(Gemological Institute of America), “I” is the lowest clarity grade (the letter “I” stands for Included). Remember to view them at their normal size (they’re 20x magnified in the video) and you’ll barely notice any inclusions. Thinking of proposing? You help support CreditDonkey by reading our website and using our links.

And again, the hazy bit along the edge can be hidden with a prong. About CreditDonkey® CreditDonkey is a diamond jeweler comparison website. Typically, that’s a VS2 or SI1 diamond.

The setting and quality of craftsmanship also add to an I1 diamond’s price. As you can see, there is a great deal of visual difference between these stones.

While this article addresses the technical grading and value of I1 clarity diamonds, that is not what we recommend focusing on when purchasing a diamond. So, yes, it is near the end of the scale, however I1 diamonds may have visible inclusions, but there are important factors that can lead you to purchasing a really beautiful I1 diamond. As you can see the VS2 diamond on the left is definitely eye clean. This guide will help show you what to look for, so that you can find some of the most valuable diamond deals on the market. In most cases, you’ll get an eye-clean diamond in these grades and won’t pay as much as you would for higher grades, such as VVS1 and VVS2. Because an I1 grade means the diamond is included, it’s a red flag if the clarity plot doesn’t show any imperfections.

While certain jewelers and other diamond educators might try to convince you that an I1 diamond gives you the best value, the truth is: you should find an eye-clean stone.

Yes, they are on the lower end of the clarity scale, they are very rarely eye-clean, and they are much cheaper than other diamonds. With its 40x magnification and its 360° videos James Allen is currently my top recommended place for that. Because each subsequent clarity grade up on the clarity scale often comes with a significant increase in price, looking for eye-clean, beautiful diamonds among the lower grades is an excellent way to save on your diamond’s price. It takes away from the beauty of the diamond. Are I1 diamonds a good choice, or too flawed? more extensive post on how to choose an eye clean SI1 diamond.

Follow our expert recommendations to get the most value. An eye-clean I1 diamond is the best bang for your buck. If the size is wrong, simply send in your ring within 90 days of your purchase and we will resize or remake the ring for free.

Obvious imperfections also detract from the beauty of the diamond, because your eye is drawn to the blemish. Please be aware though that the I1 clarity grade is really the very last clarity grade where eye clean diamonds can still be found – and even then only with some searching and digging on your part. Whether you’re buying the diamond in person or online, it’s important to know how to buy an I1 diamond.

For I1 diamonds, you can easily see imperfections with 10X magnification and with the naked eye.

Most people think a higher clarity equals a better-looking diamond, but that's not necessarily true. I Color SI2 Clarity Diamonds – Great Diamonds!

Required fields are marked *. This makes I1 stones ideal for jewelry types and designs that don’t accent the diamond’s clarity too much. On the right hand side I have chosen a particularly bad VS2 diamond.

And it is not impossible to find one that is eye-clean. Well, that’s what they are there for – to let you “bother” them. When he is not working on his website he is studying law at Humboldt University of Berlin. The SI2 clarity diamond is a very controversial topic. Furthermore, all I1 diamonds that look obviously “overall dirty” on a magnified picture will not be eye clean in real life either: Both diamonds above will not be eye clean. There is absolutely no shame in buying an Included diamond. I say it time and time again but for online purchases, James Allen Diamonds is the best around. But all in all it can very safely be said that a VS2 diamond graded by GIA can be nearly guaranteed to be eye clean. After all, why spend multiple hours to look for a slightly cheaper diamond? Heart Shaped Diamonds: A VS2 or SI1 is usually eye-clean, because heart shape diamonds hide inclusions better than Round Cuts, but not as well as shapes like the Cushion Cut and Marquise.

The shape, cut and color of a stone can certainly make its internal inclusions more visible or harder to notice, but there isn’t one shape that’s best for that.