How good is SI2 clarity?
SI2 clarity diamonds have noticeable inclusions that are very easy for a diamond grader to see using 10x magnification. We think if your diamond is bigger than a half-carat in size you'll have no trouble seeing them either. The more inclusions there are in a diamond, the more they affect its overall appearance.
SI stands for "Slightly Included." Just below SI1 and above I diamonds, SI2 clarity diamonds are on the lower end of the clarity scale. However, that doesn't mean you should avoid them. These diamonds offer an affordable price point, and their flaws are often not visible to the naked eye.
An SI2 diamond is a diamond that will have inclusions visible to the naked eye. This means that you can spot mid-sized inclusions without having to use a professional diamond loupe. The inclusions may require close inspection but they can be seen with the eye.
It will sparkle more because the inclusions are on the edge of the diamond and not interfering with the light as it travels through the centre of the stone. This gives the diamond more brilliance and sparkle.
Keep watching to see what we consider an excellent SI2 clarity diamond. Not only is it 100% eye clean with only scattered transparent inclusions throughout, it is also very crisp and has excellent luster/sparkle.
Sometimes the plot will look very clean – this means you must investigate why the diamond has been given an SI2 grade. In particular, look out for mentions of clouds – In the SI range they can sometimes give diamonds a hazy, milky appearance that limits light return and brilliance.
Can you wear diamond studs or a diamond ring in the shower? You should remove your diamond studs or other diamond jewelry prior to showering. When diamonds are exposed to natural oils, certain soaps, and lotions, it can leave a film over the diamond resulting in less brilliance and sparkle.
The biggest differences in the SI2 vs SI1 debate are the number and type of inclusions they have. SI1 diamonds tend to have fewer inclusions than SI2 — as few as one inclusion, to several in the same stone.
Technically speaking, the differences between SI1 and SI2 diamond grades are subtle. In general, SI1 diamonds have inclusions that aren't visible to the unaided eye and you'll see eye-visible inclusions more often in SI2 stones.
SI1 has the fewest and smallest inclusions, while SI2 has more and larger inclusions. This doesn't mean that SI clarity diamonds are a poor choice. In fact, most SI1 clarity diamonds will look just as good as a higher clarity diamond.
Are SI2 diamonds natural?
Most gem-quality diamonds in the market have inclusions and that's completely normal due to their natural formation process deep within the Earth. SI2 diamonds are no different and they just happen to have more inclusions compared to diamonds with higher clarity grades.
The color grade is more important than the clarity grade because cushion-cut diamonds tend to retain a lot of color. If you don't want any hints of color, look for a cushion cut diamond with a color grade of H or above.

Because diamonds reflect white light, colorless diamonds produce the best sparkle and fire. In fact, the more color a diamond has, the less likely it is to reflect white light. And as a result, will produce less sparkle. A D-color diamond is the highest quality, and will offer the greatest sparkle.
Generally speaking, if you're shopping online you should be looking for a VS2 clarity diamond or better but if you're shopping locally you may be able to find eye clean SI1 or SI2 diamonds that would be tough to judge based on pictures you see online.
On the diamond clarity scale, SI grades are closer to the bottom with only I (Included) grades lower. The SI range is broken down into two grades: SI1 and SI2. The difference between these two is in the amount, size, and how noticeable the inclusions are when viewed, with SI1 being the better grade.
According to GIA and AGS, diamonds that are considered Flawless (FL), Internally Flawless (IF), Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) and Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) are considered eye clean.
If you'd like a specific recommendation for clarity and diamond studs, the GIA has one. The jewelry experts at the GIA suggest that you can go as low as SI1, SI2, I1 or even I2 for diamond studs.
Whether it be the cut, color, carat, or clarity, all of these qualities will effect the price of the diamond. A diamond's clarity grade has a direct correlation with a diamond's price. But, after a certain point, it's impossible to distinguish between grades with the naked eye!
You see, sparkle is all about light reflection. And the way a diamond is cut affects how light goes in and out of the diamond. Poorly cut diamonds don't reflect as much light, and so they have a duller sparkle.
According to the GIA “(SI) diamonds have noticeable inclusions that are easy to very easy for a trained grader to see when viewed under 10x magnification.
Does diamond clarity affect sparkle?
Choose a diamond with good color and clarity.
Both will reduce the sparkle in a diamond.
SI stands for "Slightly Included," but that doesn't mean it's a bad grade. SI diamonds will often give you the most bang for your buck. Of the lower clarity grades, we recommend these. Like all diamonds, even flawless ones, SI diamonds have imperfections.
One of the best reasons for buying SI diamonds is their low prices. They can be 40–50% less expensive than other flawless diamonds. The price of an SI clarity diamond is determined by many additional factors. SI2 diamonds can be even cheaper than SI1 diamonds.
It's best not to. While sleeping isn't the most dangerous activity for your ring, better safe than sorry. Sleeping with your engagement ring includes these risks: Difficulty removing your ring in the morning due to swelling overnight.
VS clarity grade diamonds are very popular because of its lower price tag when compared to VVS diamonds, and its high quality when compared to SI diamonds whose flaws are easily seen in some cases.
Although the inclusions could be seen with ease using a 10X magnification loupe, SI1 diamonds will usually appear flawless to the naked eye of a casual observer. In fact, SI1 graded diamonds are great for people on a budget as they don't have to compromise on cut quality to get a larger stone.
But you may want to upgrade to VS1 for diamonds that are larger than two carats or emerald cut diamonds and Asscher cut diamonds that have broad facets that show inclusions more easily. If you are buying a round brilliant diamond, finding an eye-clean SI1 diamond may be a good choice for you.
VS (very slightly included) and SI (slightly included). VS diamonds are of the highest quality, as they have very few inclusions or blemishes and are usually only visible under 10x magnification. SI diamonds have slightly more inclusions or blemishes, but they are still considered to be high quality.
In terms of clarity, the most popular range for a diamond engagement ring is the VS1-VS2 diamond. Color is also a factor to consider when thinking about clarity. For example, it will be much easier to spot imperfections in a very clear white diamond than in a yellow diamond.
Obviously, diamonds with a lower clarity grade, like SI, "Slightly Included," will be more budget-friendly than a VS diamond. So, if you want to get the biggest diamond that appears flawless to the naked eye, consider a diamond with an SI1 or even SI2 clarity. Compare these four diamonds.
What is the most realistic diamond alternative?
Moissanites or white sapphires are most comparable to a diamond. While there are visible differences, these gems will look the closest to a diamond while offering a more affordable price. These stones are also high on the Mohs scale of relative hardness, making them suitable for everyday wear.
For stones one carat or smaller, VS or even SI grades are pretty standard. In small stones (those below half a carat), clarity doesn't matter as much. Color grades will be more noticeable. When buying a diamond, it's essential to look closely at the stone.
Out of the 4 C's of diamonds, the cut of the diamond is the most important. This is followed by color, clarity, and carat weight.
Diamond shape and size affect clarity. While clarity is less important than a diamond's cut or color, if you are buying a diamond over one carat or considering certain fancy-shaped diamonds (like an emerald or Asscher cut where flaws are more visible), you may want to spend more for a higher clarity grade.
Clarity is more important in shapes like emerald, princess, and asscher. Colour is important for cushion, radiant, pear and oval. Generally speaking, as long as you choose an eye-clean diamond, your diamond will still look beautiful in terms of clarity.
Which diamond cut has the least sparkle? Baguette is the worst diamond shape in terms of brilliance. This shape makes a diamond sparkle less, even if it has an ideal cut.
- The Taylor-Burton. The pear-shaped Taylor-Burton diamond has 69.42 carats and Flawless Clarity. ...
- The Oppenheimer Blue. ...
- The Cullianan Heritage. ...
- The Hope Diamond. ...
- The Archduke Joseph.
When VS1 and VS2 diamonds are compared, it is often found that VS1 diamonds have lesser and more minor inclusions. In comparison to VS2, the inclusions in VS1 are harder to detect. This is because VS2 diamonds have inclusions that are more visible than VS1 diamonds.
But I-color diamonds are a very good option, especially for yellow and rose gold engagement rings. I-color diamonds will look brightest in round brilliant diamonds and other well-cut brilliant diamond shapes like ovals, cushions, and princess cuts in sizes up to about one-carat.
You won't see the inclusions in a VS2 diamond with your naked eye. And you definitely won't see them when your VS2 diamond is set in an engagement ring. Diamonds with a VS2 clarity grade offer you the best balance of beauty and affordability. We think they are the best diamond value.
Are lab SI diamonds real?
Lab Diamonds are Real
They have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as mined diamonds and exhibit the same fire, scintillation, and sparkle. Lab grown diamonds offer an exceptional value when compared with the same quality rare, earth mined diamonds.
I3 diamond clarity represents the lowest diamond clarity grade available.
"Slightly Included" (SI) is on the lower end of the range and has two subdivisions. SI1 has the fewest and smallest inclusions, while SI2 has more and larger inclusions. This doesn't mean that SI clarity diamonds are a poor choice. In fact, most SI1 clarity diamonds will look just as good as a higher clarity diamond.
The best diamond clarity rating is Flawless (FL). These are the rarest diamonds in the world; less than 0.05% of all diamonds are Flawless or Internally Flawless.
Theoretically, the difference between SI1 and VS2 diamonds is that SI1 diamonds are more included than VS2 diamonds. But sometimes an SI1 can be a better choice than a VS2 diamond, because the inclusions are less noticeable or they're in a place that's hidden by your setting or the prongs holding it.
But you may want to upgrade to VS1 for diamonds that are larger than two carats or emerald cut diamonds and Asscher cut diamonds that have broad facets that show inclusions more easily. If you are buying a round brilliant diamond, finding an eye-clean SI1 diamond may be a good choice for you.
Obviously, diamonds with a lower clarity grade, like SI, "Slightly Included," will be more budget-friendly than a VS diamond. So, if you want to get the biggest diamond that appears flawless to the naked eye, consider a diamond with an SI1 or even SI2 clarity. Compare these four diamonds.
What are the least expensive/most affordable diamond Cuts? Carat-per-carat, emerald and Asscher cuts are the least expensive. Because they are step-cut, there is less waste when these diamonds are cut off of the rough stone, which is going to cost the same no matter how it gets cut.
Out of the 4 C's of diamonds, the cut of the diamond is the most important. This is followed by color, clarity, and carat weight.
I1, I2, and I3 Diamond Clarity
I1 clarity have the least amount of eye-visible inclusions, whereas I2 diamonds have very visible inclusions. I3 diamonds are the lowest clarity grade possible prior to industrial drill bit use.
Are SI diamonds cloudy?
Most imperfections in SI diamonds tend to be inclusions, cloudy formations, pinpricks, feathers, and twinning wisps. Each of these can be large or small, and occur in any color with white or black being the most likely.