Clarity for Diamond Pendent?

[McLoverly]

I've heard that all diamonds are eye clean when they're on your ears, but what about for a necklace?

My diamond studs are all VVS or VS as are the diamonds in most of my rings. I'd like to buy a diamond solitaire pendent 1.5-2cts. Would an SI3 with only a few visible inclusions (not cloudy or black) and great color be ok for a pendent? I want something simple and sparkly, but not too much for daily wear at work/school.

 

[AntiqueShopper]

Is the solitare round? If so, then IMHO, I think you are ok. When it comes to solitare pendants, no one will be that close to your neck to examine your stone.

 

[McLoverly]

Yes, I'm looking at a round SI3. For another cut I would probably go down in color and up in clarity.

 

[AntiqueShopper]

What color is the stone?

 

[purses and gold]

My jeweler told me that an SI3 is really an I1. But, if the color of the diamond you choose for your pendant is really good and bright and they set it correctly in the prongs, you could be o.k. with a SI3. It just depends where the inclusions are.

 

[Kitsunegrl]

I think for maximum sparkle, I would concentrate on the cut.
So long as the flaws are not directly under the table, I think a lower clarity grade is fine for a pendant.

 

[ahertz]

SI3 is really an I1

Ditto. It would depend on the stone and what types of inclusions, but I probably would not go below SI2 personally.

 

[McLoverly]

The color is an E. I agree that an SI3 is pretty much an I1, but I have seen some pretty I1s. I really like the stone from the pictures I've seen. It has 2 or three small feathers, but is otherwise clear. I think think the number and type of inclusions makes a difference.

 

[ame]

For me Id probably go no lower than maybe an SI2...I dunno. That's easier to see than inclusions in earrings I think.

 

[black jade]

The color is an E. I agree that an SI3 is pretty much an I1, but I have seen some pretty I1s. I really like the stone from the pictures I've seen. It has 2 or three small feathers, but is otherwise clear. I think think the number and type of inclusions makes a difference.

Yes, the number and type of inclusions make a difference. I have a pendant which I don't know the specs on but it is not a high clarity diamond. I think it must be I1 at best. However all the inclusions are white. they are like little specs that are not visible at a little distance and they also do not interfere with the sparkle (some diamonds look milky or cloudy because of inclusions, but this does not).
It would not be an acceptable stone for a ring (it was in a ring when I bought it and it was not a nice looking ring), but it is a lovely stone for a pendant; I get compliments on it all the time.
I intend to get it appraised someday to get a general idea of the specs. It is a white diamond, not as white as my f color ring but certainly not below H or I.

 

[black jade]

Make sure you can return it if you don't like it.
SI3 does mean I1 but it generally means a good I1--a jewelry quality I1, not an industrial piece of spit.

 

[evekitti]

1.5-2ct is quite a sizeable diamond to warrant a better clarity than SI3. I'd go lower in colour, perhaps F or G, and a little higher in clarity, like VS2. I think that'll make a nice balance.