VS Diamond vs. SI Diamond – All You Need to Know about IJ-SI & VS-SI Grades
If you’re looking to buy diamonds, you’ve probably already understood the basics of the diamond clarity scale. You might have come across the terms VS and SI clarity diamonds. And like the majority of people, you must’ve wondered what they are.
So, in this blog, we’ll tell you all about VS and SI diamonds and how to understand diamond grades. Whether you’re buying lab diamonds or natural diamonds, this guide will help you make informed purchase decisions.
What is VS diamond?
VS means Very Slightly Included. These are diamonds that have very slight inclusions. Inclusions are flaws. In VS diamonds, the flaws are miniscule and hard to notice by the naked eye.
What is an SI diamond?
SI means Slightly Included. These are diamonds that have slight inclusions. These diamonds have more flaws than VS diamonds. SI diamonds, too, look flawless to the naked eye. Let’s visually understand the diamond clarity scale table.
Why is diamond clarity important?
When assessing diamond quality, the most important factors to be considered are: cut, color, carat, and clarity. While all four of these aspects are important, clarity plays a key role in the performance of diamonds, and hence, should be one of the main deciding factors.
Both VS and SI diamonds have flaws that are not visible to the naked eye, and hence, they are considered good to buy. The flaws of these two types of diamonds can be visible only with 10x magnifying equipment.
Going below SI grade diamond is best avoided. Because diamonds below this grade might have visible flaws. Because you might end up with a diamond that may get damaged soon.
It’s important to understand diamond clarity because:
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Clarity impacts the diamond’s performance.
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Clarity grade may affect the durability of the diamond.
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It affects the price of the diamond.
Other factors to consider when buying diamonds
Apart from clarity, diamond cut and diamond shapes are also key factors to consider when buying gemstones. Let’s understand some factors that impact diamond grading.
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Size of the Diamond: The size of the diamond is one of the first aspects that customers consider when choosing a diamond. This is something they decide before starting their diamond-selection process. At times, the price of the diamond may also impact the size they choose. For example, lab-grown diamonds are cheaper than natural diamonds.
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Number of Inclusions: The number of inclusions or flaws in a diamond also impact its clarity and durability, and hence, is an important factor to consider. For example, if there are more inclusions, the diamond has a higher risk of breaking.
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Position of Inclusions: The position of inclusions also has an effect on the performance, durability, and clarity of diamonds. For example, if the inclusions are at the center of the table, it could reflect on all parts of the diamond and impact the clarity grade as you can see on the diamond clarity chart.
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Relief of the Diamond: Another factor is the relief of the diamond. It is the distinctness of the flaws when viewed within the diamonds. The bigger the relief, the bigger its effect on the clarity grade.
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Nature of Inclusions: The nature of inclusions refers to the depth of the flaws. For example, blemishes may only impact the surface of the diamond, whereas cracks may go deeper inside the diamond. Hence, the nature of the inclusions is an important factor to consider as it affects the durability of the diamond.
What diamond should you buy — VI or SI?
Both VI and SI diamonds are good quality diamonds. These diamonds have inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye and are cheaper than diamonds that are higher on the diamond clarity scale such as VVS1 and VVS2.
The advantage of choosing VI and SI diamonds is that you’d be paying much less for diamonds that look just like VVS1 and VVS2. And if that’s the case, why should you pay more? Therefore, it’s perfectly safe and alright to buy both VI and SI diamonds.
