SI1 Versus VS2 Diamonds – Which One is Better?

When deciding between SI1 and VS2 diamonds, finding the right balance between clarity and value can make all the difference in choosing a stunning engagement ring.

Navigate This Guide:

• Introduction
• 7 Practical Tips for Examining Diamond Clarity in SI1 vs VS2 Engagement Rings
• The Basics of Clarity
• How Clarity Impacts Beauty and Value
• Defining SI1 and VS2 Clarity
• What You Need to Know About SI1 Diamonds
• What You Need to Know About VS2 Diamonds
• Comparative Analysis 
• The Role of GIA Grading
• Conclusion
• 10 FAQs

Introduction

In the world of diamonds, you can get lost in the sizes and grades. Most reputable jewelers who are on your side and protecting you will point you in the direction of a diamond with a low clarity grade and an eye clean appearance. In most circumstances, this will often lead to a choice between an SI1 or VS2 diamond – but what does that mean?

While, by now, you probably know a little about clarity grades and inclusions, chances are you’re still stuck in the theory of it all, and might not know how clarity really impacts the appearance of a diamond.

So, should you buy an SI1 diamond or a VS2? We’re breaking it all down on these two great diamond options of value for your money: VS2 vs SI1.

Before we dive deeper into the specifics, here are some practical tips to help guide your decision-making process:

7 Practical Tips for Examining Diamond Clarity in SI1 vs VS2 Engagement Rings

When selecting a diamond engagement ring, particularly when comparing SI1 and VS2 clarity grades, there are several practical aspects to consider. These tips will help you make an informed decision, ensuring that you choose a ring that not only looks stunning but also offers the best value for your investment. 

• Tip 1: Understanding the Clarity Grading Scale: Familiarize yourself with what SI1 and VS2 clarity grades mean. SI1 diamonds have slight inclusions that may or may not be visible to the naked eye, while VS2 diamonds have very slight inclusions, typically invisible without magnification. 
• Tip 2: Magnification Inspection: When examining diamonds, utilize a jeweler’s loupe or a magnifying glass. This helps in spotting the inclusions in SI1 diamonds and confirms the cleaner appearance of VS2 diamonds. 
• Tip 3: Consider the Diamond Size: The larger the diamond, the more visible inclusions may become. For larger diamonds, opting for a higher clarity grade like VS2 might be preferable, as inclusions in SI1 diamonds can become more apparent. 
• Tip 4: Assessing the Inclusion Type and Location: Pay attention to the type and location of inclusions. Inclusions at the center are more visible than those at the edges. A well-placed inclusion in an SI1 diamond might be less noticeable, making it a great value purchase.
• Tip 5: Examine Under Different Lighting Conditions: View the diamond under various lighting conditions. Some inclusions may be more visible under bright light or direct sunlight. A diamond that appears clean in all types of light is a desirable choice. 
• Tip 6: Compare Diamonds Side by Side: If possible, compare SI1 and VS2 diamonds side by side. This direct comparison can significantly help in understanding the visual differences between these two clarity grades. 
• Tip 7: Factor in the Diamond’s Cut and Shape: The diamond’s cut and shape affect how inclusions are seen. Brilliant cuts like round or princess hide inclusions are better than step cuts like emerald or Asscher. An SI1 diamond with a brilliant cut might appear as clean as a VS2 in a step cut.

Now that you’ve got these practical tips, use Jeweler AI below to find the perfect engagement ring that suits your style and budget:

 

The Basics of Clarity

Before you get into the process of choosing an SI1 or VS2 diamond, you should know what an SI1 diamond is, compared to a VS2 diamond. Diamonds are graded on their clarity, which is done by grading their visual appearance and how many inclusions or blemishes they have. The clarity of the diamond can affect its value and overall price.

During the clarity grading process, a diamond is graded in relation to the number of inclusions and blemishes on a scale ranging from Flawless to Included. The GIA diamond clarity scale grades the size, number, position, relief, and the type of inclusion or blemishes present in the diamond, as well as how easily it can be seen at 10X magnification to determine a diamond’s clarity grade.  

As you can see in the following GIA grading scale, both SI1 diamonds and VS2 diamonds contain inclusions. A VS2 diamond is graded slightly higher than an SI1 diamond with minor inclusions seen under 10x magnification.  

The Clarity Scale: 

• Flawless (F): No inclusions or blemishes are visible using 10x magnification inside the diamond and outside
• Internally Flawless (IF): No inclusions and only blemishes are visible using 10x magnification inside the diamond, but might have minor outside ones
• Very Very Slightly Included 1/2 (VVS1 & VVS2): Inclusions are difficult to see under 10× magnification
• Very Slightly Included 1/2 (VS1 & VS2): Inclusions are minor and range from difficult to somewhat easy to see under 10x magnification
• Slightly Included 1/2 (SI1 & SI2): Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification and sometimes to the naked eye
• Included 1 (I1): Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification with larger flaws seen by the naked eye and may affect transparency and brilliance

As you can see, an SI1 diamond is graded as having small inclusions which are noticeable under 10x magnification and sometimes to the naked eye. A VS2 diamond has very small, minor inclusions and ranges from difficult to somewhat easy to see under 10x magnification. 

How Clarity Impacts Beauty and Value 

Clarity spells the difference between a diamond that appears perfectly flawless and a diamond that is undermined by marks and flaws beneath the surface. 

For both VS2 and SI1 diamonds, inclusions are almost always clean to the naked eye. But it’s important to note that inclusions can sometimes be seen by the naked eye in SI1 clarity.

Defining SI1 and VS2 Clarity 

The difference between VS2 and SI1 is typically found only under 10x magnification and refers only to a very small difference in the size, number and significance of a diamond’s inclusions.

For this reason, two similar diamonds – with one featuring a clarity grade of SI1, and the other a clarity grade of VS2 – could look almost identical in person, and without the 10x magnification used by gemologists to appraise the clarity of diamonds.

Some larger SI1 diamonds will feature slightly visible inclusions – although we’ll go into more detail on that subject below. For now, suffice it to say that the difference between SI1 and VS2 diamonds is marginal but capable of growing more significantly as the size of the diamond in question increases.

Exploring SI1 and VS2 Clarity Grades for Eye Cleanliness

Both SI1 and VS2 diamonds can appear eye clean, with no inclusions being large or significant enough to impact the first impression made by the stone. Only under magnification will the majority of these inclusions be visible, although some SI1 diamonds may feature inclusions that will very occasionally catch your vision.

Eye clean is a term used to describe a diamond that appears flawless to the naked human eye from a short distance, but may contain imperfections that are visible under magnification. Eye clean diamonds have a high value but at a lower price than flawless diamonds. This is why having a diamond certification, such as a GIA graded report, accompanying the diamond is so important when buying a diamond. 

Both SI1 diamonds and VS2 diamonds are typically eye clean. They both contain small inclusions, but both require magnification to spot them. Out of the two, an SI1 diamond is more likely to have an inclusion that is sometimes visible to the naked eye, but more often than not, both are eye clean. 

What You Need to Know About SI1 Diamonds

When it comes to clarity, size is a key factor to consider. 

While a clarity grade of SI1 won’t show any inclusions in a smaller diamond, such as a 0.7 carat, an SI1 diamond will showcase more of the flaws to the naked eye in a larger diamond, like a 4 carat or greater. 

So long as you’re going for a modestly sized diamond, you can save hundreds of dollars by opting for an SI1 diamond. 

The great news is this: SI1 diamonds are no less sparkly or bright than VS2 diamonds, so long as you go for a Very Good or Excellent cut, low to medium fluorescence, and a good color grade. A smaller diamond with a clarity grade of SI1 (and, it goes without saying, a good cut and color) can look absolutely stunning in the right setting – and on the right finger, of course.

The Round, 1-carat, G Color, SI1 Clarity diamond on the left costs around $7,400. And the Round, 1-carat, G Color, VS2 Clarity diamond on the right costs $8,300. As you can see, the cut, color and carat of both diamonds are exactly the same, leaving only the difference in clarity. The $900 price difference between the SI1 and VS2 diamonds is specifically related to the clarity levels between the diamonds. The VS2 diamond has less inclusions and a higher level of clarity. 

Examining the prices of larger sized SI1 and VS2 diamonds, we see an even greater difference between the two. This Round, 4-carat, Color G, Clarity SI1 diamond costs $84,000, whereas the Round, 4-carat, Color G, Clarity VS2 diamond costs $116,000. The price difference jumps to a whopping, $32,000, due in large to the higher clarity grading/carat size of the diamond. With larger-sized diamonds, inclusions and flaws are clearly showcased on the SI1 diamond. This makes the clarity grade of VS2 an extremely important aspect for a high value diamond, accompanied by a larger price tag. 

What You Need to Know About VS2 DIamonds 

The higher clarity grading of VS2 is recommended for larger diamonds with 4 carats or more.

For instance, this 5 Carat I-VS2 Princess Cut Diamond will certainly hold a slight edge over an SI1 diamond of a similar size, cut, color. The difference between the two stones will be pretty slim, but it will be there, nonetheless.

VS2 is a much more reasonable grade than, say, VVS2 or higher. It’s also a strong contender for offering a great variety of eye clean diamonds. It is, however, significantly more expensive than SI1, and not worth the added cost if your diamond isn’t particularly large. 

Comparative Analysis: SI1 Diamond vs VS2 

While it depends on the size of your diamond – and, of course, your budget – we would generally lean toward VS2 since it offers a little more reassurance over the eye cleanliness of your diamond – particularly if you are looking to make a strong impact with an above-average carat weight for your engagement ring.

In the end, the best way to decide between the SI1 vs VS2 diamonds is by choosing the one that doesn’t have any visible inclusions to the naked eye. And when magnified by 10x, the inclusions are small and insignificant. If you had your mind made up that you would be holding out for a VS2 diamond, but find yourself holding an SI1 diamond with no visible inclusions, then don’t fixate on what’s reported within the diamond’s GIA report – that slightly lower grade is irrelevant to you if the stone is eye clean.

Still, in terms of larger diamonds, VS2 diamonds are the way to go for getting a beautiful diamond with great value. It would be all too easy for you to keep looking for larger and larger diamonds until you reach the very limits of your budget, but you should never compromise the clarity quality in larger diamonds, or you’ll end up with a diamond that contains visible inclusions. 

Like discoloration, these inclusions negatively impact the diamond’s appearance and look far worse than it would if you simply chose a slightly smaller diamond in order to accommodate your budget.

Use the information in its GIA Diamond Grading Report to verify its clarity and inclusion grading and consult your jeweler as to which diamond is the best value for your money.

Bottom Line: Buying a diamond with either an SI1 or VS2 clarity grading will get you a beautiful diamond without breaking the bank. 

SI1 vs VS2 Price and Quality Considerations 

Prices for VS2 vs SI1 diamonds can be very similar, with the differences pertaining mostly to other factors like the cut, color, and carat. Even so, the higher the clarity grade, the more expensive the diamond will be – even if that difference turns out to be pretty small. The same can be said with the carat size. The higher the carat size, the higher the price will be. 

Color and Cut also affect the price of an SI1 and VS2 diamond. A perfectly-cut diamond will help hide inclusions, and a high-quality cut helps strengthen its color and quality.

Let’s take a look at two examples of SI1 vs VS2 diamonds in price:

A 1-carat, VS2 diamond was priced at $7,639 while the 1-carat, SI1 version was $7,266. 

Certification and Grading: Trustworthy Assessment

The only way to make sure the diamond’s clarity grading is 100% authentic is by obtaining its GIA Diamond Grading Report. Every diamond that completes the GIA grading system and receives a complete assessment of the stone’s 4 C’s (color, clarity, carat and cut) receives a GIA certification grading report. The diamond then receives a laser-inscribed, GIA certification number with a diamond certificate.

A GIA grading report, the clarity grade, and a diamond plot, which maps out the diamond’s flaws, both internally and externally, will provide the exact specs of the gem. The report will plot out the location of any inclusions or blemishes that might exist but cannot be seen by the naked eye. 

This is another reason why it’s so important to see the diamond in person, too. When it comes to VS2 and SI1 diamonds, the diamond plot can make it look worse than it really is since it maps out inclusions that you would not otherwise have spotted. So, you can use the GIA report as a great indicator of the diamond’s overall quality, alongside your own impression of the diamond when you see it in person.

We do not recommend any diamond, SI1 or VS2, that does not come with a GIA grading report. You can check the authenticity of over 2 million diamonds using our GIA Diamond Look Up.

The Role of GIA in Diamond Grading, and the Importance of Accurate Certification

There are other labs, but we would only ever recommend shoppers look at diamonds that have been graded specifically by the GIA – or, failing that, the AGS. Never buy a diamond that has not been certified at all.

Some jewelers – particularly the larger chains – certify their diamonds in-house, which merely means that they do not pay for the diamonds to go through a third-party lab. While it may sound cynical, there is a high risk that these diamonds are being marked a lot higher than they would be by a more reputable and unbiased lab like the GIA. Why? Because the vendor can sell them for a better price while being able to offer the shopper a ‘report’, even if it isn’t from a third party.

Not much better than that are the for-profit labs, which are also popular among the bigger chain jewelers. These labs turnaround huge volumes of diamonds very quickly and often give them higher grades than they ought to have, which works out well for the vendor, but not for the buyer.

We do not recommend any diamond, SI1 or VS2, that does not come with a GIA or AGS grading report. Not only do we consider their reports to be the clearest – which is great for first-time buyers – but they are also the most consistent labs. The GIA is not there for profit, and it was formed in response to the lack of transparency many jewelers were offering shoppers back in the 1930s.

GIA diamonds are very popular, and some scammers will try to forge reports from this lab. You can, however, check the authenticity of over 2 million diamonds using our GIA Diamond Look Up.

Conclusion

There’s no one way to find a beautiful diamond. The VS2 and SI1 clarity grades are excellent examples of how broad your search can be when you’re looking to find a diamond that ticks all the boxes – including cost. 

SI1 is a great starting point if you think your budget is on the modest side. Alternatively, it’s best to focus on the VS grades if you’re hoping to track down a stone that is larger than your average engagement ring diamond, and more likely to show off minor imperfections as a result. 

10 FAQs

• Q: What is the main difference between SI1 and VS2 clarity diamonds? 
  A: SI1 diamonds typically have inclusions that are noticeable under 10x magnification and occasionally visible to the naked eye. VS2 diamonds have minor inclusions that are harder to spot even under magnification and are generally eye-clean.
• Q: Are SI1 clarity diamonds a good choice for engagement rings? 
  A: Yes, SI1 diamonds can be a great choice, especially if they are eye-clean. They offer a good balance between quality and cost, making them ideal for those on a budget.
• Q: Is there a noticeable visual difference between SI1 and VS2 diamonds? 
  A: To the untrained eye, the difference is often not noticeable, especially in smaller diamonds. However, in larger diamonds, SI1 inclusions may be more apparent.
• Q: Does the diamond’s shape affect the visibility of inclusions in SI1 and VS2 grades? 
  A: Yes, certain shapes like emerald or Asscher cuts can make inclusions more visible, so higher clarity grades like VS2 may be preferable for these shapes.
• Q: How does the size of the diamond impact the choice between SI1 and VS2? 
  A: Larger diamonds make inclusions more visible. Therefore, for bigger diamonds, choosing a higher clarity grade like VS2 might be advisable.
• Q: Why is GIA certification important for SI1 and VS2 diamonds? 
  A: GIA certification ensures that the clarity grade is accurate and reliable. It provides assurance about the quality of the diamond you are purchasing.
• Q: Can I find eye-clean diamonds in the SI1 clarity grade? 
  A: Yes, many SI1 diamonds are eye-clean, especially those on the smaller size. However, it’s important to inspect the diamond personally or view high-quality images if purchasing online.
• Q: Are VS2 diamonds worth the extra cost compared to SI1 diamonds? 
  A: VS2 diamonds are often worth the extra cost for their slightly better clarity and assurance of being eye-clean, especially in larger sizes or specific cuts where inclusions are more visible.
• Q: Should I prioritize clarity over other diamond characteristics like color or cut? 
  A: While clarity is important, the cut is usually considered the most crucial aspect as it directly influences the diamond’s brilliance and sparkle. Balance clarity with color and cut for the best overall appearance.
• Q: How can I ensure I’m making the right choice between SI1 and VS2 diamonds? 
  A: Compare diamonds side by side, seek GIA certification, and consider personal preferences, budget, and the specific diamond’s appearance. Consulting with a trusted jeweler can also provide valuable guidance.

Discover your perfect diamond with JewelerAI – where clarity meets brilliance in every choice. Explore SI1 vs VS2 options today!