You’re probably here because a little voice inside you is wondering: “Could a lower clarity grade actually look better or at least just as good as a higher one?”
And honestly, you’re not wrong to ask.
As you may know, the price of a diamond drops when the clarity grade goes down. For most people, it seems obvious that sparkle must drop too. But that is actually a myth. You might be secretly hoping that an SI2 diamond could offer the same beauty as an SI1, while saving you a good chunk of money.
Well, you’re in the right place.
Before we dive into real-life comparisons and smart buying tips, let’s take a moment to understand exactly what SI1 and SI2 clarity grades mean. That way, you can make a confident decision for yourself or for the love of your life.
What Does SI1 and SI2 Mean?
These titles aren’t just made-up codes. According to GIA and AGS, two of the most trusted gemological labs in the world, SI1 stands for “slightly included 1.” That means the diamond contains inclusions that are visible under 10x magnification but may or may not be noticeable with your naked eye.
Note: GIA and AGS officially merged in 2022, combining their strengths to unify diamond grading standards under the GIA name. This guide reflects the most up-to-date clarity grading insights as of 2025.
SI2 stands for “slightly included 2,” which is one grade lower. Inclusions in SI2 diamonds are easier to spot under magnification and are more likely to be visible without a loupe.
Now let’s look at two real-life examples of SI1 and SI2 diamonds from James Allen, one of the best online retailers offering 360° diamond videos.
Look closely and see how the amount of inclusions differ among the two gems:
The SI1 diamond on the left has a soft, barely visible feather near the bottom, while the SI2 diamond on the right shows multiple dark inclusions under the table, making them much more noticeable.
In this case, the difference is clear. The SI1 example looks close to eye clean, while the SI2 example has visible flaws that will likely remain noticeable even in a mounted ring. These two stones are not outliers, they are typical, representative examples of what you can expect from a standard SI1 and SI2 diamond.
While both grades may include visible flaws under magnification, the location, color, and size of those inclusions make a big difference in how the diamond looks to the naked eye.
What Types of Inclusions are Common in SI1 and SI2 Diamonds?
Not all inclusions are created equal. The difference between a diamond that looks great and one that feels distracting often comes down to the type of inclusion, not just how many there are. If you’re new to the topic or want a refresher, be sure to check out my full guide on diamond inclusion types to understand how each one looks and what impact it can have.
Let’s explore which inclusions you’re most likely to find in SI1 vs SI2 diamonds and which ones are worth avoiding.
Common Inclusions in SI1 Diamonds
SI1 diamonds typically have fewer and less noticeable inclusions, and in many cases, they’re white or transparent. Often, they’re only visible under 10x magnification, and some may even be positioned in areas that are hard to see once the diamond is set.
You’ll commonly find:
- Feathers: small, internal fractures (usually white or transparent)
- Crystals or mineral spots: often light-colored and scattered
- Clouds: subtle groupings of pinpoints that can slightly affect transparency
- Pinpoints: tiny dots that are barely noticeable unless clustered
This SI1 diamond below displays several of the inclusion types we mentioned earlier including a small feather, light-colored crystals, and a few pinpoint-like marks, all positioned near the edges and away from the table. There is also a slightly darker crystal visible around the 7 o’clock position, but due to its location near the girdle and small size, it doesn’t significantly impact the face-up appearance of the diamond. Overall, this is a great example of an SI1 diamond that could still be considered eye clean in real-life viewing conditions.
With careful selection, many SI1 diamonds can be eye clean and look nearly flawless to the naked eye.
Common Inclusions in SI2 Diamonds
SI2 diamonds are one clarity grade lower, so inclusions are generally more visible, both in size and in location. Dark inclusions under the table facet are especially common and can affect how clean the diamond looks.
You’re more likely to see:
- Dark crystals or carbon spots: highly visible, especially when under the table
- Large feathers: may reach the surface or be noticeable from different angles
- Clouds: can be denser than in SI1 diamonds, sometimes causing a hazy appearance
- Clusters of pinpoints: when grouped tightly, these can lower transparency
This SI2 diamond displays several of the more noticeable inclusion types common at this grade. Multiple dark crystals are visible under the table, and additional clouds and feathers are mapped across the stone. These centrally placed inclusions make the diamond appear not eye clean, even at a casual glance.
While SI2 diamonds tend to have more visible and centrally located inclusions, it is still possible to find eye-clean SI2 diamonds especially if the inclusions are light in color, near the edges, or can be easily hidden by prongs once set. Thanks to high-resolution video and magnification tools offered by online retailers, identifying these rare, well-positioned SI2 diamonds has become much easier in recent years
Eye Clean SI1 and SI2 Diamonds: What to Look For
Yes, eye clean SI1 and even SI2 diamonds do exist and when you find one, you can get a beautiful stone for far less than a higher-clarity diamond. The key is understanding how to identify diamonds that look clean, even if their grading report says otherwise.
While SI1 and SI2 grades are more likely to have inclusions, the location, size, and type of those inclusions make a world of difference. If they’re light in color, near the edges, or tucked away in the pavilion, they may not be visible at all when the diamond is viewed face-up.
Eye Clean SI1 Diamonds
In most cases, SI1 diamonds have minor inclusions that are only visible under magnification. According to GIA and other top grading labs, a large percentage of SI1 diamonds are eye clean but it’s still smart to double-check before you buy.
To give you a clearer view of what I’m talking about, check out these SI1 diamonds below:
This is a real-life comparison between an eye clean SI1 diamond and a visibly included SI2 diamond. Clicking through to the vendor’s site allows you to inspect these diamonds in 360 degrees and judge for yourself how visible the inclusions really are.
The SI1 diamond on the left shows a clean face-up appearance, with light inclusions that are located off-center and blend into the facets. Despite being under 40x magnification, none of the inclusions are obvious making it a strong candidate for an eye clean diamond in real-world conditions.
In contrast, the SI2 diamond on the right displays numerous dark crystal inclusions scattered throughout the stone including several directly under the table. These inclusions remain visible even at lower magnifications and would likely be noticeable in daily wear.
Tip: When browsing SI1 diamonds, pay close attention to inclusion location and color. Avoid dark inclusions under the table facet, as these are the most likely to be seen with the naked eye.
Eye Clean SI2 Diamonds
Yes, eye clean SI2 diamonds do exist even if they’re rare. The key is to understand what kinds of inclusions are more likely to go unnoticed in everyday viewing, and which ones are not.
Let’s compare two SI2 clarity diamonds side by side, and as you’ll see, they’re worlds apart:
The SI2 diamond on the left is a truly rare find. It appears completely clean in the face-up view, even at 40x magnification. The GIA plot confirms only a small feather located near the edge of the table, and that inclusion is barely noticeable even under close inspection. Diamonds like this are a perfect example of how much variation exists within the SI2 grade and just how surprising some of these stones can be.
The SI2 diamond on the right tells a very different story. It contains multiple dark inclusions, including large black crystals located directly under the table. These inclusions are obvious, even at a glance, and significantly affect the diamond’s visual appeal. This is a textbook example of an SI2 that is not eye clean and should be avoided if brilliance and clarity are your priorities.
Tip: When shopping for SI2 clarity, prioritize diamonds with small, white inclusions near the girdle or pavilion. Avoid dark inclusions under the table, they’re the most likely to be seen in daily wear.
Should You Buy an SI1 or SI2 Diamond for an Engagement Ring?
The short answer is this. It depends on what matters most to you. Are you focused on appearance or price? And how much time are you willing to invest in finding the right stone?
💎 If you want the safest clarity for beauty:
Go with an SI1 diamond, ideally one that has been visually confirmed as eye clean.
SI1 diamonds offer excellent value and are much more likely to look flawless in everyday viewing. Many SI1 stones have minor inclusions that are only visible under 10x magnification and may never be seen once the diamond is set.
💰 If you are looking to maximize size or budget:
An SI2 diamond can absolutely work, but only if you are selective.
Look for stones with
• White or translucent inclusions
• Inclusions near the edges or pavilion
• A clean face up appearance in high resolution video, ideally at 2x magnification or lower
When chosen carefully, a well placed SI2 inclusion can save you hundreds of dollars while still preserving the diamond’s overall beauty and sparkle.
SI1 vs SI2: What About Other Clarity Grades?
Now that you understand the fine line between SI1 and SI2, you might be wondering how they compare to the clarity grades above and below them.
- VS2 and higher:
These grades are safer bets for eye cleanliness, but they often come at a much higher price. Many VS2 diamonds are completely eye clean, even under magnification but not always necessary if you’re working with a budget. - I1 and lower:
At this level, inclusions are usually visible without magnification, often affecting brilliance and durability. These diamonds are best avoided unless you’re buying for non-engagement purposes or are extremely selective.
💡 SI1 remains the sweet spot for many buyers who want beauty and value. SI2 can be a great choice too as long as you’re careful.
Here’s a Pro Tip!
When canvassing diamonds at James Allen, just turn down the 40x magnification to 2x magnification:
By scrolling all the way out in the James Allen viewer, you’re seeing the diamond at approximately 2x magnification. This zoom level gives you the closest idea of how the diamond will look in real life, especially once it’s mounted in a ring.
In the example shown above, even at this lowest zoom level, you can still see the dark inclusions under the table in the SI2 diamond. That’s a strong sign it will not appear eye clean in person. On the other hand, if a diamond looks clean at 2x, it’s very likely to appear flawless to the naked eye.
The Verdict
Now that you know what to look for, the real magic lies in how you look at it.
While you can explore diamonds with a 10x loupe in a traditional store, nothing compares to the crystal clear 40x magnification and 360 degree video offered online. With tools like these, even the tiniest flaw has nowhere to hide.
Personally, I think being able to spin a diamond and inspect it from every angle is one of the smartest ways to shop. Not to mention that buying online often saves you hundreds of dollars.
If you are patient and detail oriented, finding an eye clean SI2 diamond can give you the best of both worlds. You get beautiful appearance at a lower price. Especially when inclusions are light in color or tucked off to the side, they may disappear completely once the diamond is set.
And when you find one that checks all your boxes for clarity, placement, and overall look, congratulations. You have struck the perfect balance between value and beauty.
Both James Allen and Blue Nile are excellent places to shop for SI1 and SI2 diamonds.
- James Allen stands out for offering the largest online collection of SI1 and SI2 diamonds — over 30,000 — along with 40x magnified videos that make it easy to inspect every inclusion in detail.
- Blue Nile is another top-tier option, known for the second largest inventory and competitive pricing, especially on engagement ring settings and complete rings.
But if clarity is your main focus, James Allen remains the top choice for finding a truly eye clean diamond online.
One final tip. Always take your time reviewing the diamonds that catch your eye. A well-placed inclusion may be invisible once the stone is set, while a poor one can follow you for life.
And if you ever feel stuck between two options, remember: it is not always about perfection on paper. It is about how the diamond looks to you.