Ask LB: What Constitutes an "Eyeclean" SI2 Diamond? (2024)

FAQs

Can an SI2 diamond be eye-clean? ›

SI2 stands for “Slightly Included 2.” You can see where this grade falls in the range of the GIA's Clarity Grading Scale below. This grade indicates inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification and may or may not be visible to the naked eye. Back in the day, the majority of SI2 diamonds were eye-clean.

"An "eye-clean" diamond is one that has no imperfections visible to the unaided eye. They offer excellent value, being much less expensive than flawless (FL) or internally flawless (IF) diamonds, which are extremely rare and therefore command a higher price.

At this grade, it is much more likely you will find an eye-clean diamond that is fully transparent and delivers a fantastic sparkle. Looking for a suitable SI2 diamond can be time consuming and complex.

Is SI2 a good diamond? An SI2 diamond can be a good purchase if it is eye-clean. SI2 clarity diamonds have noticeable inclusions that a diamond grader can see using 10x magnification. Sometimes, the inclusions like feathers, chips, and clouds are so many and so big that they can be seen with the naked eye too.

The good thing is, even though there are SI2 diamonds that are not eye clean, inclusions in this grade are usually not visible from the face-up view. They are smaller and will usually be seen towards the sides. It's safe to conclude that SI2 clarity plays as the margin between invisible and evident inclusions.

All VS clarity diamonds contain inclusions visible with magnification. In a VS1 diamond, the imperfections are smaller and harder to see than those in a VS2. Diamonds with a VS1 clarity grade will always be eye-clean. That means they'll have no imperfections visible to the naked eye.

The lowest grade is I3 which stands for included and will usually lack the transparency and brilliance associated with diamonds. Most people opt to purchase SI1 (slightly included) or VS2 (very slightly included diamonds.

Diamonds that are Flawless, Internally-Flawless, VVS1, VVS2, and VS1 on the GIA clarity scale will be eye-clean. The majority of VS2 (very slightly included) stones will be eyeclean. A few SI1 (slightly included) stones will also be eye-clean. Stones with SI2 clarity and below, however, will not be eye-clean.

In a “loupe clean” gem, there are no visible inclusions with a x10 loupe; “eye clean” means that there are no visible inclusions to the naked eye; and “included” simply means that there are some visible inclusions. To refine the grading, we also use the terms “nearly loupe clean”, and “nearly eye clean”.

"SI2" stands for "Slightly Included 2", indicating that the diamond contains inclusions (internal flaws) and blemishes (external imperfections) that are noticeable under 10x magnification, a standard magnification level for diamond assessment.

How to tell if a diamond is eye-clean online? ›

If you cannot see any obvious flaws, like dark spots or specks of white, then it's an eye-clean stone.

Their clarity grades can range from "Flawless" (F) to "Included" (I). "Slightly Included" (SI) is on the lower end of the range and has two subdivisions. SI1 has the fewest and smallest inclusions, while SI2 has more and larger inclusions. This doesn't mean that SI clarity diamonds are a poor choice.

According to GIA and AGS, diamonds that are considered Flawless (FL), Internally Flawless (IF), Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) and Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) are considered eye clean. On the other hand, Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) diamonds may or may not be eye clean.

SI stands for "Slightly Included," but that doesn't mean it's a bad grade. SI diamonds will often give you the most bang for your buck. Of the lower clarity grades, we recommend these. Like all diamonds, even flawless ones, SI diamonds have imperfections.

Flawless is the most desired, highest Clarity grade a diamond can get. For a diamond to be identified as Flawless or FL, it must look clear at 10x magnification. This means that under a 10x loupe or microscope, there are no visible signs of inclusions or blemishes.

While SI2 diamonds may have visible inclusions, particularly under magnification, they can still offer excellent value and beauty, especially if the inclusions are not noticeable to the naked eye and if the color intensity and cut quality are appealing to you.

Almost all VS2 diamonds that are 1 carat or less are eye-clean (but you still can't take this for granted). Diamonds between 1 and 2 carat are usually still eye-clean but you may have to jump up to a VS1. For diamonds over 2 carats, consider VS1 and even VVS2 diamonds for eye-clean stones.

I''ve recently discovered that a spritz of eyeglass cleaner, used with an eyeglass-cleaning cloth, works great for quick diamond touch-ups (e.g., while I''m in the office!).

Looking through the pointed end of the diamond, see if you can notice the dot or a reflection of the dot. In real diamonds, the light will bounce in many different directions and not a straight line, so you wouldn't be able to see the dot through a real diamond.