VS vs. SI Diamonds (What's the Difference?)

When it comes to diamonds, everyone wants the best quality.

Before making such a significant purchase, people usually scrutinize every detail of their diamond on its grading report. One important specification on this report is clarity. Two common clarity grades are SI (Slightly Included, of which there are different levels) and VS (Very Slightly Included, of which there are also different levels). Choosing between these two grades can be challenging, so let’s delve into their similarities and differences to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding diamond clarity

First, let's ensure we fully understand the concept of diamond clarity. Diamonds have their own terminology, and clarity is a key aspect that can be confusing. However, with some basic information, you can confidently choose the perfect diamond. Diamond clarity indicates how clear or flawless a diamond is under magnification. Gemologists from various organizations (such as GIA, EGL) examine diamonds to identify tiny internal imperfections (inclusions) and external blemishes. Clarity grades range from Flawless (no visible imperfections) to Included (imperfections visible to the naked eye).

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamond clarity on a scale from Internally Flawless (IF) to Included (I3). The goal is to find a balance between clarity and budget, as higher clarity grades typically come with higher prices. The position of inclusions also matters, as they can sometimes be hidden by settings like bezels or prongs if they are near the edges of the stone. Inclusions can be eye-visible (I1, I2, I3) or only visible under 10x magnification (SI2 to VVS1). If no inclusions are visible under 10x magnification, the diamonds are graded IF (Internally Flawless). IF diamonds are extremely rare and highly valued, but for most engagement rings, they are not necessary. Without magnification tools, it is almost impossible to distinguish an IF diamond from an SI diamond.

While clarity certainly influences a diamond's beauty, it is not the only factor to consider. A diamond with an ideal cut but lower clarity can still sparkle beautifully. Sometimes, strategically placed imperfections do not affect the overall beauty of the diamond. Understanding clarity helps you choose a diamond that fits your preferences—whether it’s one without visible imperfections or one with tiny, natural inclusions that make it unique. Inclusions give each diamond its distinctiveness, as no two diamonds are exactly alike.

Now that we understand clarity as a whole, we can examine SI and VS clarity individually before discussing the similarities and differences between them.

VS1 Clarity: When a diamond is given the clarity grade of VS1, it means that it has very slight inclusions that are difficult to see, even under 10x magnification. These inclusions are typically incredibly subtle imperfections that would not be visible to the average person, but may be able to be seen by a trained gemologist. They are not visible to the naked eye and the diamond has the visual appearance of a flawless stone.

VS2 Clarity: When a diamond is given the clarity grade of VS2, it means that it also has very slight inclusions under 10x magnification, but these might be just slightly more noticeable than the inclusions in a VS1 diamond. Under 10x magnification, a trained gemologist would be able to see the inclusions, but they still would not be visible to the average person. The inclusions in a VS2 diamond would likely not be visible to the naked eye and the visual appearance of the diamond is clear and beautiful.

SI1 Clarity: When a diamond is given the clarity grade of SI1, it means that it has slight inclusions that are more challenging to see with the naked eye but noticeable under 10x magnification. Upon a quick glance at the stone, someone untrained likely wouldn’t notice any inclusions, but they would be visible with a microscope.

SI2 Clarity: When a diamond is given the clarity grade of SI2, it means that there are inclusions that are more easily visible, sometimes even to the naked eye without magnification.

VS vs. SI Diamond Appearance

The main difference between VS and SI diamonds is how visible their flaws are under 10x magnification. In VS diamonds, the flaws are very tiny and hard to see, even with a jeweler’s loupe. This makes them look flawless to the naked eye, giving them a nearly perfect appearance.

On the other hand, SI diamonds have larger or more noticeable flaws. These flaws are still small, but can sometimes be seen without magnification, depending on where they are and how big they are. This difference in how visible the flaws are affects how clean the diamonds look, which in turn influences their desirability and price.

VS vs. SI Diamond Price

Any slight differences between diamonds can influence their price. For example, a 0.99 carat diamond and a 1.00 carat diamond have only a slight difference in size that no one would be able to see visually, but they would have a difference in price. The 1.00 carat mark is a benchmark size goal, so it will fetch a higher price. This kind of price difference also applies to diamond clarity.

The differences in visible inclusions between VS and SI diamonds translate into a difference in price. As long as all other aspects of the diamonds remain the same, VS diamonds will be priced higher, sometimes significantly, than SI diamonds. VS diamonds may be preferred by those with a higher budget who are willing to invest in a rarer diamond with fewer inclusions. On the other hand, an SI diamond offers a balance of quality and affordability, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality diamond without stretching the budget.

The question each person must answer is whether the differences between VS and SI diamonds are great enough to justify the difference in price. This decision is entirely up to you and depends on your priorities and budget.

Understanding diamond brilliance

The brilliance of a diamond is determined by several factors, one of which is clarity. Each individual aspect (color, cut, etc.) impacts the brilliance of the stone, but here we will just discuss clarity. Inclusions can take many forms, so it’s important to be able to notice some of the more common ones.

Pinpoints are small transparent crystals scattered throughout a diamond, usually having minimal impact on its appearance. Feathers, which are small fractures resembling tiny feathers, can vary in size and may or may not be visible to the naked eye; their size can affect both the appearance and durability of the diamond. Clouds consist of clusters of small pinpoints that create a cloudy look, potentially affecting the diamond's appearance depending on their size. Crystals are small mineral spots within the diamond that can influence its appearance based on their size and location. Needles, long thin crystals resembling needles, are typically not visible to the naked eye and therefore usually do not affect the diamond's appearance.

VS vs. SI diamonds final considerations

Choosing between VS and SI diamonds can be challenging and very personal, given that it is an important and large purchase. Hopefully now that you understand the main differences between the two, that decision can be a little bit easier. When determining which clarity is the best choice for you, remember to consider your budget, personal preferences (of the wearer), and how the diamond will be worn. Determining whether the diamond 4Cs or ring design itself is more important will also play a factor.

Ultimately, both a VS or SI diamond will look beautiful and create a memorable piece of jewelry for anyone to cherish, especially given the sentimental significance.