SI1 stones

[dmaillet]

I am looking to purchase my first SI1 stone and have always heard you should stay away from them as you can see the imperfections. Forgive me for my ignorance as I am new at the diamond game. Can anyone give me their professional or personal experiences on SI1 stones. By the way the diamond I am looking to purchase is GIA D color.

 

[DivaDiamond007]

I am not an expert by any means, but there are some eye-clean SI1 stones and some that have visible inclusions. The diamond in my ering is an SI1 (also GIA graded, K color) and there is a tiny (think pinpoint) inclusion that I can see with my contacts in. Other than that my stone is clean from all angles.

Your best bet is to view the stone in person if you are unsure or contact one of the many great vendors featured on PS and get an expert opinion as to the eye-cleanliness of a stone before purchasing it. Good luck in your search!

 

[sparlesthering]

I think you''d need to see the stone in person to know if there are any visible inclusions, no? Also, why would you go for a D colour? The untrained eye can''t really distinguish b/w a D and G (at least think is what I''ve heard). I personally know I can''t tell the difference. You might be able to get a larger stone for a "lower" colour.

 

[Big daddy 48]

Personally I have a lot of SI1 stones. You save money and if you purchase a good color grading you will be fine. If the stone is SI1 D colored as your stating I don''t thing the one or two small imperfections will be noticed. I would definitely view the stone before purchasing or make sure you have a descent return policy if it''s not meeting your standards.

 

[kcoursolle]

Almost all of my stones are SI or SI2 (or lower...). They represent a great value and often are completely eye clean. However, some aren''t. This is why it is important to get excellent images of the stone and have an actual person eye ball it and let you know if it is clean and from how far away from the face, at which angles, etc.

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 8/2/2009 11:09:23 PM
Author: kcoursolle
Almost all of my stones are SI or SI2 (or lower...). They represent a great value and often are completely eye clean. However, some aren''t. This is why it is important to get excellent images of the stone and have an actual person eye ball it and let you know if it is clean and from how far away from the face, at which angles, etc.

Bingo.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 8/2/2009 9:00:59 PM
Author:dmaillet
I am looking to purchase my first SI1 stone and have always heard you should stay away from them as you can see the imperfections. Forgive me for my ignorance as I am new at the diamond game. Can anyone give me their professional or personal experiences on SI1 stones. By the way the diamond I am looking to purchase is GIA D color.

when you get to my age "everything becomes eye clean"

 

[marcy]

I have an SI1 emerald cut stone that is eye clean. Some SI stones are eye clean but it depends on the stone and your eyesight. As many have said they are a great way to save some money so you can get a larger stone. I would either look at the stone myself or have a trusted dealer evaluate it for you.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/2/2009 9:00:59 PM
Author:dmaillet
I am looking to purchase my first SI1 stone and have always heard you should stay away from them as you can see the imperfections. Forgive me for my ignorance as I am new at the diamond game. Can anyone give me their professional or personal experiences on SI1 stones. By the way the diamond I am looking to purchase is GIA D color.

SI clarity grades are not created equal as are client eyesights and expectations. This thread could shed more light for you.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/clarity-eye-clean-definition-interpretation-and-taste.30483/

 

[FB.]

The type of inclusion (e.g. a crystal), it's colour (e.g. black) and it's location (e.g. near the surface of the middle of the table) will determine if the stone is eye clean.
Some people have sharp enough eyesight to spot smaller inclusions.

Speaking from experience; even some VS2 inclusions can be seen by the naked eye if they're right under the middle of the table or clustered closely to give the impression of a single larger crystal, but even the most prominent VS2 is usually only noticeable from very close distances (6-8 inches) and a very thorough inspection of the stone.
But to a casual observer, VS2 is eye clean and (along with VS1) is my preferred clarity, since with a magnifying glass, it allows fairly easy comparison of the stone's inclusions with the types and locations mentioned on the certificate, to help authenticate the stone.

If I was buying a SI1 or lower, I would want to either see the stone in person, or get a respected person to "eyeball" the stone on my behalf, or look at the plot of the type and location of inclusions on the grading certificate (usually only done for >1ct stones).

 

[atroop711]

I''m no expert but there are eye clean SI stones. My diamond is an SI2 and it''s eye clean...was so excited to find it. I don''t need a flawless diamond and as long as you can''t see any imperfections, it''s a perfect stone for me

 

[Ellen]

Every single SI1 stone needs to be visually inspected for eyecleanliness. It''s a case by case basis. Many are eyeclean.

I have a .58 SI1 stud that even with a loupe I can''t see the inclusions.

 

[Tuckins1]

My stone is an SI 1... Do you see anything? (Aside from pollen....)

You do have to be sure that your SI stone is eye clean, but they are a GREAT value!!

 

[dmaillet]

I did see the stone in person and was quite impressed. I went looking for a 2 carat oval cut with the range of F/H and VVS1-VS2. They brought out this particular stone which looked as large as the 2carat ones. The stone is really beautiful, just not sure about the SI1. Here are the specs on the GIA report

Oval Brilliant
Measurements:9.33 x 7.07 x 4.22 mm, Carat Weight:1.79 carat, Color Grade: D, Clarity Grade: SI1

Depth: 59.7% Table:61% Girdle: Very Thin to Slightly Thick, Faceted Culet: None
Polish: Good, Symmetry: Good, Fluorescence:Medium Blue

 

[dmaillet]

Tuckins1 You have a very beautiful ring

 

[Tuckins1]

Date: 8/3/2009 10:12:40 AM
Author: dmaillet
Tuckins1 You have a very beautiful ring

Thank you, you are too kind.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

My earrings are SI1s and look as good as my VS2 stones because all are well cut and the inclusions are minimal. Just about color - some notice color more than others. You have to look for yourself. I can see the difference between my E and G colored diamonds (the E is AGS and the G is GIA), but I doubt my husband can

Buying a D color is overkill (IMO), but for a 2-ct stone, if I wanted an icy diamond vs. a slightly warm one, I''d go for the F-G range. But, a D would be fine, if I LOVED that particular stone.

 

[Rockdiamond]

Hi all!

dmaillet- If a diamond is eye clean- an I have found many SI1's are eye clean- in my experience, there should be no inherent problem whatsoever with an SI1 diamond.
To make sure that any diamond has no inherent issues,such as an imperfection that breaks the surface, or durability issue ( especially unlikely in an RBC SI1) I advise choosing a dealer who can personally evaluate the diamond.
As you've seen the diamond, hopefully that is the case.
If you've inspected it, and find it to be eye clean, that's a good thing.
Many people would want the dealer to teach them how to identify the imperfection in the diamond- a good idea, if possible.

The diamond has the added advantage ..or deficit, of fluorescence, depending on how you look at it..
If you've seen it, and there's no fogginess, IMO there's no reason not to consider a stone with fluorescence. Many people actually prefer them- and the market places a lower value ( by a small percentage in most cases) on such stones.

Hopefully the fluorescence and size ( below the 2ct mark) should put the stone below what you might have spent on a 2.
From the measurements it sounds like it looks pretty large for it's weight.

As a trades-person, I can't make any comment positive or negative about any particular diamond - just make observations about the aspects you've asked about.ETA- Nice ring Tuckins!!