Diamonds are known for their unmatched beauty, brilliance, and sparkle. However, not all diamonds are created equally. One of the key factors that affect a diamond’s quality, price, and overall appearance is inclusions. Inclusions are natural imperfections or characteristics inside the diamond, formed during its creation deep within the Earth’s crust. While inclusions may be considered flaws, they also serve as unique identifiers, giving each diamond its own personality.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the 7 types of diamond inclusions, their impact on diamond quality, and why they are important to understand when purchasing a diamond.
Table of Contents
- What Are Diamond Inclusions?
- Types of Diamond Inclusions
- How Inclusions Impact Diamond Clarity
- Are Inclusions Always Bad? Understanding Their Significance
- How to Choose a Diamond Based on Inclusions
- How Inclusions Affect the Price of a Diamond
- Diamond Certification and Inclusions: What to Look for
What Are Diamond Inclusions?
Diamond inclusions are natural internal imperfections that occur during the formation of the diamond. These inclusions may consist of minerals, fractures, or even trapped other diamonds inside the major diamond. Inclusions vary in sizes, shapes, and visibility and play a huge role in determining the clarity grade of the diamond.
One of the “4 Cs” in diamond grading is clarity, which also includes cut, color, and carat weight. Grading of clarity considers the number, size, type, and position of inclusions in the diamond. Though inclusions contribute to pulling the aesthetic appeal of the diamond, they also make every diamond unique.
Types of Diamond Inclusions
Knowing the types of diamond inclusions will prove very helpful for making the proper decision when it comes to buying a diamond. The following are the seven most common types of inclusions found in diamonds.
1. Pinpoint Inclusions
Pinpoint inclusions are the most common types of diamond inclusions and generally appear as very small white or black dots on the diamond. Due to their minuscule nature, these inclusions are hard to notice even under 10x magnification. Most times, pinpoint inclusions do not affect clarity or the beauty of the diamond much.
2. Feather Inclusions
Inclusions of feathers are internal fissures or cracks inside the diamond that, under magnification, may look like a feather. The impact size and position of the feather inclusion on the durability as well as the cosmetic qualities of the diamond may differ. If the feather is only at the surface, its chipping at pressure may be possible.
3. Crystal Inclusions
Crystal inclusions take place when small crystals of other minerals or even other diamonds become trapped inside the primary diamond as it crystallizes. Some are colorless and some are colored, and their visibility is determined by their size and contrast with the diamond.
4. Cloud Inclusions
Cloud inclusions typically involve small clusters of pinpoint inclusions which give a diamond a cloudy or milky appearance over a region of the stone. Though separate pinpoints might be too small to significantly impact clarity, if they group together to form a cloud, they can detract from the brilliance of the stone.
5. Needle Inclusions
Needle inclusions are thin, needle-like slivers that are elongated in shape. These inclusions usually appear white and can be either parallel or diagonal in orientation within a diamond. Like pinpoints, needles can almost never be seen without magnification and never seem to appreciably detract from the appearance of a diamond.
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6. Twining Wisps
Twinning wisps form due to the diamond undergoing crystal distortion during growth. The inclusion can be streaky or line-like and consists of a combination of some types of inclusions, like pinpoints, clouds, or crystals, all mixed together.
Graining Inclusions
Graining inclusions are internal lines or streaks within the diamond that arise due to irregularities during the growth of the diamond’s crystal. They can be colorless and thus difficult to see with magnification.
How Inclusions Impact Diamond Clarity
Inclusions play an essential role in determining the clarity grade of a diamond. Grading diamonds use a scale of clarity, which institutions such as the GIA employ. The higher the clarity grade, the fewer and less noticeable inclusions are, and it falls within the range of Flawless, that contains no inclusions or blemishes that can be seen under a magnification of 10 times to Included where inclusions are noticeable with the naked eye.
• Flawless: No inclusions and no blemishes visible under 10 times magnification.
• IF (Internally Flawless). No inclusions can be seen under 10x magnification, though there may be some blemish on the surface.
• VS1, VS2 (Very Slightly Included). Minute inclusions are difficult to see under 10x magnification.
• SI1, SI2 (Slightly Included). Inclusions are easily seen under 10x magnification but are usually not noticeable to the naked eye.
• I1, I2, I3 (Included). The inclusions are visible to the naked eye and often reduce the brilliance and durability of the diamond.
Placement, size, and type of inclusions are the considerations that come into play in awarding the final clarity grade, determining how much any given diamond will cost and what level of desirability there will be in owning it.
Are Inclusions Always Bad? Understanding Their Significance
Where inclusions are often viewed as imperfect, they cannot always be adverse. Some inclusions are so minuscule or placed in such a manner that they may not interfere with the manner in which your diamond presents itself or lasts. In fact, inclusions can even be considered “fingerprints” that make your diamond unique from any other.
For most diamond customers, inclusions can be a chance to own a larger or less expensive diamond at the same time without sacrificing its beauty. If such inclusions are not visible to the naked eye or affect the diamond’s structural integrity, they should be a minor issue.
How to Select a Diamond with Regard to Its Inclusions
In selecting a diamond, consider the following aspects about inclusions:
1. Observability: The inclusions are naked to the bare eyes or only magnification; invisible inclusions are not a threat to the beauty of a diamond.
2. Position: Inclusions close to the edge of the diamond do not pose as much of an issue as those centrally.
3. Size and Nature: Inclusions like pinpoints and needles should not be such a concern as large feathers or clouds.
A VS1 or VS2 clarity diamond is a very good balance of quality and price because the inclusions are normally invisible to the naked eye.
How Inclusions Affect Diamond Price
Direct inclusions affect the price of a diamond. With clarity grades such as Flawless or Internally Flawless, the price will be significantly higher than for a diamond with inclusions. On the other hand, diamonds with a less valuable clarity grade can provide good value if their inclusions are minuscule or located in inconspicuous places.
With smaller budgets, most often, clarity grades of SI1 and SI2 are considered as best buys, because the inclusions are not large and only can be seen with magnification, hence they are really of no concern concerning beauty.
When purchasing a diamond, go for the one that has a certification institution that grades it. The report coming with the grading is going to have a clarity grade for the diamond, plus an inclusion plot showing type and location.
Information on Certification Importants:
o Clarity Grade: This is the general clarity of the diamond.
o Inclusion Plot: This is a plan of location and the type of inclusions.
Thus, if you understand how much money you have given for the stone then you can properly make an informed choice regarding the quality of the diamond.
Conclusion
The inclusions are portions of the diamond that add clarity, beauty, and sometimes even price to a diamond. While most inclusions do possess the power to detract from a diamond’s brilliance, others are so small that a naked eye hardly gets to see them. Knowing which one affects a diamond helps you make an informed purchase for the perfect balance in beauty, durability, and value.
Always consider the clarity grade of the diamond and the visibility of inclusions when making your ultimate choice. Whether you shop for a flawless stone or one with minor inclusions that offer greater value, understanding the inclusions is a critical part of discovering the true nature of the diamond.
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