Know Your Diamond Inclusions Before You Buy
Diamonds often have unique internal characteristics called inclusions — the natural birthmarks of a diamond.
Not every inclusion affects a diamond’s beauty or durability. Their visibility and effect depend on type, size, location and contrast. A diamond grading report can help identify clarity characteristics, while seeing the stone in person helps you judge its appearance.
Pinpoint Inclusions
Pinpoints are tiny crystals within a diamond that may appear light or dark. They can occur individually or in groups. When many pinpoints cluster together, they can create a cloudy or hazy area known as a cloud.
Feathers
Feathers are small internal fractures that resemble delicate feathers. Minor feathers usually do not impact a diamond’s durability unless they extend to the surface of the stone.
Fringes and Bearding
These are fine, hair-like lines found along the diamond’s girdle. Bearding can occur during the cutting process and appears as tiny fractures around the edge of the stone.
Grain and Growth Lines
Grain lines develop during the diamond’s natural formation process because of irregular crystal growth. White or dark grain lines can sometimes affect a diamond’s clarity grade.
Cleavage
Cleavage is a straight internal crack without the feathered appearance of a fracture. Because diamonds split naturally along certain crystal directions, significant cleavage can weaken the stone and potentially cause it to separate along its length.
Laser Lines
Unlike natural inclusions, laser lines are man-made. They are created during a treatment process in which a laser removes a dark inclusion from a diamond. The remaining vapor trail appears as a fine thread-like line that begins at the surface and extends inward to the area where the inclusion was removed.
Before purchasing a diamond, take the time to understand its inclusions. A diamond is a significant investment, and knowing its natural characteristics helps you make an informed decision. These unique “birthmarks” can also serve as identifying features if you ever need to verify or identify your diamond in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diamond Inclusions
Are diamond inclusions normal?
Yes. Many natural diamonds have internal characteristics. Their effect on a clarity grade depends on features such as size, number, position, nature and relief.
Can an inclusion make a diamond more likely to chip?
Some feathers, fractures or inclusions near vulnerable edges may raise durability concerns, but many inclusions do not. Ask a qualified diamond professional to examine the specific stone before buying or resetting it.
Can I see inclusions without magnification?
Some inclusions are visible to the unaided eye, while others are only apparent under magnification. Visibility varies with lighting, inclusion characteristics and the diamond’s cut.
Continue learning with our diamond buying and grading guide, or visit N.J. Diamonds in Dearborn to discuss diamonds with an experienced professional.
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