When it comes to diamonds, clarity is a key factor in determining a stone’s value. The clarity grade of a diamond is an indication of how much inclusions or “birthmarks” are visible in the diamond. Inclusions are internal or external features that interrupt the passage of light through a stone, and they can be made up of tiny crystals, feathers, or naturals.
Clarity is graded on a scale ranging from Flawless to I3, with the SI1 grade standing in the middle. Generally speaking, most SI1 clarity diamonds are still eye-clean, meaning their inclusions are not visible to the untrained eye. But is an SI1 clarity diamond a good choice for you? Read on to find out.
What Does SI1 Clarity Mean?
SI1 clarity refers to diamonds that have slight inclusions that range in visibility from easy to medium. When magnified under 10 times the magnification, you can see small details like tiny feathers, naturals, and small crystals inside the diamond.
At the same time, these inclusions are usually not visible to the untrained eye. An SI1 clarity diamond may appear less internally clean and its sparkle will be affected a bit more than a higher clarity grade. Still, an SI1 clarity diamond can offer great value for money and is excellent for those on a tight budget.
Diamond Clarity and Price
Clarity is one of the key factors that affect a diamond’s price. The higher the clarity grade, the higher the price and the lower the clarity grade, the lower the price. For instance, an SI1 clarity diamond is usually 25% to 45% cheaper per carat compared to a VS2 clarity diamond. Of course, the price of the diamond is also based on the other 4Cs of diamond quality—color, cut, and carat weight.
Buying an SI1 Clarity Diamond: Types of Clarity Features
When choosing an SI1 clarity diamond for your engagement ring, there are three main types of clarity features to take into consideration:
1. Pinpoints or Tiny Crystals – These are very small and won’t affect the aesthetics of the diamond.
2. Feathers – These are long, wispy, and chaotic. Feathers can look like a white tracery inside the diamond and can affect its sparkle.
3. Naturals – These are pronounced indentations that are usually zigzagged or curved in shape. Naturals are often noticeable to the unaided eye and can affect the diamond’s sparkle.
Durability Concerns
One thing to keep in mind when choosing an SI1 clarity diamond is that some of its inclusions may not be durable over time. While small pinpoints are usually free from any durability concerns, long feathers and naturals can be more prone to chipping. As such, before selecting an SI1 clarity diamond, it’s important to ensure that its inclusions are placed in areas away from the girdle.
Diamond Shape
The shape of the diamond also matters when it comes to clarity. On one hand, round diamonds are ideal cuts for SI1 clarity diamonds as their facet structure will conceal their inclusions. On the other hand, fancy cuts like princess or cushion are often not a good choice since the sharp corners and angles of the diamond will make its inclusions more visible to the unaided eye.
Considering a VS2 or SI2?
If you’re considering going for a higher clarity grade such as VS2 or SI2, you might get more value for your money by choosing an SI1 clarity diamond.
This is because the difference between a VS2 clarity diamond and an SI1 clarity diamond is often lesser than the difference between an SI2 clarity diamond and an SI1 clarity diamond.
As such, the extra money spend on a VS2 or SI2 clarity diamond might not offer enough value for you.
In conclusion, an SI1 clarity diamond is generally a great choice if you want to get the most bang for your buck. However, it’s important to keep in mind that every clarity grade has its pros and cons, so it’s best to use discretion before making a final decision.
