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SI 1 and SI 2: How Different Are These Clarity Grades and Which One Should You Choose?

SI 1 and SI 2

Are you looking to buy a diamond or an engagement ring? And are you feeling lost in the confusing diamond jargons? You must have come across terms such as SI 1 and SI 2 clarity of diamonds; and wondered what they are.

In this blog, we’ll take a comparative look at these diamond clarity grades and understand all about it.


What is Diamond Clarity?

Clarity is one of the 4Cs that is assessed when grading a diamond. Whether its lab diamonds or real diamonds, diamond clarity is measured in both cases. Clarity refers to how clear the diamonds are internally. Diamonds that have blemishes, cracks, dust, or scratches are low on clarity. 

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), grades diamond clarity and denotes it by letters. Here’s a look at the diamond clarity scale:

GIA Diamond Clarity scale showing 11 possible clarity grades

Before we get into learning about SI 1 diamonds and SI 2 diamonds, let’s understand the other gradings on the diamond clarity chart.

 

What Are SI1 and SI2 on the Diamond Clarity Scale?

SI 1 diamonds and SI 2 diamonds are fourth on the diamond clarity scale. Both these grades have inclusions. What are inclusions? They are flaws such as cracks, scratches, dents, dust, etc.

That said, the inclusions in SI 1 diamonds and SI 2 diamonds are so minor that they aren’t visible to the naked eye. However, there are differences between SI 1 and SI 2. Let’s learn about the differences.

Now that you know the difference between SI 1 and SI 2 diamonds, let’s discuss a bit about why you should buy these diamonds.


Why should you buy SI 1 and SI 2 diamonds?

You might wonder why you would buy diamonds with inclusions. After all, who wants to buy damaged products, right? But when it comes to diamonds, there are many different factors one needs to consider. So let’s understand why buying SI 1 and SI 2 diamonds is a good choice.

Affordability

For those who are on a budget, SI 1 and SI 2 diamonds are one of the most affordable and good quality. More importantly, buying an SI 1 diamond or SI 2 diamond can mean you can buy a much bigger size diamond at the price you’d pay for a small diamond of a grade before these diamonds on the clarity scale.

Quality

Everyone would want a flawless diamond, but they might not be easily affordable by everyone. If you consider the clarity of diamonds to make your purchase decision, you might end up shelling out a lot more than you had budgeted for.

 

What Should You Choose — SI 1 or SI 2?

You’ll have to consider two factors to choose between SI 1 and SI 2 — price and quality. SI 1 diamonds are more expensive than SI 2 diamonds, but they are also cleaner. 

But not all SI 1 and SI 2 diamonds are equal. And so, it’s possible that some SI 2 diamonds have more visible incisions than SI 2 diamonds. Whether you go for real diamonds or synthetic diamonds, this factor will remain.

You should use clarity grades to guide you in your choice. So, when you choose diamonds, first pick those that look clean to your naked eye. 


Over to You

Now that you know which of these two diamonds you should choose, you’re in a better position to make informed decisions when choosing your gemstones. Whether you go for lab diamonds or real diamonds, understanding SI 1 and SI 2 grades will help you pick the right stone.

 

FAQs

1. What is the best shape to cover SI2 inclusions?

The round brilliant cut is often considered the best shape for covering flaws and inclusions. It has 58 facets that help maximize light reflection and hide imperfections. Oval, radiant, marquise and pear also help hide inclusions.

 

2. What are the common inclusions in a SI2 diamond & SI1 diamond?

The common inclusions in SI2 diamonds are crystals, feathers, clouds, and needles. SI1 diamonds have fewer and smaller inclusions compared to SI2 lab grown diamonds.

 

3. Is SI1 or SI2 clarity better for an engagement ring?

SI1 clarity is better for an engagement ring as its inclusions are less prominent compared to SI2. SI1 lab diamonds increase the likelihood of the diamonds appearing eye-clean.

 

4. Are SI1 diamonds worth the extra cost compared to SI2 diamonds?

SI1 diamonds are better than SI2 diamonds as the inclusions in SI2 are easy to notice. SI1 diamonds have fewer inclusions compared to SI2 and hence it is worth paying extra for SI1 diamonds.



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You must have come across terms such as SI 1 and SI 2\u0026nbsp;clarity of diamonds; and wondered what they are.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn this blog, we\u0026rsquo;ll take a comparative look at these\u0026nbsp;diamond clarity grades\u0026nbsp;and understand all about it.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is Diamond Clarity?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eClarity is one of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.growndiamondcorp.com/blog/the-4cs-of-diamond-grading-all-you-need-to-know/\"\u003e4Cs\u003c/a\u003e that is assessed when grading a diamond. Whether its\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://www.growndiamondcorp.com/blog/types-of-lab-grown-diamonds/\"\u003elab diamonds\u0026nbsp;\u003c/a\u003eor real diamonds, diamond clarity is measured in both cases. Clarity refers to how clear the diamonds are internally. Diamonds that have blemishes, cracks, dust, or scratches are low on clarity.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Gemological Institute of America (GIA), grades diamond clarity and denotes it by letters. Here\u0026rsquo;s a look at the diamond clarity scale:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"GIA Diamond Clarity scale showing 11 possible clarity grades\" src=\"https://4cs.gia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/162525-gia-clarity-scale-diamond-grade-690x460.jpg\" style=\"height:360px; width:540px\" /\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBefore we get into learning about\u0026nbsp;SI 1 diamonds and SI 2\u0026nbsp;diamonds, let\u0026rsquo;s understand the other gradings on the diamond clarity chart.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;Flawless:\u003c/strong\u003e diamonds that are completely clear\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;Internally flawless:\u003c/strong\u003e diamonds that have no flaws internally\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVVS 1 and VVS 2:\u003c/strong\u003e diamonds that are very very slightly included, which means they have very minor flaws that are visible only under strong magnification\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVS1 and VS2:\u003c/strong\u003e diamonds that are slightly included with flaws visible under magnification\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat Are SI1 and SI2 on the Diamond Clarity Scale?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSI 1 diamonds and SI 2 diamonds\u0026nbsp;are fourth on the diamond clarity scale. Both these grades have inclusions. What are inclusions? They are flaws such as cracks, scratches, dents, dust, etc.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThat said, the inclusions in SI 1 diamonds and SI 2 diamonds are so minor that they aren\u0026rsquo;t visible to the naked eye. However, there are differences between SI 1 and SI 2. Let\u0026rsquo;s learn about the differences.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eSI 1 and SI 2 diamonds have different types of inclusions.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eAnother difference between these two diamonds is the number of inclusions.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eSI 1 type of diamonds have fewer inclusions compared to SI 2.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe inclusions in SI 1 diamonds are smaller than inclusions in SI 2.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow that you know the difference between SI 1 and SI 2 diamonds, let\u0026rsquo;s discuss a bit about why you should buy these diamonds.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhy should you buy SI 1 and SI 2 diamonds?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou might wonder why you would\u003cspan style=\"color:#0000ff\"\u003e \u003c/span\u003ebuy \u003ca href=\"http://www.growndiamondcorp.com/blog/do-lab-grown-diamonds-have-inclusions/\"\u003ediamonds with inclusions\u003c/a\u003e. After all, who wants to buy damaged products, right? But when it comes to diamonds, there are many different factors one needs to consider. So let\u0026rsquo;s understand why buying SI 1 and SI 2 diamonds is a good choice.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eAffordability\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor those who are on a budget, SI 1 and SI 2 diamonds are one of the most affordable and good quality. More importantly, buying an SI 1 diamond or SI 2 diamond can mean you can buy a much bigger size diamond at the price you\u0026rsquo;d pay for a small diamond of a grade before these diamonds on the clarity scale.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eQuality\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eEveryone would want a \u003ca href=\"https://www.growndiamondcorp.com/blog/what-are-flawless-and-internally-flawless-diamonds/\"\u003eflawless diamond\u003c/a\u003e, but they might not be easily affordable by everyone. If you consider the\u0026nbsp;clarity of diamonds\u0026nbsp;to make your purchase decision, you might end up shelling out a lot more than you had budgeted for.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat Should You Choose \u0026mdash; SI 1 or SI 2?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou\u0026rsquo;ll have to consider two factors to choose between SI 1 and SI 2 \u0026mdash; price and quality. SI 1 diamonds are more expensive than SI 2 diamonds, but they are also cleaner.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBut not all SI 1 and SI 2 diamonds are equal. And so, it\u0026rsquo;s possible that some SI 2 diamonds have more visible incisions than SI 2 diamonds. Whether you go for real diamonds or \u003ca href=\"https://www.growndiamondcorp.com/blog/why-real-synthetic-diamonds-are-cost-effective/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#0000ff\"\u003esynthetic diamonds\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e, this factor will remain.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou should use clarity grades to guide you in your choice. So, when you choose diamonds, first pick those that look clean to your naked eye.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eOver to You\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow that you know which of these two diamonds you should choose, you\u0026rsquo;re in a better position to make informed decisions when choosing your gemstones. Whether you go for\u0026nbsp;lab diamonds\u0026nbsp;or\u0026nbsp;real diamonds, understanding SI 1 and SI 2 grades will help you pick the right stone.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFAQs\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1. What is the best shape to cover SI2 inclusions?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe round brilliant cut is often considered the best shape for covering flaws and inclusions. It has 58 facets that help maximize light reflection and hide imperfections. Oval, radiant, marquise and pear also help hide inclusions.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2. What are the common inclusions in a SI2 diamond \u0026amp; SI1 diamond?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe common inclusions in SI2 diamonds are crystals, feathers, clouds, and needles. SI1 diamonds have fewer and smaller inclusions compared to SI2 lab grown diamonds.\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3. Is SI1 or SI2 clarity better for an engagement ring?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSI1 clarity is better for an engagement ring as its inclusions are less prominent compared to SI2. SI1 lab diamonds increase the likelihood of the diamonds appearing eye-clean.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4. Are SI1 diamonds worth the extra cost compared to SI2 diamonds?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSI1 diamonds are better than SI2 diamonds as the inclusions in SI2 are easy to notice. SI1 diamonds have fewer inclusions compared to SI2 and hence it is worth paying extra for SI1 diamonds.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","FromDate":null,"ToDate":null,"Image_Url":"si1-si2pngIVNKIBWYOJ.png","Image_Alt":"SI 1 and SI 2","KeyWords":"clarity of diamonds, diamond clarity scale, si1 diamond, si2 diamonds, diamond clarity si1","MetaDescription":"Confused with diamond jargons for your engagement ring. Let\u0027s take a look at the different clarity of the diamonds and pick the right stone.","MetaTitle":"SI 1 and SI 2: How Different Are These Clarity Grades and Which One Should You Choose? 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