What’s the difference between SI1 vs SI2 vs SI3? I’ll do my best to explain. SI1 means slightly included, SI2 means slightly included two, and SI3 mean slightly included three. Each is basically a degree of inclusions to a diamond.
In most cases SI1 SHOULD mean clean to the naked eye. Meaning the difference between SI1 and VS2 should really be negligible. SI2 graded diamond you will be able to see inclusions usually black and clearly seen. SI3 is a made up term within the last few years. If was thought up so diamond wholesalers could say their diamond was a SI clarity and not an I1. GIA doesn’t even recognize SI3 is a clarity grade and neither should you. SI3 is nothing more than an I1 diamond. Which means that diamond will be worth less and will have inclusions you can see with the naked eye.
To get even more technical. SI2 and I1 diamonds are basically the same. When I1 will have more obvious inclusions and SI2 will have the same amount of inclusions but in a somewhat less obvious spot.
Things to watch out for. Do not under any circumstances take any online jewelers word that a SI2 clarity or SI3, or I1 clarity is eye clean. IT IS NOT. If you run across a jeweler that states this be on your guard and ask to see the diamond before hand. Perhaps have them send the diamond to a local jeweler so you can inspect it. There are rare cases where a SI2 looks eye clean or at least close. However it’s not out of the ordinary for a SI1 diamond to be eye clean and look beautiful.
Not all SI1, SI2 and SI3 diamonds are graded equal. Another thing you need to watch out for is the grading lab that graded that diamond. I’m sure you’ve heard of GIA. GIA is to diamond grading what Nike is to shoes. It’s the foremost authority. Not a single insurance company will argue with GIA. Any diamond graded by GIA is worth more, any diamond graded by GIA is taken at face value. A GIA diamond is exactly what it says on the paper. If GIA graded your diamond a E in color, you can bet that diamond is a colorless diamond. However if EGL Israel graded a diamond E you can usually be sure that it’s at least 2-3 grades off. So that E graded EGL Israel diamond will be according to GIA a G/H colored diamond. Big Difference! And this is done all the time. WHY?
Because some wholesalers and jewelers believe that GIA grades to harsh. And because of this very idea, many diamond grading labs have sprung up. So you have to play the game. Follow me here.
If a diamond is graded by EGL Israel, or EGL International to be a SI1 diamond you can absolutely sure it’s more like a SI2 – I1 diamond. They grade higher so the diamond will be worth more. However everyone in the diamond industry knows that a diamond graded by EGL Israel or EGL International is not worth the paper it’s printed on. Simply because they exaggerate. However because everyone knows this, the diamond is worth less. Not because it’s a bad diamond, but because everyone knows that E is really G, or that SI1 is really a SI2-I1. They are cheaper in price.
So let’s say you want to save some money. Don’t look for a GIA, or EGL USA diamond. The top two grading labs. Look instead for a EGL Israel, or International graded diamond. If you want a colorless diamond, look for a diamond graded D. If you want a nice white look for diamond graded E or F. If you want an eye clean diamond look for a diamond that is graded Vs1 or VS2. When you do this you will save money. Just remember to knock 2 grades off whatever EGL Israel or EGL International says it is and you’ll be ok, and save money. They same goes for diamonds graded by “in house” graders.
In general if you don’t see GIA or EGLUSA assume the clarity and color is off by 1-2 grades.
Here’s a way to help you understand color. (No this has nothing to do with SI1 vs SI2 vs SI3) this is just a little tidbit that for some reason helps men shopping for their future wife understand color better. Every heard of a LCD TV? Well a pure LCD tv uses old technology bulbs or lighting to light the screen of your tv. The color is alright, but when compared to a LED backlit tv you would be shocked. The LED is sharp, crisp, bright, and the old LCD lighting is somewhat darker. That’s the difference between D-G and H-J. Just remember LCD vs LED and it will help…or not. It helped me when I first started to learn. One other thing. If you happen to get a lower colored diamond in the H-J range make sure you get a setting made of white gold, palladium or platinum. The white of the setting will reflect white, of course, helping your diamond look a color grade or two better than it actually is.
