Included Diamonds Explained

Included diamonds are diamonds with inclusions that are usually visible to the naked eye.

These diamonds fall into the lower clarity range and are graded as I1, I2, or I3. They can be more affordable than higher-clarity diamonds, but they also come with important trade-offs in appearance, sparkle, durability, and long-term value.

For some buyers, an included diamond may work for budget-focused jewelry or small accent stones. However, for engagement rings, solitaire designs, and high-value custom jewelry, included diamonds should be reviewed very carefully.

This guide explains what included diamonds are, the difference between I1, I2, and I3 clarity, how they affect diamond value, and when buyers should avoid them.

Key Takeaways

• Included diamonds are graded I1, I2, or I3 on the diamond clarity scale.
• I1 diamonds have visible inclusions but may still be usable if carefully selected.
• I2 diamonds usually have more obvious inclusions and may look less clean.
• I3 diamonds have heavy inclusions that can strongly affect beauty and durability.
• Included diamonds are usually less expensive than VS, SI, VVS, or FL diamonds.
• Large, dark, or surface-reaching inclusions can reduce sparkle and weaken the diamond.
• Included diamonds are generally not ideal for engagement ring center stones.
• Eye-clean SI or VS diamonds often offer better long-term value.

What Are Included Diamonds?

Included diamonds are diamonds with inclusions that are visible enough to affect the clarity grade.

Inclusions are internal characteristics such as feathers, clouds, crystals, chips, cavities, or internal marks. In included diamonds, these features are usually easier to see than in higher-clarity diamonds.

The included clarity range includes:

• I1 — Included 1
• I2 — Included 2
• I3 — Included 3

As the grade moves from I1 to I3, inclusions become more obvious and may have a stronger effect on appearance, sparkle, and durability.

Where Do Included Diamonds Rank on the Clarity Scale?

The diamond clarity scale ranges from Flawless to Included.

Clarity Grade	Meaning	Visibility
FL	Flawless	No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x
IF	Internally Flawless	No internal inclusions visible under 10x
VVS1-VVS2	Very, Very Slightly Included	Inclusions are extremely difficult to see
VS1-VS2	Very Slightly Included	Inclusions are difficult to see
SI1-SI2	Slightly Included	Inclusions may be visible
I1	Included 1	Inclusions usually visible
I2	Included 2	Inclusions clearly visible
I3	Included 3	Heavy inclusions, often obvious

Included diamonds sit at the lower end of the clarity scale.

This does not automatically mean every included diamond is unusable, but it does mean buyers should inspect the stone carefully before purchasing.

I1 Diamond Clarity Explained

I1 diamonds have inclusions that are usually visible to the naked eye.

However, not all I1 diamonds look the same. Some may have inclusions near the edge, lighter-colored inclusions, or marks that are less noticeable once set in jewelry. Others may have dark, central inclusions that are easy to see.

When I1 Diamonds May Work

I1 diamonds may work for buyers who want a lower-cost diamond and are willing to accept visible inclusions.

They may be considered for small jewelry pieces, budget-focused designs, or diamonds where the inclusion can be hidden by the setting.

When I1 Diamonds Should Be Avoided

Avoid I1 diamonds when the inclusion is dark, large, in the center, or close to the surface.

For engagement rings and solitaire jewelry, I1 clarity can be risky unless the diamond still looks attractive in normal viewing conditions.

Buyer Tip

If choosing an I1 diamond, always inspect the actual stone or request clear images and videos. The location and type of inclusion matter more than the grade alone.

I2 Diamond Clarity Explained

I2 diamonds have more noticeable inclusions than I1 diamonds.

These inclusions are usually easy to see without magnification and may affect the diamond’s transparency, brilliance, or overall appearance.

When I2 Diamonds May Work

I2 diamonds are usually chosen for very budget-focused jewelry. They may be used in some fashion jewelry, low-cost diamond pieces, or designs where sparkle and clarity are not the main priority.

When I2 Diamonds Should Be Avoided

I2 diamonds are generally not recommended for engagement ring center stones or high-value custom jewelry. The inclusions may be too visible and can reduce the diamond’s beauty.

Buyer Tip

If you are considering I2 clarity, check whether the diamond looks cloudy, cracked, dull, or structurally weak. A low price is not worth it if the diamond looks lifeless or has durability concerns.

I3 Diamond Clarity Explained

I3 diamonds are the lowest clarity grade.

They usually have heavy inclusions that are obvious to the naked eye. These inclusions can strongly affect appearance, brilliance, transparency, and sometimes durability.

When I3 Diamonds May Work

I3 diamonds may be used in very low-budget jewelry where price is the main concern.

They are generally not chosen for premium fine jewelry or meaningful pieces like engagement rings.

When I3 Diamonds Should Be Avoided

I3 diamonds should usually be avoided for engagement rings, solitaire pendants, bridal jewelry, and custom jewelry meant for long-term wear. The inclusions may make the diamond look dull, cloudy, cracked, or visibly damaged.

Buyer Tip

Be very cautious with I3 diamonds. Even if the price seems attractive, the diamond may not offer good beauty, durability, or long-term satisfaction.

I1 vs I2 vs I3 Diamonds: Quick Comparison

Factor	I1 Diamond	I2 Diamond	I3 Diamond
Inclusion Visibility	Usually visible	Clearly visible	Very obvious
Sparkle Impact	May be affected	Often affected	Usually affected
Transparency	May still look acceptable	Often reduced	Often poor
Durability Concern	Depends on inclusion type	Higher concern	Highest concern
Price	Lower than SI/VS	Lower than I1	Lowest
Best Use	Budget jewelry, carefully selected stones	Very budget-focused jewelry	Usually not recommended
Engagement Ring Use	Risky, inspect carefully	Not ideal	Avoid
Buyer Value	Possible if eye-acceptable	Limited	Usually poor

I1 diamonds can sometimes be acceptable if the stone is carefully selected.

I2 and I3 diamonds are much harder to recommend for fine jewelry because inclusions are usually more visible and may affect performance.

How Included Diamonds Affect Appearance

Included diamonds can look very different from one another. Some may still sparkle reasonably well, while others may appear dull, cloudy, or visibly marked.

Visible Marks

Included diamonds often have marks that can be seen without magnification. These may appear as black spots, white feathers, cloudy areas, cracks, or internal lines.

Reduced Sparkle

Large inclusions can block light from passing through the diamond properly. This may reduce brilliance and make the diamond look less lively.

Cloudy Appearance

Some included diamonds have heavy clouds or grouped inclusions. This can create a milky or hazy look, even if the diamond has decent size.

Less Clean Visual Appeal

For jewelry where the diamond is the main focus, visible inclusions can distract from the design. This is especially important for engagement rings, solitaire rings, and pendants.

How Included Diamonds Affect Durability

Some inclusions are only visual. Others can affect durability. Durability concerns depend on the inclusion type, size, and location.

Feathers Near the Edge

Large feathers near the edge can be risky. If the diamond receives impact, these areas may be more vulnerable.

Surface-Reaching Inclusions

Inclusions that reach the surface can weaken the diamond. They may also collect dirt or become more noticeable over time.

Chips and Cavities

Chips and cavities can affect both appearance and durability. They should be reviewed carefully before the diamond is set in jewelry.

Heavy Internal Stress

Some included diamonds may show structural weakness. This is more concerning for rings and bracelets because they experience more daily contact.

For daily-wear jewelry, durability matters as much as price.

Do Included Diamonds Sparkle Less?

Included diamonds may sparkle less, but it depends on the type and severity of inclusions.

Small inclusions may not affect sparkle much. However, heavy clouds, large feathers, dark crystals, or inclusions in the center can block light and reduce brilliance.

Cut quality still matters most for sparkle.

A well-cut I1 diamond may look better than a poorly cut higher-clarity diamond, but heavy inclusions can still limit beauty.

Are Included Diamonds Eye-Clean?

Most included diamonds are not eye-clean.

By definition, I1, I2, and I3 diamonds usually have inclusions visible to the naked eye.

However, some I1 diamonds may look acceptable from a normal viewing distance if the inclusions are light, off-center, or partly hidden by the setting.

I2 and I3 diamonds are much less likely to appear eye-clean.

If you want a diamond that looks clean without magnification, VS2, SI1, or carefully selected SI2 diamonds are usually better options.

Included Diamonds and Diamond Price

Included diamonds are usually much less expensive than higher-clarity diamonds. This lower price can seem attractive, especially for buyers trying to increase carat size within budget.

However, lower price comes with trade-offs.

Included diamonds may have:

• Visible marks
• Reduced sparkle
• Cloudy appearance
• Lower resale value
• Durability concerns
• Less premium appearance

The cheapest diamond is not always the best value.

A slightly smaller, cleaner diamond may look better and last longer than a larger included diamond.

I1, I2, and I3 Diamonds in Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds can also receive I1, I2, or I3 clarity grades.

However, because lab-grown diamonds usually offer better value than natural diamonds, many buyers can choose higher clarity grades within budget.

For lab-grown diamonds, buyers often prefer:

• VS2
• VS1
• VVS2
• VVS1

Choosing an included lab-grown diamond is usually not necessary unless the budget is extremely limited.

For custom lab-grown diamond jewelry, VS or eye-clean clarity grades often provide better beauty and value.

I1, I2, and I3 Diamonds in Natural Diamonds

Natural included diamonds are more common than flawless or high-clarity natural diamonds.

Some buyers choose I1 natural diamonds because they want a natural diamond at a lower price.

This can work in certain cases, but buyers should not ignore appearance.

A natural diamond with a visible dark inclusion, heavy clouding, or durability concern may not be worth buying just because it is natural.

For meaningful jewelry, it may be better to choose a smaller natural diamond with better clarity or a lab-grown diamond with higher quality.

Best Jewelry Uses for Included Diamonds

Included diamonds are not ideal for every jewelry type. Their use depends on visibility, size, setting, and buyer expectations.

Engagement Rings

Included diamonds are generally not recommended for engagement ring center stones. An engagement ring is worn daily and the center diamond is highly visible, so clarity, durability, and sparkle matter.

Diamond Earrings

Included diamonds may be more acceptable in earrings because earrings are viewed from a distance. However, the diamonds should still look matched and not overly cloudy.

Diamond Pendants

Pendants may allow slightly more flexibility because they are not viewed as closely as rings. Still, a visible dark inclusion in the center can affect appearance.

Diamond Bracelets

Bracelets often use multiple smaller diamonds. Included diamonds may be used in budget bracelets, but consistency and durability should be checked.

Men’s Diamond Jewelry

Men’s jewelry may use included diamonds in certain designs where stones are smaller, darker, or set in bold metalwork. For premium men’s rings or statement pieces, better clarity is usually recommended.

Accent Stones

Small accent stones can sometimes use lower clarity because inclusions are harder to notice.

However, they should still be bright, consistent, and securely set.

Which Included Diamonds Should Buyers Avoid?

Buyers should avoid included diamonds with serious appearance or durability issues.

Be careful with:

Large Dark Inclusions

Dark inclusions are often easy to see. If they are near the center, they can distract from the diamond’s beauty.

Heavy Clouds

Heavy clouds can make the diamond look dull or milky. This can reduce sparkle even if the diamond has a larger carat size.

Large Feathers

Large feathers, especially near the edge, can create durability concerns. They should be reviewed before setting the diamond in daily-wear jewelry.

Surface-Reaching Cracks

Surface-reaching inclusions can make the diamond weaker. These are not ideal for rings or bracelets.

Chips and Cavities

Chips and cavities may affect both appearance and strength. They can also collect dirt and make the diamond look less clean over time.

Better Alternatives to Included Diamonds

If you want better value without visible inclusions, consider slightly higher clarity grades.

SI1 Diamonds

SI1 diamonds can offer good value if they are eye-clean. They may cost more than included diamonds, but they often look much better.

VS2 Diamonds

VS2 diamonds are one of the most popular value choices. They usually look clean to the naked eye and are suitable for engagement rings and custom jewelry.

Lab-Grown VS Diamonds

Lab-grown VS diamonds can offer strong value. They allow buyers to choose better clarity, larger size, or improved cut within budget.

Slightly Smaller Diamonds

Choosing a slightly smaller diamond with better clarity can be smarter than choosing a larger diamond with obvious inclusions. Visual beauty matters more than size alone.

Should You Buy an I1 Diamond?

An I1 diamond may be worth considering if:

• The diamond still looks attractive
• The inclusions are not too distracting
• The inclusion is near the edge
• The setting can hide part of the inclusion
• There are no major durability concerns
• The price is significantly better
• You understand the trade-offs

An I1 diamond may not be ideal if:

• The inclusion is dark and central
• The diamond looks cloudy
• The diamond is for an engagement ring center stone
• The stone has cracks, chips, or surface-reaching inclusions
• You want premium visual quality

I1 diamonds should always be inspected carefully before purchase.

Should You Buy an I2 Diamond?

I2 diamonds are generally not recommended for buyers who want fine jewelry quality. They may be affordable, but the inclusions are usually too visible and may reduce sparkle.

An I2 diamond may only be suitable for:

• Very budget-focused jewelry
• Small accent stones
• Fashion jewelry
• Pieces where diamond quality is not the main focus

For engagement rings, solitaire pendants, and premium custom jewelry, I2 clarity is usually not a good choice.

Should You Buy an I3 Diamond?

I3 diamonds should usually be avoided for fine jewelry.

They often have heavy inclusions that affect appearance, transparency, and durability.

An I3 diamond may be cheap, but it may not deliver the beauty or long-term value buyers expect from diamond jewelry.

For most buyers, it is better to choose a smaller diamond with better clarity or a lab-grown diamond with higher quality.

Certification for Included Diamonds

Certification helps buyers understand what they are purchasing.

For included diamonds, a grading report can confirm:

• Clarity grade
• Carat weight
• Color grade
• Cut grade
• Measurements
• Diamond origin
• Report number
• Inclusion details
• Laser inscription when available

Certification is especially important when buying online.

However, certification alone does not guarantee that the diamond looks beautiful. Buyers should still review images, videos, and inclusion visibility.

Common Mistakes Buyers Make With Included Diamonds

Buying Only Because the Price Is Low

A low price can be attractive, but visible inclusions may reduce beauty and satisfaction. Always compare appearance, not just cost.

Choosing Size Over Clarity

A larger included diamond may look less beautiful than a smaller cleaner diamond. Carat size should be balanced with clarity and cut.

Ignoring Durability Risks

Some inclusions can weaken the diamond. This is especially important for rings and bracelets.

Not Checking the Inclusion Location

Location matters. A small inclusion near the edge may be less concerning than a dark inclusion in the center.

Assuming All I1 Diamonds Are the Same

I1 diamonds vary widely. Some may look acceptable, while others may be visibly flawed or cloudy.

Expert Tips for Buying Included Diamonds

Inspect the Actual Diamond

Do not rely only on the clarity grade. Review real photos, videos, and magnified views before buying.

Avoid Dark Center Inclusions

Dark marks in the center are usually easy to see. These can affect beauty more than small light inclusions near the edge.

Check for Durability Issues

Avoid diamonds with large feathers, chips, cavities, or surface-reaching cracks. These can affect long-term wear.

Prioritize Cut Quality

Even with lower clarity, good cut quality can improve appearance. Avoid included diamonds that are both poorly cut and visibly flawed.

Compare With Lab-Grown Options

A lab-grown diamond may allow you to choose better clarity within the same budget. This can be a better choice for engagement rings and custom jewelry.

Choose the Right Setting

Some settings can hide edge inclusions or protect the stone. However, a setting cannot fix a diamond that looks cloudy or dull.

Why Choose Custom Karat for Diamond Jewelry?

Custom Karat helps buyers choose diamonds based on beauty, value, durability, and design goals.

Instead of selecting a diamond only by price, buyers can compare lab-grown and natural diamond options that better match the final jewelry piece.

Custom Karat offers:

Lab-Grown and Natural Diamond Options

Buyers can choose lab-grown diamonds for better value or natural diamonds for traditional rarity. This gives more flexibility when balancing clarity, size, and budget.

Clarity and Quality Guidance

Custom Karat helps buyers understand clarity grades, inclusions, diamond appearance, and value. This helps buyers avoid diamonds that may look poor or have durability concerns.

CAD Design Previews

CAD previews allow buyers to review the jewelry before production begins. This helps confirm stone placement, setting style, proportions, and final appearance.

Premium Metal Choices

Buyers can choose from gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum, sterling silver, gold vermeil, or suitable custom finishes. The right metal improves durability, comfort, and long-term wear.

Transparent Pricing

Pricing is based on diamond quality, metal, design complexity, craftsmanship, and finishing. This helps buyers understand what they are paying for.

Expert Craftsmanship

Each piece is made with attention to stone setting, polish, comfort, durability, and long-term wearability. A diamond with inclusions still needs secure and skilled setting.

Secure USA Shipping

Finished jewelry is securely packed and shipped to customers in the USA.  This gives buyers confidence when ordering custom diamond jewelry online.

Final Verdict

Included diamonds are more affordable, but they come with important trade-offs.

I1 diamonds may work in some cases if the inclusions are not too distracting and there are no durability concerns. I2 diamonds are usually only suitable for very budget-focused jewelry. I3 diamonds should generally be avoided for fine jewelry and engagement rings.

For most buyers, a smaller eye-clean diamond or a lab-grown diamond with better clarity will offer better beauty, durability, and long-term satisfaction.

When buying diamond jewelry, do not judge by price or carat alone. Review clarity, cut, inclusion visibility, durability, certification, setting quality, and craftsmanship.

Custom Karat helps buyers create custom diamond jewelry with lab-grown or natural diamond options, clarity guidance, CAD approval, premium materials, transparent pricing, and expert craftsmanship.

FAQs

What are included diamonds?

Included diamonds are diamonds with visible inclusions and are graded I1, I2, or I3 on the clarity scale.

What does I1 clarity mean?

I1 means Included 1. These diamonds usually have visible inclusions, but some may still look acceptable if carefully selected.

What does I2 clarity mean?

I2 diamonds have more obvious inclusions that may affect appearance, sparkle, and sometimes durability.

What does I3 clarity mean?

I3 is the lowest clarity grade. These diamonds usually have heavy visible inclusions and are generally not recommended for fine jewelry.

Are I1 diamonds good?

Some I1 diamonds can be acceptable if the inclusions are not too visible or risky. However, they should be inspected carefully.

Are I2 diamonds worth buying?

I2 diamonds are usually only suitable for very budget-focused jewelry. They are not ideal for engagement rings or premium pieces.

Should I buy an I3 diamond?

In most cases, I3 diamonds should be avoided because inclusions are usually very obvious and may affect durability.

Do included diamonds sparkle?

Some included diamonds can sparkle, but large inclusions, clouds, or dark marks can reduce brilliance.

Are included diamonds good for engagement rings?

Included diamonds are generally not recommended for engagement ring center stones, especially I2 and I3 diamonds.

What is a better alternative to included diamonds?

Eye-clean SI1, VS2, or lab-grown VS diamonds often provide better value and visual beauty.