Here's the thing: I'm a fan of SI3! In my opinion, the market needs to continue growing! And the sooner everyone knows about it, the sooner the jewelers will have no choice but to catch up!
Ben believes that if you see an SI3, run in the opposite direction!
Overview of the Diamond Clarity Scale.
Clarity Scale: F & IF | VVS1 & VVS2 | VS1 & VS2 | SI1 & SI2 & (SI3) | I1 & I2 & I3
- (GIA) Certified until VVS2 | Consumers should expect a certificate from GIA (or another appraisal company) to back it up
- VS1 and VS2 can be appraised by a Gemologist or expert without a certificate
- SI1 and SI2 – Bulk of diamonds here and lower | Still eye clean
- I1, I2 and I3 – Inclusions are visible to the eye
What is an SI2 Diamond?
The Gradations within SI2
What is an I1 Diamond?
The Gradations within I1
What is an SI3 Diamond?
The Gradations within SI3
Pros of SI3
- There is a zone between SI2 and I1 that is unfairly being labeled as I1. It’s eye-clean and so it belongs in the SI location. We need a zone between SI2 and I1. The chasm between both gradings is too large...
- Who is exactly falling for anything? No one is trying to call it as SI2. People should research and realize that SI3 means eye clean - but with larger inclusions.
- EGL is a reputable Appraising Company. It’s not a 3rd tier type of company
- It’s the early days of a good idea. Give it time. EGL have started something. Don’t bash it. GIA will catch up soon…
Cons of SI3
- Room for scammers. They can start passing I1’s as SI3’s
- Not accepted by GIA (or most of the world)
- Never Ending Situation (can of worms) when adding more and more sub-divisions into the Clarity Scale
- It will cause a big of loss of money to people who got diamonds certified as SI2 but are now only considered SI3
Final Thoughts
To learn more about SI3 Diamonds click this link: https://www.estatediamondjewelry.com/si3-clarity/