Clarity Sounds Complicated But It Doesn’t Have to Be
When most people think of diamonds, they picture sparkle. But behind that sparkle is a grading system with all sorts of codes , and clarity is one of them. It basically refers to how many natural marks a diamond has. These are called inclusions, and every diamond has them. Some you can see, most you can't. That’s where SI and VS come in. They're part of the clarity scale, and they tell you how visible those little flaws are.
SI Diamonds , Slightly Included
SI stands for Slightly Included. This means the diamond has inclusions that can be seen under a magnifying glass, and maybe, just maybe, with your eye if you really look. The thing is, not all SI diamonds are the same. An SI1 can look perfectly clean to the naked eye, especially in smaller sizes or brilliant cuts. An SI2 might show a tiny mark, depending on where it's located. But in many cases, unless someone is holding your ring under a scope, they’ll never notice. If you’re trying to get the biggest size for your budget and don’t care what a jeweler sees under a loupe, SI is worth considering.
VS Diamonds , Very Slightly Included
Now let’s talk VS. This stands for Very Slightly Included, and these diamonds are a level up in clarity. Their inclusions are there, but they’re so small that most gemologists need a scope to find them. A VS1 is practically flawless to the eye. VS2 might have a small dot or feather somewhere, but again, not visible unless you're really looking. It gives you peace of mind that your stone will look super clean in all lighting, all the time, from every angle.
So What Should You Choose?
This comes down to your priorities. If you're someone who needs to know your diamond is spotless inside and out, VS is the safer bet. But if you’d rather spend that clarity difference on a larger carat size or a better cut, and you’re okay with a tiny flaw that no one will see, an SI1 can be a smart, strategic choice. For round brilliants, radiant cuts, or oval shapes , all of which have tons of sparkle , an SI diamond often looks identical to a VS once it’s set. If you’re going with an emerald or asscher cut, where clarity is more visible, you may want to lean VS to be safe.
The Honest Truth
Most people can’t tell the difference between an SI1 and a VS2 unless they're using magnification. And no one at dinner is going to stop you and say, “Hey, is that a slightly included diamond?” What matters is how the stone performs , how it catches the light, how it looks on your hand, and how it makes you feel. Spend where it counts. Prioritize what shows. And don’t let the grading chart distract you from the bigger picture.
Explore Azzallure’s lab-grown diamond collection in VS clarity grades , handpicked for beauty, not just for labels.