clarity “SI” is.

You see, some jewelers like to simplify and lump all of the SI’s together and say “SI“. But that isn’t very truthful…

There is more than one SI clarity diamond.

SI clarity is a range.

The SI clarity range is a couple of different clarity grades: SI1 and SI2 (and sometimes even SI3).

The 1 and 2 are the important numbers (actually called level 1 and level 2) SI1 is better than SI2 .

Let’s take a closer Look at the meanings…

SI1 clarity:

SI1 means Slightly Included. It has small inclusions and flaws that are only microscopic. They are not seen with the bare eye (unless you have a bionic eye).

To see the inclusions in an SI1 diamond (like these SI1 clarity diamonds here) you’ll need a 10x (ten powered) microscope or a 10x jeweler’s loupe. Under magnification like this, the inclusions and flaws should be easy to spot.

SI2 clarity:

SI2 is one step below SI1 clarity.

SI2 has bigger flaws and inclusions in the stone that are almost invisible to the eye. From the top view (looking straight down into the diamond), the diamond will appear clean and you won’t normally see flaws. But, from a side view you’ll be able to spot them (sometimes, all stones are different).

Viewing from the side may show you black carbon spots, lines, cracks, clouds… Things that were frozen in the diamond when the diamond was created a billion years ago.

SI2 clarity (like these SI2 diamonds here) is the in-between clarity grade that separates hidden inclusions (SI1 or higher) from visible inclusions (Included diamonds), which is I1 clarity or lower.

This is why SI2 clarity is the questionable clarity. You may see inclusions depending on what angle you’re viewing the stone at.

Granted, some people can look at SI2’s and never spot the flaws. Some inclusions are easier to see than others. Some hide better. Every diamond should be scrutinized and judged independently.

And then there is one more SI clarity stone…

SI3 clarity:

Right off the bat I’ll tell you this:

SI3 clarity is not recognized by GIA (GIA wrote the book on diamond grading: the 4C’s).

GIA grades SI3 clarity diamonds as being I1 clarity diamonds instead.

There is no SI3!

The diamond is either an SI2 diamond or an I1 diamond. Not something in between.

I can totally understand SI3 clarity though… I have seen some I1 clarity diamonds that really do face up so well that they could pass for an SI2 stone (I’ve highlighted many on this website). Some diamonds are borderline and it all comes down to opinion. There is no right or wrong. But there is no SI3!

If you can see any inclusions from the top down view, no matter what the color of the inclusion is (white or black), then that diamond will be an I clarity diamond.

SI3 clarity is just a name to make the diamonds sound better than they really are.

SI3 is what some may call it… But it’s really an I1 clarity stone.

Don’t be fooled.

If a jeweler is calling the clarity of a diamond simply by the title of “SI clarity“, then…

DON’T BUY IT!

Ask the jeweler “Which SI clarity? Is it SI1, SI2 or SI3?

There is a big difference in looks and a big difference in price. Check out these price differences below between an SI1, SI2, and an I1 clarity (SI3) diamond…

Compare prices:

CARAT WEIGHT, CLARITY, COLOR, CUT, CERTIFIED PRICE VIEW
1.00, SI1, G, EXCELLENT, GIA $4,770 VIEW
1.00, SI2, G, EXCELLENT, GIA $3,390 VIEW
1.00, I1, G, EXCELLENT, GIA $2,260 VIEW

P.S. Viewing all those diamonds and seeing the differences in inclusions and flaws is pretty breathtaking (not to mention the difference in price).
Prices obtained through James Allen (the lowest diamond prices around).

Any jeweler that says “SI clarity” without telling you the 1, 2, or 3 (some jewelers carry SI3, others don’t, or won’t), should be telling you one thing loud and clear: It’s the lower clarity grade.

Why do I say that?

Because if the diamond was an SI1 clarity (the highest of the bunch), then they would be sure to tell you. The only reason not to tell you, is if it’s the lower clarity.

An SI1 clarity diamond will almost always be called an SI1 clarity diamond (and as you saw, the price differences were extreme). An SI2 or SI3 clarity diamond will just be given the name “SI clarity“.

So if they don’t tell you 1, 2 or 3… Just assume it’s SI2 or worse (and that’s what you should be comparing).

And also don’t buy it… unless that’s what you wanted; an SI2 or lower.

Don’t let “SI clarity” fool you.

I clarity:

The same holds true for I clarity. I clarity is made up of 3 grades: I1, I2 and I3. If the jewelry store tells you “I clarity“, it’s probably the bottom of the bucket, which is I2 or I3.

VVS and VS:

Likewise with VVS clarity and VS clarity diamonds.

There are VVS1, VVS2 and VS1, VS2. They all have numbers attached to them. If they lump it together as just “VS clarity” or “VVS Clarity” always assume it’s the lowest grade.

1, 2, and 3 really do make a difference.

So, what’s your number?

See more great SI1+ certified diamonds here.

Cheers! :)




Recommended Jewelry Supplies:

Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner Jewelry Steam Cleaner Complete Jewelry Cleaner Kit Diamond Dazzle Stick
Gold Silver Jewelry Polishing Cloths Jewelry Making Supplies Kit Gold Acid Test Kit Watch Tool Repair Kit
Ring Adjusters EMT Emergency Ring Cutter 10x Jewelers Loupe Jewelers Microscope

Recommended Jewelry Supplies:

Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner Jewelry Steam Cleaner
Complete Jewelry Cleaner Kit Diamond Dazzle Stick
Gold Silver Jewelry Polishing Cloths Jewelry Making Supplies Kit
Gold Acid Test Kit Watch Tool Repair Kit
Ring Adjusters EMT Emergency Ring Cutter
10x Jewelers Loupe Jewelers Microscope

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