Which grade should I filter for?

If you want fewer surprises, set the clarity floor at VS2. If you are comfortable judging photos, include SI1 and compare stone by stone.

Guides

VS2 vs SI1 diamonds

SI1 is the first clarity grade where an inclusion might be visible. VS2 usually is not.

The useful price step

The price step from SI1 to VS2 is one of the more useful trades in a diamond budget. If the SI1 inclusion is white, small, and off to the side, the stone can look the same as a VS2. If it is a dark crystal under the table, pay for VS2.

VS2 vs SI1 diamond clarity comparison showing inclusion visibility — VS2 vs SI1 — SI1 needs a careful look under the table.

Clarity chart highlighting the SI1 to VS2 step — One of the most useful price/value steps on the clarity scale.

Always use the image

Always use the image. Clarity grades do not tell you whether you, specifically, will see the inclusion in that stone.

Carat Mate lists certified loose diamonds for shoppers in the United States, Canada, the UAE, London, and Australia. Prices are in USD everywhere. We ship to the United States, Canada, the UAE, London, and Australia.

Eye-clean versus loupe-visible inclusion for SI1 shopping — Only buy SI1 when face-up media stays clean at normal distance.

Questions

Which grade should I filter for?: If you want fewer surprises, set the clarity floor at VS2. If you are comfortable judging photos, include SI1 and compare stone by stone.