If you desire a larger carat stone but your budget is capped, then you must sacrifice the clarity or cut of the stone. Why You Shouldn’t Buy I2 Clarity Grades Diamonds I1 diamonds are the lowest suggested clarity for fine jewelry. The stone’s price point reflects this devaluation. With the diamond clarity I2 grade, the more visible flaws mean that the stone is less valuable. The buyer might notice cloudiness within the diamond’s structure. This diamond grade might be less sparkly than their more flawless counterparts. Some of these inclusions might even be visible to the naked eye. The higher numbers within each grade correlates with more flaws within the stone.Īccording to Beyond the 4C’s, buyers should beware when choosing a diamond with a low clarity grade because “…you run a higher risk of the stone chipping and breaking due to weak structural integrity.” The Basics of Diamond Clarity I2ĭiamonds that have a clarity grade of I2 have obvious blemishes and inclusions under magnification. Most of these grades also include a designation of 1 or 2, like VVS1 or SI2.Ī diamond with an Included (I) clarity grade means that “inclusions are obvious under 10× magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance.” Within that, the I grade range includes three sub-grades: I1, I2 and I3. After all blemishes are noted, a grade is issued.Ĭlarity grades range from Flawless (FL), Internally Flawless (IF), Very Very Slightly Included (VVS), Very Slightly Included (VS), Slightly Included (SI) and Included. International Gemological Institute (IGI)Įach lab examines a stone under magnification to discern any internal and external flaws.The Gemological Institute of America (GIA).The Diamond Clarity Grading ScaleĪll diamonds certified by an independent gemological laboratory are reviewed and graded for their clarity. However, is the lower grade worth the price? Here is everything you need to know about this clarity grade and how to be a smart shopper when choosing loose stones. These low-quality diamonds offer some cheap prices. For buyers, these minute blemishes-typically measured by their clarity grade-can actually help set expectations for how to budget when diamond-shopping.įor buyers on a tighter budget, diamond clarity I2 may seem ideal. Not all diamonds are astronomical in price, because the size, structure and even the tiniest imperfections can affect the cost. All diamonds are unique, and their differences help distinguish the value, rarity, and beauty of each stone.
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