I1 Clarity Diamonds – What Does I1 Mean in Diamond Grading?

What is an I1 clarity diamond? (Quick Answer)

An I1 clarity diamond has visible inclusions to the naked eye, but can still offer good sparkle depending on its position. It is one of the lower-clarity grades on the GIA scale and is typically chosen for its affordability.

A brief overview of I1 diamonds

• They have visible inclusions without magnification
• They are lower priced than SI or VS diamonds
• Best in brilliant cuts (Round, Princess)
• Avoid central or surface-reaching inclusions

What does I1 mean?

I1 clarity simply means “Included to the 1st degree” and describes the clarity of a diamond with small inclusions visible to the naked eye.

For many buyers, I1 clarity diamonds offer an affordable alternative to higher-clarity diamonds, particularly for buyers prioritising size over clarity.

Learn more about clarity grades before buying an engagement ring.

Where can you buy an I1 clarity diamond? (Quick Answer)

I1 clarity diamonds are widely available from online marketplaces such as Etsy and eBay, as well as from specialist diamond retailers and jewellery websites. However, at Serendipity Diamonds, we recommend carefully selecting I1 diamonds or considering higher-clarity alternatives, as visible inclusions can affect both appearance and durability.

View Real I1 Diamonds (Natural & Lab-Grown)

Seeing real examples is the best way to judge whether an I1 diamond is right for you.
You can explore currently available diamonds using our live search tool, including both natural and lab-grown diamond options with full certificate details and rotating videos.

Tip:
Start by filtering for Round Brilliant diamonds with I1 clarity, then compare how inclusion visibility changes across different stones.

Should You Buy an I1 Clarity Diamond?

An I1 clarity diamond can be a smart choice—but only when selected carefully. The visibility and position of inclusions make all the difference between a great-value diamond and one that looks dull or flawed. During appointments in the Serendipity Diamonds showroom, we often guide clients towards carefully selected I1 diamonds, where inclusions are positioned discreetly, often towards the edge of the stone.

Want to see how these differences look in real diamonds? Try filtering I1 diamonds by shape in our search tool to compare visibility across cuts.

Choose an I1 Diamond If:

You’re prioritising size over clarity
I1 diamonds cost significantly less than higher clarity grades. This often allows you to choose a larger diamond for the same budget—something many buyers value more than microscopic perfection.

You select a brilliant-cut shape (like Round or Princess)
Brilliant-cut diamonds are designed to maximise sparkle. Their faceting helps scatter light and disguise inclusions, making them far more forgiving at lower clarity grades.

The inclusion sits near the edge of the diamond
Inclusions positioned towards the outer edge are less noticeable—especially once set. A jeweller can often place a claw (prong) over the inclusion to help conceal it.

Avoid an I1 Diamond If:

The inclusion reaches the surface
Surface-reaching inclusions (like feathers or cavities) can weaken the diamond. This increases the risk of chipping—especially during setting or everyday wear.

You’re choosing a step-cut diamond (Emerald or Baguette)
Step-cut diamonds have large, open facets that act like windows into the stone. Unlike brilliant cuts, they do not disguise inclusions—meaning flaws are far more obvious.

The inclusion is in the centre (table area)
Inclusions in the middle of the diamond are the most visible. They can appear as dark spots or clouds and are difficult to hide, even with a clever setting.

Where does I1 clarity fall on the clarity scale?

I1 clarity diamonds fall nine places below the highest clarity grade possible for a diamond. According to the presence or concentration of clarity characteristics within a diamond, the GIA diamond clarity system ranks diamonds. Many jewellers refer to these characteristics as inclusions. For this reason, I1 represents “Included 1.”

Lower-clarity diamonds fall into either I2 clarity or I3 diamond clarity, the latter of which represents the lowest official clarity grade possible for a diamond.

There are 11 clarity grades in the GIA system of diamond grading. They are Flawless, Internally Flawless, two categories of Very Slightly Included, two categories of Slightly Included, and three categories of Included. A clarity characteristic of the clarity grade is based on its size, number, position, nature, and colour or relief.

For more information, visit the GIA website.

Examples of I1 diamonds

We grade diamonds using a 10x loupe. As a result, I1 clarity stones reveal noticeable inclusions. In fact, inclusions appear visible even to the naked eye. However, they rarely diminish a diamond’s brightness. In contrast, I3 diamonds interfere with light passing through a diamond. As a result, I3 diamonds appear less sparkly and bright.

Example taken from our online diamond search tool available for natural and lab-grown diamonds.

Example of an I1 clarity diamond. A small white feather and other clarity characteristics appear within the southwest position of the image.

Video examples showing I1 across different fancy cuts

In the following video, we put together 4 different diamond shapes to better illustrate the visibility of inclusions for this clarity grade. Note how certain shapes, such as the Emerald cut, fail to hide inclusions—especially when positioned in the middle of the diamond.

I1 vs SI2 vs I2 Diamonds

A comparison of SI2, I1 and I2 clarity diamonds.

• SI2 – Often eye-clean, better brilliance, higher price
• I1 – Visible inclusions, good value if well chosen
• I2 – Heavily included, often affects sparkle and durability

Best diamond shapes for lower-clarity diamonds

I1 clarity lends itself well to round brilliant-cut diamonds. Alternatively, they suit princess-cut diamonds. Owing to brilliant faceting, inclusions often appear disguised by facets. In contrast, Emerald or Baguette-cut diamonds can be less forgiving due to their step-faceting.

What are the benefits of I1-graded diamonds?

There are two main benefits of buying an I1 diamond. Firstly, cost. I1-graded diamonds command lower prices than higher-clarity grades. Secondly, the presence of clarity characteristics acts as a blueprint for your diamond. As a result, knowing the position of each inclusion makes your diamond instantly recognisable.

We suggest buyers choose a “sensibly included” diamond. By this, we refer to a strategic inclusion located discreetly around the edge of the stone. Setters often attempt to hide such inclusions beneath a claw or prong. However, we advise caution if an inclusion breaks the surface. In this instance, the diamond can chip during the setting process.

Can you get I1 lab-grown diamonds?

Is it possible to get an I1 clarity lab-grown diamond? The answer is yes. Just like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are lab-created in most clarities, including VVS clarity, SI1, SI2, I1, I2 and I3 clarities. In the same way as other clarity grades, prices fall significantly lower than the equivalent natural diamonds.

A Better Alternative to I1 Diamonds

For a similar budget, many buyers now consider high-clarity lab-grown diamonds, offering better brilliance and fewer visible inclusions.

Final thoughts

An I1 clarity diamond can offer excellent value when chosen carefully. Focus on inclusion placement, diamond shape, and overall appearance rather than clarity grade alone.

Frequently Asked Questions About I1 Clarity

What is an I1 clarity diamond?

An I1 clarity diamond contains inclusions visible to the naked eye. It sits within the “Included” category of the GIA clarity scale and is typically chosen for its lower price compared to higher clarity grades.

Are I1 diamonds eye-clean?

Most I1 diamonds are not eye-clean. Inclusions are usually visible without magnification, although some may appear less noticeable depending on their size and position.

Do I1 clarity diamonds sparkle?

Yes, I1 diamonds can still sparkle. However, brilliance may be reduced if inclusions interfere with the way light passes through the diamond.

Is I1 clarity good for an engagement ring?

I1 clarity can be suitable for an engagement ring if the diamond is carefully chosen. Brilliant-cut shapes like round or princess cuts can help disguise inclusions better than step-cut shapes.

What is the difference between I1 and SI2 clarity?

SI2 diamonds often have inclusions that are difficult to see with the naked eye, while I1 diamonds have visible inclusions. As a result, SI2 diamonds typically appear cleaner but cost more.

Is I1 better than I2 or I3 clarity?

Yes, I1 is a higher clarity grade than both I2 and I3. I2 and I3 diamonds usually have more obvious inclusions that can affect both appearance and durability.

Are I1 diamonds good value?

I1 diamonds can offer good value if inclusions are positioned discreetly. Buyers often choose I1 diamonds to maximise carat weight within a limited budget.

Can you get I1 lab-grown diamonds?

Yes. I1 lab-grown diamonds are available. However, many buyers choose higher clarity lab-grown diamonds, as they are often more affordable than natural diamonds of the same grade.

Where should inclusions be in an I1 diamond?

The best I1 diamonds have inclusions positioned near the edge of the stone, where they are less visible and can sometimes be hidden by the setting.

Which diamond shape is best for I1 clarity?

Round brilliant and princess-cut diamonds are usually the best choices for I1 clarity. Their faceting helps to disguise inclusions better than step-cut shapes like emerald or baguette.

Can I compare I1 diamonds before buying?

Yes. Viewing real diamonds is the best way to assess inclusion visibility. Using a diamond search tool allows you to compare different stones by clarity, shape, and price before making a decision.