Gemology Hub / Gems Hub / Minerals Hub

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Your diamond will be as unique as you are because of the inclusions.

 You can claim your stolen diamond based on the inclusions.

Have you ever wondered why jewellers use special magnifying lenses to examine diamonds? They're looking for things to include. Inclusions, often known as faults, are internal characteristics of the stone that can only be seen when magnified. The size and kind of inclusions in a diamond determine its clarity.

Because imperfect diamonds are uncommon and expensive, the majority of loose stones, engagement rings, and other jewellery available includes some defect. An inclusion is similar to a freckle on your fiancé's nose; it's not a defect because it adds character to your diamond.
INCLUSIONS OF DIFFERENT KINDS
The majority of gemstones sold in jewellery stores are imperfect; they may have a variety of flaws. The following are the most prevalent forms of diamond inclusions:

Crystals 

Natural, uncooked minerals that form crystals are included within certain diamonds. This form of inclusion is often invisible to the human eye, but when enlarged, you may notice crystals in any hue of the rainbow depending on the mineral - charcoal (black), ruby (red), emerald (green), and so on. Colorless crystals are small diamonds encased within a cut diamond. Crystals created in certain forms or from unusual gemstones, such as your fiancé's birthstone, are actually regarded imperfections that add to the uniqueness and value of a diamond.

KNOTS AND NEEDLES

A needle is a crystal with a long, narrow shape because it was produced under extreme pressure. They are often white in colour, and bigger needles tend to detract from the beauty and value of the diamond.
A knot is formed when a crystal contacts the polished exterior of a diamond. These inclusions are more likely to be apparent without magnification since they are on the surface.

CLOUDS AND PINPOINTS

The most frequent type of inclusion is a pinpoint; when viewed via a loupe – a magnifying glass used by jewellers – they appear as white, grey, or black coloured dots. Pinpoints are microscopic crystals that, when found in groups, known as clouds, form a hazy region in the diamond and can lower its clarity grade.

FEATHER

Feathers are little cracks or spots inside a diamond where two surfaces do not quite contact. If the feather is not visible while the diamond is face up, it should have no effect on the clarity grade. Diamonds with huge feathers at the stone's perimeter, or girdle, should be avoided since they can make the stone less durable.

WISP TWINNING

This inclusion is essentially a collection of imperfections that emerged as the diamond matured, such as pinpoints, feathers, and crystals. Twinning wisps appear as streaks within the body of the rock and are twisted or twisting upon closer observation.


LINES OF GRAIN

Grain lines are minute cracks generated by changes in crystal development. They are often white or appear translucent and shiny. Grain lines are uneven crystallizations that, while they normally affect clarity, can reduce the strength of a gem if they are towards the edge.

GIRDLE FRINGE, BRUISE, AND LASER LINES

Girdle fringe (also known as bearding), bruises, and laser lines are examples of unnatural inclusions that occur when the stone is cut or polished. Girdle fringe is made up of thin, hair-like lines that run down the diamond's edge and can typically be removed with polishing. Bruises are dents in the crown of the diamond caused by the polishing wheel. Laser lines resemble steam trails that stretch from the diamond's surface into the core, where laser drilling was employed to remove dark crystal defects.

Diamond professionals strive to improve the purity of the diamond and guarantee that it sparkles as much as possible, but these types of inclusions are occasionally the outcome of their labour. Trustworthy jewellers will notify you if a stone has been boosted in any manner, but these sorts of inclusions should not reduce a diamond's longevity.

CHIPS

Flaws on the diamond's surface, most commonly visible on the girdle, indicate that it has been injured and its structure has been compromised. Though little nicks may be cleaned or buffed away, the diamond may chip again in the future. Larger chips would necessitate re-cutting to preserve the diamond, but this obviously diminishes the overall size of the stone.

Ring and jewellery settings can conceal flaws, which is why it's critical to have the diamond removed before carefully scrutinising with a loupe. You may even run your finger over its surface to check for flaws. Chips should be avoided when purchasing antique or vintage jewellery since they can be caused by regular wear and tear.

CRACKS

Inside a diamond, lines without feathering are fractures, and they are a major fault in terms of a stone's value and integrity. Cracks make the gem more vulnerable to force and increase the likelihood of it splitting completely. It is preferable not to buy diamonds with long fractures that touch the surface.

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