All You Should Know About I1 Clarity Diamonds

While most people pay attention to the sparkle and carat of diamonds when making purchase decisions, there’s another factor they ignore – clarity.

Diamonds are graded on the scale of FL-IF to I1-I2. FL and IF are the scale of diamonds that are internally flawless. I1 and I2 are diamonds with inclusions.

In this article, we tell you all about I1 clarity diamonds. By the end of the article, you will know if you should buy I1 lab grown diamonds and the factors you must consider when buying these diamonds.

What is I1 diamond clarity? 

I1 clarity diamonds are those that have inclusions (defects) visible to the naked eye. For this reason, they are cheaper than high clarity diamonds. I1 diamonds are also the least preferred. These diamonds are at the bottom of the scale.

Gemstones, whether mined or lab created diamonds, with inclusions that are obvious at 10x magnification, gemological grading laboratories such as GIA and AGS, grade them as I1 clarity.

In general, the brilliance and fire of included diamonds (I1 and I3 range) is diminished. This is because of the inclusions that obstruct the light channels. The inclusions are noticeable to the naked eye depending on the kind, size, and severity of the inclusions.

Are I1 diamonds eye-clean? 

Any experienced diamond expert would tell you that an I1 diamond won’t be eye-clean if it weighs more than 0.5 carats. It is easier to spot flaws if the diamonds are large. And no large diamond will be eye-clean at an I1 rating.

That said, there could be exceptions. For instance, if the lab grown diamond is less than 0.5 carat, you might not be able to notice its inclusions with the naked eye. Moreover, if the inclusions are located in an area that is not visible and is hidden in the setting of the jewelry, I1 diamonds might appear eye-clean.

Tips to buy I1 clarity diamonds

• Buying diamonds is easier said than done. While it’s best to stay away from diamonds graded I1 to I3, if you have to buy I1 laboratory grown diamonds, you should look for those that have evenly dispersed inclusions. Besides, see that some of the major inclusions are hidden from view, under the prongs, depending on the diamond shape. When mounted, the diamond inclusions should be partially prongable and hidden from view.
• Since the inclusions are located in the crown area and will merge with the diamond’s body once mounted and set, the inclusions won’t be visible.
• Consider the price of the I1 diamond you consider. As it has inclusions, its price will be less. But, ensure you assess the types of inclusions, the number of inclusions, the location of the inclusions, and then decide if the I1 lab grown diamond price is worth the price tag.
• Most times customers get excited when they see a cheap I1 diamond as the price is lesser. But the important thing is to check the certificate. Not only should you carefully see the obvious details, also read the comments section to understand more about the inclusions and flaws of the I1 clarity of the diamond.
• Not everyone’s decision to purchase a gemstone based on the clarity of the diamond is about the price alone. Some people also choose it because of the purpose. For instance, if the diamond is for earrings, pendants or cocktail rings, one can get away with diamonds of lower clarity because these jewelry pieces are mostly viewed from a distance.
• Diamond  sellers and jewelers might say that inclusions don’t matter. But it’s best not to fall for this trap. While we know clarity isn’t the only factor, it does make a lot of difference. Inclusions and flaws take away the beauty of the lab created diamonds. Large inclusions affect the light and don’t allow it to travel through the diamond. This makes the diamond look duller.

Sum up

While it’s best to avoid buying I1 clarity diamonds, if you have to buy these for reasons of budget and purpose, make sure you keep the above factors in mind before you purchase. I1 diamonds aren’t always a bad purchase unless you buy them smartly.