SI1 Clarity Diamond: Is It The Right Choice For Your Ring?

Choosing the right diamond clarity grade can be confusing, especially when trying to balance beauty and budget. SI1 clarity diamonds represent an excellent opportunity to save money without compromising appearance, but only when you know how to evaluate them properly. In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover:

• How to identify truly eye-clean SI1 diamonds that look identical to higher clarity grades.
• Which types of inclusions most commonly appear in SI1 diamonds and how they affect appearance.
• Why the location of inclusions matters more than their number or size.
• How different diamond shapes reveal or hide SI1 clarity characteristics.
• Expert strategies for evaluating SI1 diamonds online using magnification tools.
• When to choose SI1 clarity versus when to consider other clarity grades.
• Critical questions to ask gemologists before purchasing an SI1 diamond.

By mastering these evaluation techniques, you can potentially save thousands of dollars on your diamond purchase while still getting a stone that appears flawless to the naked eye.

SI1 clarity diamonds, like this center stone, can seem flawless to the eye. © CustomMade. Used with permission.

When buying diamonds online, high-quality magnified videos are essential to properly assess clarity and cut quality. We recommend using James Allen or Blue Nile for their exceptional closeup videos that reveal clarity characteristics and help you find truly eye-clean diamonds at any clarity grade.

For a personalized approach, consider CustomMade. Their diamond experts can guide you through selecting the ideal SI1 clarity diamond and create a unique ring that perfectly matches your style and preferences.

What Does SI1 Diamond Clarity Mean?

Diamonds receive grades on each of the Four Cs from gemological laboratories. Their clarity grades range from "Flawless" (F) to "Included" (I). "Slightly Included" (SI) sits on the lower end of this spectrum with two subdivisions: SI1 and SI2. SI1 diamonds contain fewer and smaller inclusions compared to SI2 stones.

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.

Although both these rings from James Allen feature eye-clean diamonds, they have very different clarity grades. The first is a VVS2 and the second is an SI1.

Are SI1 Diamonds Eye-Clean or Visibly Flawed?

The key to choosing a diamond clarity grade is making sure you'll have an eye-clean stone. In other words, none of the flaws in the diamond should be visible to the naked eye at a normal viewing distance.

So, are SI1 diamonds visibly flawed? Not necessarily. There are so many clarity grades above SI1 because gem labs use microscopes to see tiny inclusions and imperfections. Their presence or absence factors into clarity grades. However, unless you have superhuman vision, an SI1 clarity grade can still be a great option for a ring.

The SI1, oval-cut diamond in this James Allen solitaire ring has a flaw that reflects across its facets, but it's hard to see this effect after the stone is set in the ring.

How Diamond Clarity Affects Price

Clarity grades significantly impact a diamond's price. Diamond experts consistently recommend selecting the lowest clarity grade that still appears eye-clean in a ring. This strategy allows you to allocate more budget toward a larger carat diamond or a more elaborate setting rather than paying for microscopic perfection that nobody will ever see.

Take a look at these 1.01-ct, H color diamonds. Both are eye-clean, but one has VS2 clarity and sells for $5,800, while the other has SI1 clarity and sells for $4,750. Can you guess which is which? Compare them side-by-side at James Allen.

Buying the Perfect SI1 Clarity Diamond

When purchasing an SI1 clarity diamond, understanding what this grade reveals about your stone becomes crucial. Different clarity characteristics affect both appearance and durability differently, and may influence your choice of diamond shape as well.

Types of Clarity Features

Several types of clarity characteristics might appear in an SI1 diamond:

• Mineral crystal inclusions embedded within the diamond
• Pinpoint inclusions that appear as tiny dots
• Cloud formations consisting of clustered tiny inclusions
• Twinning wisps that look like faint internal lines
• "Feathers" or tiny fractures within the diamond's structure

In clarity grading, smaller and lighter-colored inclusions have less impact on the grade than large or dark ones. This distinction matters tremendously for appearance.

Both of these SI1, princess-cut diamonds have big flaws right at their centers. However, one has a light-colored flaw that would be hard to notice, while the other has a readily noticeable dark flaw. Compare these James Allen diamonds side-by-side.

How Inclusion Location Affects SI1 Diamond Appearance

Whether a diamond appears eye-clean depends greatly on where its inclusions are located. Inclusions positioned near the center of the diamond tend to be more noticeable, while those near the edges often remain hidden—especially since jewelers can strategically place prongs to conceal them.

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When examining diamonds online, if you can't easily identify flaws in the magnified view, check the clarity plot on the diamond's grading report. This diagram shows precisely where and what type of clarity characteristics exist within your diamond. Remember that the orientation in the plot might differ from what you see in videos.

SI1 Diamond Durability Considerations

While diamonds rank as the hardest natural material, this doesn't mean they can't chip or break. In certain cases, SI1 clarity diamonds might have vulnerability points created by larger inclusions. These areas can potentially create weak spots where the diamond becomes more susceptible to damage.

Any inclusion that reaches the diamond's surface deserves particular attention. Since determining whether inclusions extend to the surface can be challenging through photos alone, consult with a gemologist before purchasing. Both James Allen and Blue Nile provide expert consultations to address these concerns.

How Diamond Shape Influences SI1 Clarity Choice

Your preferred diamond shape should significantly influence your clarity selection. For most shapes, SI1 clarity diamonds represent excellent value. However, emerald and asscher-cut diamonds have step-cut faceting patterns that make inclusions much more visible. For these shapes, we recommend selecting VS clarity grades instead.

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Additionally, pay close attention to inclusion locations in shapes with pointed corners. Inclusions positioned in the corners of princess, pear, and marquise cut diamonds can create vulnerability points, as prongs placed over these areas exert pressure on the diamond.

Beyond Magnification: Evaluating SI1 Diamonds

To properly assess clarity, examining diamonds under magnification is essential. However, these magnified views can make it difficult to determine if a diamond will appear eye-clean when set in a ring.

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When shopping online, remember to zoom out when viewing diamond images and videos. A one-carat round diamond measures approximately 6.5 mm (about a quarter-inch) in diameter—if inclusions remain visible at this size on your screen, the diamond likely won't be eye-clean. Conversely, if inclusions disappear within the diamond's sparkle at this scale, you've potentially found a beautiful SI1 diamond. Nevertheless, always consult with a diamond expert before purchasing, as professionals can often detect flaws more easily in person than through videos.

SI1 Clarity Fancy Colored Diamonds

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SI1 clarity fancy colored diamonds represent an intriguing combination of rarity and relative affordability in the colored diamond market. These gems showcase stunning natural hues ranging from vibrant yellows to mesmerizing blues, each with its unique character.

While their inclusions remain visible under magnification, SI1 clarity ensures these colored diamonds still display remarkable brilliance and fire to the naked eye. This balance between color intensity and clarity grade makes them highly sought-after by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts, offering the opportunity to own a naturally colored diamond with distinctive personality at a more accessible price point than higher clarity alternatives.

Should You Consider VS2 or SI2 Clarity Instead?

If you feel concerned about potential flaws in SI1 diamonds, consider upgrading to a VS2 clarity grade. While this will increase your costs, it virtually guarantees an eye-clean diamond and eliminates concerns about visible inclusions. This clarity upgrade provides peace of mind for those who prefer not to spend time carefully examining diamonds.

Alternatively, if maximizing value remains your priority, consider SI2 clarity diamonds. Many SI2 diamonds appear eye-clean, though finding them requires more diligent searching. If you don't mind having a tiny inclusion that remains difficult to detect without specifically looking for it, an SI2 diamond might represent your best value option.

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Essential Questions to Ask Before Buying an SI1 Diamond

When purchasing an SI1 clarity diamond, seek professional guidance to ensure you're making a sound choice. Both James Allen and Blue Nile offer consultations with diamond experts, and most physical jewelry stores employ gemologists. Here are the critical questions to ask before finalizing your purchase:

• Is this diamond completely eye-clean from all normal viewing angles?
• Do any inclusions extend to the diamond's surface?
• Are there inclusions that might compromise the diamond's durability or increase chip risk?
• Can inclusions be hidden under prongs during setting, and would this placement affect durability?

Expand Your Diamond Clarity Knowledge

To deepen your understanding of diamond clarity, check out our complete consumer's guide for comprehensive information.

When shopping with James Allen or Blue Nile, take advantage of their diamond experts who can address any clarity concerns before purchasing.

For a truly personalized experience, consider working with a custom jeweler like CustomMade. Their experienced team can help you select the perfect eye-clean diamond and design a stunning, one-of-a-kind ring tailored specifically to your preferences.