Evaluating SI1 And SI2 Clarity Grade Diamonds

*Note: ODBA no longer recommends EnchantedDiamonds.com

Q:

Hi Liz,

I am looking to buy a round loose diamond with the following criteria:

– Budget is around US $15,000 – $16,000
– Clarity: G or above, SI1 or SI2 (SI1 is preferable) and excellent cut
– Carat weight: more 2 ct

I performed a search online and found 3 diamonds that are within my budget. Are you able to give me advice on which is more worth it to buy (in terms of fire, sparkling, eyeclean and price)….million thanks in advance!

1. S2, G, 2.17ct, price: $15,100

2. S1, G, 2.01ct, price: $15,300 (with Strong white fluorescence, is white not prefer for buying?)

3. S1, G, 2.00ct, price: $15,900

If based on this budget, are there any recommendations from your expert’s view?

Best regards,

Allison

A:

Hi Allison,

Thanks for contacting me and letting me know your diamond budget and requirements. Unfortunately, I cannot advise on any of the diamonds you linked to because I would need to see a magnified images of the diamonds in order to confirm that the clarity grade is acceptable. I would never recommend purchasing a diamond with SI1 or lower clarity grade based off of a GIA report alone. As far as cut proportions go, the only diamond that looks remotely good is the first one, but again with an SI2 clarity grade and a large crystal inclusion under the main table facet – I would seriously consider looking at other alternatives.

I did a diamond search for you and found the following suitable diamonds:

1.82ct G SI2 for $13,820.00: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Round/GIA-Certified-1,82-Carat-G-Color-SI2-Clarity-Diamond-F289LG

This 1.82ct G SI2 diamond is ideal cut and shows beautiful dark arrow symmetrical contrast. The grade making inclusion in this SI2 is the large feather as indicated in the GIA plotting diagram on the right. Other minor inclusions plotted are tiny crystals and needles. The medium sized crystal under the main table facet is white/translucent. So despite the fact that this diamond is an SI2, this is an excellent example of an eye-clean diamond. The inclusions, though numerous, are scattered widely therefore no concentrated area is obvious when looking at the magnified image or HD 360 video. Another excellent option for Allison.

This diamond is a GIA triple Excellent (excellent cut, polish and symmetry) and also falls within AGS ideal cut proportions. As you can see in the HD video, there are some inclusions as is expected in a SI2, but none are very noticeable and I would say that without magnification this diamond would be fairly eye-clean. It is priced great for a 1.82ct G as it also has medium blue fluorescence. Overall, a nicely cut diamond that offers you the near colorless requirement but a slight compromise on carat weight.

Alternatively, you could go for a 2.01ct J VS2 for $14,910.00: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Round/GIA-Certified-2,01-Carat-J-Color-VS2-Clarity-Diamond-G2P1JA

That offers you a larger carat weight with ideal cut proportions and still under budget. The compromise here would be the color grade of a ‘J’ which is still near-colorless and will face up nice and white.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

Dear Liz,

Thank you for your prompt reply, the two you suggested are really nice. Do you have any suggestion if my budget can be raised a bit? How about a ‘G’ with SI1 clarity and at least a 2ct?

Brgds,

A

A:

Hi Allison,

Sure, no problem. The best I found was this very beautiful 1.97ct G SI1 for $20,030.00: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Round/GIA-Certified-1,97-Carat-G-Color-SI1-Clarity-Diamond-BYUG5A

1.97ct G SI1 with tiny crystal, cloud and needle inclusions under the main table facet. SI1 clarity grade is given to diamonds when inclusions are easily seen under 10x’s magnification. As this inclusion sits almost directly on top of a dark arrow, this inclusion will be very difficult to see with the unaided eye. Therefore, this diamond may or may not be eye-clean depending on a viewer’s eye-sight. This is another excellent option for Allison as she is seeking a large ‘G’ ideal cut diamond with SI1 clarity and of course is ideal cut.

GIA triple Excellent that has beautiful light performance and good optical symmetry. It’s an SI1, and the grade making inclusion is a crystal,cloud, and needle inclusion under the main table facet. If you look at the magnified image, you can just barely see it at the 8 o’clock dark arrow. It’s good that the dark arrow nicely camouflages the inclusion visually. However, you might be able to see the inclusion if you look hard enough. Therefore, it may not technically be an eye-clean diamond, so this is a personal decision of what you are willing to compromise on.

Let me know what you think.

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

Hi Liz,

Million thanks for your suggestion, will definite compare the two diamonds that are more than 2ct. Thanks again for your valuable comments.

Brgds,

Allison