There are few things in the world that are better than a perfectly eye clean SI2 clarity diamond. SI2 clarity is typically the lowest clarity grade we will recommend to clients since in most circumstances entering into the included or "I" clarity range means that you WILL be able to easily detect imperfections with your eye without magnification. The SI clarity range still means you need to look closely to pick up on imperfections. However, we find that not all SI2 clarity diamonds are created equally. Majority of SI2 clarity diamonds have obvious imperfections and inclusions that can be seen without trying to see them. In this post we are going to go into detail on a few eye clean SI2 clarity diamonds and give you some insight on to what makes them eye clean. Follow along with video and read the comments below
When it comes to SI2 clarity, not all diamonds shapes can pull off hiding the imperfections. In general we find that oval, pear, radiant, and round cut diamonds hide imperfections really nicely because the brilliant faceting of the diamond will blend in well with any imperfection. On the flip side, step cut diamonds like emerald and asscher cut do not do a great job at hiding imperfections because their faceting is very open and you have the ability to see right through the diamond. What makes an eye clean SI2 diamond like these attractive is that instead of someone picking a diamond that is visibly more yellow or visibly smaller they have the ability to spend more on the size or color of the diamond which typically are factors easier for the ey to see. Because you did not opt for a technically higher clarity you save money on going for lower clarity however you have the guarantee that you cannot see those imperfections when just looking at the diamond. Take a look at this youtube video and follow along here for a detailed look on each option
Oval Cut: 1.8 carat H color SI2 clarity diamond
First up we have this 1.8 carat oval that has an H color and SI2 clarity. First we have a video showing the diamond from a distance where you see no visible imperfections to the eye. This is the equivalent of checking if the diamond is eye clean. Then we have shown the diamond under 10x magnification. You will notice when looking at the diamond in that view that the imperfections within the diamond are very tiny and spread out through the diamond. There is not, for example, a large cluster of dark imperfections. Instead, there are microscopic crystals sprinkled throughout the diamond making it extremely difficult for the human eye to pick up on the location when looking at it. Lastly, take a look at the GIA inscription on the diamond. The GIA number is laser inscribed onto the girdle of the diamond and you are only able to actually view this inscription under 20x magnification at least. For more oval diamond comparison videos please watch here on our website
Pear Cut: 1.9 carat F color SI2 clarity diamond
This pear shape diamond is a really gorgeous diamond overall and has a lot going for it. Firstly at 1.9 carat it is a rare carat size that finds itself at the mark right under 2 carats making it a desirable carat weight that does see a bit of a discount for being slightly lower in weight. In terms of color at F we are looking at a colorless diamond that is bright white. This SI2 is particularly nice being that the imperfections are very few twinning wisps and feathers. You would easily find a similar plot on a VS2 clarity diamond. The imperfections are clear/white and therefore blend in perfectly with the brilliant faceting of the diamond. You will see these are almost undetectable at 10x magnification. To see more loose pear shape diamond videos you can watch here
Radiant Cut: 2.0 carat G color SI2 clarity diamond
Radiant cuts are one of the trendiest diamond shapes of the moment. We love their modern edgy appearance and it does help that their brilliant faceting covers many imperfections perfectly. In this particular diamond we see that there is only 1 determining inclusion and that is a single white feather within the diamond. Other than that 1 tiny line, the rest of the diamond is completely clean. The feather is a clear white color so it blends it very nicely with the diamond faceting as well. Unlike for example harsh black imperfections something like this is a lot less noticeable. This type of imperfection similar to the diamonds above mean that the transparency and brilliance of the diamond is not at all negatively effected. If you would like to see more radiant cut diamond videos click here
Round Cut: 2.4 carat F color SI2 clarity diamond
Round cut diamonds are arguably the absolute best shape for concealing imperfections (along with color of the diamond but that is something we can get into in another post). Round cut diamonds are brilliant cut and excellent cut round diamond will easily conceal imperfections because of it's bright sparkle and fire. On this SI2 you will notice under magnification that the imperfections are what we call a salt and pepper effect- they are scattered around and very tiny such as small crystals. Majority of them are also more towards the edges of the diamond leaving the center somewhat clean. To see a large assortment of loose round diamond video comparisons in HD quality watch here
Warning:
The plots we have used for examples do look relatively clean for SI2 clarity. We do have to warn you against SI2 clarity diamond plots that appear TOO clean meaning when you look at the inclusion plot it looks free of inclusion. An SI1 or SI2 clarity diamond with a clean plot can sometimes be accompanied by a comment on the GIA report stating that clarity is based on clouds that are not shown. This means that there are many clouds within the diamond. This ultimately will result in a diamond that loses brilliance and has a hazy or milky appearance because the clouds are blocking and sparkle coming through the diamond. Your cut grade may still be excellent however the presence of so many clouds within the diamond will result in the diamond losing transparency. This is not to say something with "additional clouds" is unacceptable. We are talking more about clouds that take up the entire spectrum of the diamond. See this plot here for an example of what we might be talking about.
Overall, you can't really tell if a diamond is eye clean from the plot alone. We showed you the plots on these just so you can better visualize the differences. Through HD video and of course in person if there is a terrible imperfection to see you WILL see it. Check out this photo here showing a not eye clean SI2 clarity diamond. The imperfection is visible and dark as well.
Our specialty at Lauren B is guiding customers to find the best possible SI2 clarity diamond if that is what they desire. It doesn't mean that there are no imperfections in the diamond it simply means you are getting something that offers you a great deal and allows you to spend more on the other C's of Cut, Carat, and Color. Sure you can definitely be offered just any SI2 however we want to focus on getting you the best looking SI2 possible so you don't have a diamond that performs poorly, doesn't sparkle, or looks cloudy.
Contact us directly here regarding any inquires and to start shopping with one of our consultant. We are available to guide you in maximizing your budget to get the best possible diamond you can.