Everything you Need to Know about Different Types of Diamond Inclusions

The role of clarity is very significant to offer the lustrous appeal to diamonds. The clarity of a diamond is characterized by the presence of inclusions or flaws in it. There will be hardly any natural diamond, which is devoid of inclusions. In fact, these flaws are the unique identification code of gemstones because no two diamonds will have the same format of inclusions.

Inclusions can either make or ruin the way your diamond glistens. There are mainly two types of inclusions: internal and external. The former can be seen in almost every diamond as it occurs naturally during their formation. On the contrary, external inclusions are created because of external factors such as huge blow, cutting, issues, etc. Usually, fancy shaped diamonds are more prone to such flaws. This is, in fact, the main drawback of choosing cheap cushion cut engagement rings or any other fancy shaped diamond rings. So, it is recommended to make sure that your favorite pear, marquise, cushion cut diamond engagement rings, etc., are free of such inclusions.

Diamond Plot Diagram

Usually, the details regarding the inclusion of your diamonds will be given in the plot diagram. The internal flaws will be indicated using the red color and the external ones will be displayed using the green color. Note that a diamond inclusion plot diagram will be available only for diamonds of carat weight 1 or above. So, you must evaluate your diamonds thoroughly under a magnifier if you are choosing diamonds of lesser carat weights. Below is a quick look at the different types of diamond inclusions.

Crystals

Crystals are the remnants of minerals or tiny gemstones that are trapped inside a big diamond during its formation. As a result of its appeal, crystals are often called baby diamonds. Depending on the type of minerals, crystals can be seen in different colors and shapes. As a consumer, it is best to go with the white colored crystals that are small in size because they will not make much difference to the overall appeal as well as the luster of the diamond.

Needle

This is a type of crystal inclusion characterized by its elongated and slender appeal. Needles will be usually translucent or white in color. This type of inclusions is produced because of the immense pressure and temperature subjected to the diamonds during its formation. This will, in turn, make the round crystals elongated or needle shaped. Ideally, needle inclusions will be invisible to the naked eye, unless they are present in a cluster.

Pinpoints

Pinpoints are the common type of diamonds inclusions that can be seen only when viewed through a diamond loupe with magnification of 20x and above. Normally, these inclusions appear as white dots within the diamonds. Yet some pinpoints could be gray or black in color as well. This, however, happens rarely. Since pinpoints are really hard to spot, they will not be usually included in the plot diagram. Rather, a remark saying, “Pinpoints Not Shown”, will be given under the stone description.

Cloud

You can see a cluster of pinpoints at certain areas in some diamonds that make the stone look dull and hazy. This type of inclusions is known as cloud because of its “cloudy” appeal. If there is a cloud in your diamonds, it will be marked in the plot diagram either as a cluster of red dots or as pinpoints. In other words, you can understand that the diamond has cloud inclusion if pinpoints are marked on its plot diagram. Clouds will not affect the appeal of your diamond if they are subtle and tiny.

Chip

Chip inclusions are characterized by a small opening on the surface of the diamond. This is one of the worst types of inclusions, which you must avoid at any cost. This type of flaw is usually caused when your diamond is hit by a strong external force. Once chipped, a diamond will become vulnerable to more damages in the future, especially if there is a chipping at the edge or girdle of the stone. In order to avoid this, you must feel the surface of the diamonds well using your fingertips before buying them. Anyhow, you can easily remove chips from your diamonds by means of polishing or re-cutting.

Feather

As the name indicates, this type of inclusion resembles the feather of a bird. This is actually a tiny crack inside the gem and can be easily spotted using a magnifier or a diamond loupe. Even though feathers are microscopic, they can weaken the internal structure of the diamond if they are present at the edge or cavities of the gemstone. Feather inclusions are normally denoted with harsh lines or red lines in the plot diagram.