Diamond inclusions are characteristics that occur inside a stone. They are usually called flaws, because their presence means the diamond is not perfect.
Inclusions are like fingerprints, a characteristic that gives us all a special signature. Getting to know your diamond inside and out makes the stone a more personal possessionand will help you describe and identify the gem if it is ever lost or stolen.
Some inclusions affect a diamond’s clarity, making it less brilliant because they interfere with light as it passes through the stone. Other types of diamond inclusions can make a gemstone vulnerable to shattering.
There are few perfect diamonds, and the ones that are perfect are quite expensive, so the diamonds we buy all have varying amounts of internal and external flaws. Most jewelers tell us not to worry about diamond inclusions if they do not affect the stone’s strength or seriously impact its appearance.
Types of Diamond Inclusions
Crystals and Mineral Inclusions
Diamonds can have tiny crystals and minerals imbedded in them, even other diamonds. Many cannot be seen without magnification, but a large chunk or grouping of crystals that detracts from a diamond’s appearance lowers its clarity grade, and its value.
There are times that a small crystal can add character to a diamond. A diamond with a small garnet imbedded in it would be a great conversation piece–and a personal choice for someone whose birthstone is a garnet.
Pinpoint Inclusions
Pinpoints are tiny light or dark crystals in diamonds that appear by themselves or in clusters. Larger clusters of minute pinpoints can create a hazy area in the diamond, called a cloud, which affects the diamond’s clarity.
Laser Lines
Laser lines are not a natural diamond inclusion. These vapor-like trails are left behind when lasers are used to remove dark inclusions from the diamond. The machine-made trails look like tiny strands of thread that begin at the diamond’s surface and stretch inward, stopping at the point where the inclusion was removed.
Feathers
Feathers are cracks within the stone that resemble, well… feathers. Small feathers do not usually affect a diamond’s durability unless they reach the surface on the top of the stone, a location that’s prone to accidental blows.
Cleavage
Diamond cleavage is a straight crack with no feathering. A cleavage has the potential to split the diamond apart along its length if it is hit at the correct angle.
Small cracks that are not visible when a diamond is viewed in a table-up (face up) position do not seriously affect clarity ratings.
Girdle Fringes, Bearding
Girdle fringes, or bearding, are hair-like lines that can occur around the girdle during the cutting process. Minimal bearding is usually not a problem, but extensive fringing is often polished away or removed by recutting the diamond.
Grain Lines, Growth Lines
Grain lines are created by irregular crystallization that takes place when a diamond is formed. Colorless grain lines do not usually affect diamond clarity unless they are present in large masses. White or colored grain lines can lower a diamond’s clarity grade.
Always shop for diamonds at a jewelry store you trust and find someone who can answer your questions about the diamonds you are considering. Ask the jeweler to show you each diamond under magnification and explain its characteristics to you.
Read Surface Blemishes on Diamonds for more information about flaws that can affect diamond clarity and strength.
Here is yet another interesting product, one that I hope to try very soon, possibly this weekend if the stars align correctly! It’s a two-part epoxy resin adhesive product, called Ferido Formula x1, that can be used for jewelry such as creating faux stones. It looks kind of like clay that comes in two different packages and you kneed them together. According to the instructions, once you mix them together completely, you can shape them (such as create a cab shaped faux stone) and/or you can insert crystals or stones into the resin before it cures. It is supposed to stick to materials such as metal, glass, wood, plastic, cement, and even brick.
Valerie Bertinelli was one of the celebrities who walked the runway during the Heart Truth Red Dress Collection Fall 2009 Fashion show during New York City’s Fashion Week kickoff. She wore a gown by Christian Siriano and topped the strapkess neckline with a bold bib necklace.