Internal and External Imperfections of a Diamond

All diamonds found have some sort of inclusions. However, it is the type, location, and the size of the inclusions that affect the clarity grade of the stone. Although it is not the most significant of the four attributes by which diamond quality is assessed, the clarity does have an effect on the valueof the stone.


All diamonds may contain imperfections, only the inclusions that are measured on the GIA clarity scale vary between those that can be seen with the naked eye through to those that can be found with a 10X Magnification (Diamond loupe) or 30X magnification (Diamond microscope).

 LEIBISH Diamond Loupe

LEIBISH 10X Magnifaction Diamond Loupe


Diamond inclusions incorporate either internal or external imperfections in the stone. The tables below depict the icon, name, and description of the various types of inclusions found in a diamond. Each inclusion found will be noted in the GIA diamond certificate.


 Heart-shaped Diamond ImperfectionsRound-shaped Diamond Imperfections

Screenshots from the diamond certificate that points out the inclusions found in a Heart-shape and Round diamond


Internal Characteristics


Internal inclusions can reduce the value of the stones. However, depending on the location of where the imperfection is found, specifically the diamond clarity in fancy color diamonds, might not necessarily affect the appearance of the diamond. As a result of the appearance certain inclusions can make, the locations in the stones where the inclusions are found have a significant effect to the overall value of the diamond.


Due to the richness of color in many fancy color diamonds, some internal imperfections can actually blend in with the color of the stone.


Learn more about the Clarity in Fancy Colored Diamonds.


Icon

Name

Description

 Cloud

Cloud Groups of many microscopic inclusions in the diamond

Chip

Chip A small fragment of stone either cut or knocked out of place
     

 Feather

Feather A small fracture inside the stone that resembles a feather

 Graining

Graining Additional internal crystals that cause a grainy or foggy appearance

 Indented Natural

Indented Natural  A natural piece of the stone that penetrates within

 Bruise

Bruise Minimal surface crumbling often caused by a very hard knock

 Cavity

Cavity A small hole in the stone

 Cleavage

Cleavage A crack in the stone that opens wider in one specific direction

 Knot

Knot Tiny minerals that go against the grain of the stone and often project externally

 Laser Drill Hole

Laser Drill Hole A microscopic drilled tunnel caused from the KM procedure in order to melt down black inclusions

 Needle

Needle Very thin, long internal mark

 Pinpoint

Pinpoint A tiny mark that resembles the damage a pinpoint would cause

 Twinning Wisp

Twinning Wisp Internal lines that resemble an internal  black ripple
  Beard Small streaks that go from the surface towards the middle of the stone

External Characteristics


Many external imperfections, otherwise known as blemishes, can often be polished away. Depending on the type, size, and location, sometimes it is worthwhile slightly polishing away the damaged section to improve the diamond clarity. Still, professionals sometimes prefer to leave the blemish in order not to lose the additional weight.


Below is a list of the known external imperfections together with the icon that is shown on the GIA certificate. 


 Icon

 Name

 Description

 Abrasions

Abrasions Small marks along the surface

 Burn Mark

Burn Mark As a result of overheating the stone, white or foggy facets can appear

 Extra Facet

Extra Facet Additional facets (one or more) in the build of the stone

 Natural

Natural A small section of the original rough that is not cut or polished. Naturals are usually left if it is a green diamond or if it will cause the weight to drop another carat size

 Nick

Nick A section purposely made, most often in the rough, that states where it should be cut or cleaved

 Pit

Pit A tiny opening that looks similar to a white dot

 Polish Lines

Polish Lines A collection of surface lines or even tiny scratches left from the polishing

 Scratch

Scratch A small scratch mark on the external side of the stone

 Surface Graining

Surface Graining Parallel lines on the surface of the stone

Contributor: Benji Margolese

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