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The GIA Diamond clarity-scale (see clarity section) refers to how clean, or free of imperfections a Diamond is. The
GIA standard for the clarity scale consists of:
FL, IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, ???, I1, I2, I3
So what exactly is SI3 then? The SI3 was born out of the desire of the Diamond Industry to incorporate an extra grade
to identify Diamonds in the lower range of the clarity scale. Many complained that there is too wide a gap between the SI2 and the I1
grade.
After EGL - Los Angeles (European Gemological Laboratory) started to issue the SI3 grade, even the Rapaport Diamond
Report, or the Rap Sheet as it's known in the trade, added SI3 to its price list. For those who are unfamiliar with the Rap sheet, it
is the definitive (but no longer only) price guide for Diamonds. It is used widely by the wholesale as well as retail industry.
The problem with the SI3 today is that GIA, the largest and most widely accepted Gem Laboratory in the world, does
not recognize SI3 grades.
Some say the SI3 is a good idea, some say it is a bad idea. We feel that it can be a good idea if implemented properly.
If taken to an appraiser, our SI3 diamonds will be graded as SI3 by an EGL gemologist and as either SI2 or I1 by a
GIA gemologist. Our SI3 diamonds usually appraise as SI2 with GIA we can not guarantee they will not be appraised as I1, so please keep
this in mind when purchasing your diamond. If you are not satisfied with the quality of your SI3 diamond for any reason, you may upgrade
it for the difference in prices between the two diamonds at no additional labor and setting costs to you.
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