Diamond Inclusions
The Internal Flaws in Diamonds
Diamond inclusions (internal flaws) can have a significant impact on the quality of a diamond. These flaws or inclusions (impurities) are found in almost all diamonds except for the flawless stones. Flawless diamonds are those without internal impurities or blemishes when viewed less than 10X Loupe (magnifying glass) by an experienced grader. Each stone has its own unique flaws. These diamond inclusions are the birthmark of the stone and they identify your stone from other diamonds.
A diamond's impurities are encountered during the formation
of the diamond deep down below the surface of the earth where it comes into contact with different substances and meets with variations in temperature and pressure.
Basically there are three categories of diamond inclusions (flaws) found in diamonds:
1. Protogenetic flaws are those impurities formed before crystallization of a diamond, and which can only be of a mineral nature. The diamond crystal traps the impurities as it grows.
2. Syngenetic flaws are those impurities formed simultaneously with a diamond.
3. Epegenetic flaws are those impurities that occur after the formation of a diamond.
The size, position, nature and number of impurities determine a diamond's clarity. Fewer diamond flaws (inclusions) means a better clarity grade which then increases the value of diamond.
Diamond Quality and Internal Inclusions
There are different types of internal inclusions that affect a diamond's quality
and clarity to a certain degree. Diamonds that are perfect are very scarce and expensive.
1. Bearding
Bearding is a hair-like line that can occurs around the girdle during the cutting process. Normally a bearding is not a problem if it is minimal. Extensive bearding can be removed by re-cutting the diamond.
2. Diamond Crystals
Diamond crystals are types of inclusions whereby small diamonds are trapped within a larger diamond during its formation process. Common types of diamond crystals are labeled clouds, needles and pinpoints.
3. Clouds
Clouds are made up of a large number of diamond crystals resembling a cloud present in the stone. Clouds consist of three or more pinpoint sizes diamond crystals located very close to each others.
Most clouds are not a reason for you to be concerned because smaller diamond crystals tend to be transparent. The problem appears when the cloud covers the big portion of the stone as this might affect the diamond's brilliance.
4. Needles
Needles are long, thin diamond crystals instead of being round in shape.
5. Pinpoints
Pinpoints are tiny light or dark crystals in diamonds that appear by themselves or in groups, which are visible when viewed through a 10X Loupe (magnifying glass). Larger groups of pinpoints can create a foggy area in a diamond called a cloud, which affects the clarity of a diamond.
6. Feathers
Feathers are actually cracks or fractures within a diamond. The presence of small feathers does not affect a diamond's durability provided they don't reach the surface on the top of the gemstone, a position which is prone to accidental breakage.
7. Knots
Knots are internal diamond crystals that extend to the surface of the diamond during polishing. Knots are also known as "naat".
I would recommend that you only buy diamonds
from a dealer you trust. Do not hesitate to ask questions about a diamond's characteristics.
Always ask a dealer to show you each diamond under 10X Loupe (magnifying glass) and explain clearly the information about the internal impurities.
 
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