Diamond Inclusions Explained: A Comprehensive Guide

What Are Diamond Inclusions?

Diamond inclusions are internal characteristics or flaws found within a diamond. Think of them as nature’s birthmarks formed during the diamond creation process. While some inclusions are tiny and barely visible to the naked eye until examined under 10x magnification, others can impact the diamond's appearance, durability, and value.

Why Do Inclusions Occur in Diamonds?

Inclusions occur naturally as the diamond forms deep within the earth under extreme pressure and heat. During the diamond formation process, various elements and conditions cause imperfections or "natural inclusions." These are a part of the diamond’s unique character and history – they can vary in size, shape, color, and position, making no two diamonds exactly alike.

Inclusions in Lab-Grown Diamonds

Inclusions are not just part of the natural diamond journey. Both mined and lab-grown diamonds can have them, even high-quality lab-grown diamonds, although they are often more controlled and less noticeable. Since lab-created diamonds are real diamonds grown in an environment mimicking the natural diamond formation process, they can develop inclusions, too.

They often have unique inclusions, such as metallic flux or tiny gas bubbles. These are different from the inclusions in natural diamonds, which might contain trace elements like minerals or other crystal forms. Inclusions in lab-grown diamonds can sometimes serve as identifying markers, helping distinguish them from natural diamonds under magnification.

Do Fake Diamonds Have Inclusions?

Fake diamonds don’t have natural inclusions, but advanced fakes may replicate them. Popular synthetic materials such as cubic zirconia (CZ) or moissanite only simulate the look of a diamond. While they don’t have inclusions in the same way natural or lab-grown diamonds do, they can have their own flaws.

How do you spot fake diamonds? They might have bubbles, surface imperfections, or inconsistent internal structures due to their synthetic production methods. These flaws do not resemble the natural inclusions found in real diamonds.

Different Types of Diamond Inclusions

The appearance of inclusions on diamonds can vary based on their size, location, and type. There are several diamond inclusion types, each affecting the diamond's quality and appearance differently. Here’s a rundown of the most common diamond inclusion variations you might encounter:

1. Twinning Wisps

   Twinning wisps are formed during the diamond formation process when two separate growth sections twist together. They look like hair-like lines, clouds, or streaks. Twinning wisps can cause a hazy appearance but are often not visible to the naked eye.

2. Feathers

   Feathers are the second most common type of inclusion that can cause concern for durability. These are tiny internal cracks within the diamond that resemble small, feather-like patterns (hence the name). They can pose durability issues if they are near the diamond’s surface or located at weak points, as they can make the diamond more susceptible to chipping or breaking during wear.

3. Clouds

   Clouds are groups of tiny pinpoints or crystals clustered together. They can give the diamond a cloudy appearance. While small clouds found in jewelry-grade diamonds don’t usually affect a diamond’s durability, larger clusters can create a fuzzy appearance and impact diamond clarity.

4. Crystals or Mineral Inclusions

   Diamond crystals are tiny minerals trapped inside the diamond during its formation. Depending on their size, color, and location, they can either enhance a diamond's uniqueness or negatively impact its clarity and brilliance.

5. Needles

   Needles are thin, elongated inclusions that appear as hair-like lines. They’re often invisible without extra magnification but can sometimes impact the overall appearance of larger diamonds.

6. Pinpoints

   Pinpoints are the most common type of diamond inclusion - tiny white or black spots within the diamond, like blackheads on the skin, often visible only under magnification. A single black inclusion like this usually doesn’t affect clarity, but a cluster of pinpoints can create a cloudy appearance.

7. Knots

   Knots are inclusions where a crystal extends to the surface of the diamond. They can cause raised areas on the diamond's surface, which can affect the smoothness of the cut and the diamond's overall polish. Knots are particularly problematic if they’re located near the diamond's edges, as they can make the diamond more susceptible to chipping.

8. Graining

   Graining occurs due to irregular crystal growth. It can appear as faint lines, either transparent or white, and might impact the diamond's transparency and overall look.

9. Cavities

   Diamond cavities are the least common inclusion. A cavity inclusion is a small hole in the diamond, just like a tooth cavity, usually formed during the polishing process. If you see a diamond with a cavity – don’t buy it. These types of diamonds are usually considered “industrial grade,” pose durability risks, and are not used in jewelry.

How Inclusions Impact Diamond Appearance & Quality

The majority of diamonds have inclusions. In fact, perfectly flawless diamonds are so rare that most jewelers will never see one. Fortunately, most inclusions can only be seen under 10x magnification, so they are unnoticeable to the naked, untrained eye, often referred to as 'eye-clean diamonds.'

However, inclusions can affect a diamond's clarity grade, which is one of the famous diamond 4C's used to determine diamond quality (Carat, Cut, Color, and Clarity). The fewer and less visible the inclusions, the higher the clarity grade. Diamonds with large inclusions, or a large number of inclusions, will have a lower clarity grade.

Clarity Scale

Diamond clarity is an important aspect to consider when searching for a beautiful diamond or diamond engagement ring. And one of its key characteristics is, you guessed it – inclusions.

Diamonds are graded on a clarity scale, from Flawless (FL), with no inclusions visible under 10x magnification, to Included (I), where inclusions are visible to the naked eye. Here’s a quick breakdown of this diamond inclusion scale:

• Flawless (FL): No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification.
• Internally Flawless (IF): No internal inclusions, only minor surface blemishes.
• Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2): Inclusions are difficult to see under 10x magnification.
• Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2): Minor inclusions, noticeable only under 10x magnification. Learn more about VS2 vs. VS1 diamonds.
• Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2): Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification and might be visible to the naked eye.
• Included (I1, I2, I3): Inclusions are obvious and can affect transparency and brilliance.

When buying a diamond, you want to avoid diamonds with fair or poor clarity grades.

How Gemologists Grade Diamond Inclusions

The diamond industry takes diamond inclusions very seriously. Reputable third-party diamond certifying labs, such as the GIA and AGSL, use strict guidelines to identify and determine diamond inclusions under magnification. Location, the type of inclusion, and its size are all factors that could impact a diamond’s clarity grade.

The following are the four guidelines reputable gem labs use:

• First Priority: Gemologists will first ascertain the size of the inclusion. This is a priority because the larger the diamond inclusions are, the more impact they have on the clarity grade.
• Second Priority: The next priority is to identify the number of visible inclusions a diamond possesses. For instance, if a diamond has multiple on the table, the clarity grade will be lower.
• Third Priority: Gemologists will take into account where they are located on and within the diamond. Since diamonds are graded from top to bottom, an inclusion on the bottom or pavilion will be less likely to decrease the clarity grade.
• Fourth Priority: Lastly gemologists determine if diamond inclusions are internal or external. For instance, external inclusions, like on the table, can decrease clarity grade. However, if a diamond has no internal inclusions, it can still be graded as Internally Flawless.

This is why you should always consider buying certified diamonds. A grading report from a reputable lab like GIA or AGS will provide detailed information about a diamond’s inclusions. It includes a plot showing the type, size, and location of inclusions.

Are Diamonds with Inclusions Cheaper?

Yes, diamonds with inclusions are generally more affordable than flawless diamonds, which are very rare and highly valuable due to their lack of inclusions. The presence of inclusions lowers the clarity grade, which in turn reduces the price. This doesn’t necessarily mean the diamond is of low quality, but the inclusions might be something to consider if you're looking for a flawless or near-flawless stone.

How Inclusions Affect a Diamond’s Price

Diamond inclusions have a significant impact on a diamond's price because they directly affect its clarity, one of the four key factors. However, some other factors play a role here as well:

• Type of Inclusion: Some inclusions, like pinpoints or small crystals, are less noticeable and have a minimal impact on the price, while more severe inclusions, like large feathers or clouds, can significantly reduce a diamond’s value.
• Location of Inclusions: Inclusions located near the diamond’s table (the top, flat part) are more visible and can detract from the diamond's appearance, decreasing its value more than inclusions near the pavilion or edges, which are harder to see.
• Size and Number of Inclusions: The larger or more numerous the inclusions, the more they affect the diamond’s appearance and, consequently, its price. A diamond with a single, tiny inclusion will be more valuable than one with multiple visible inclusions, which can result in cloudy diamonds that look less transparent.
• Impact on Performance: Inclusions that disrupt the diamond’s light performance, like clouds or twinning wisps, can diminish its brilliance and sparkle. The beloved brilliant diamonds owe their shine to how well they interact with light and hide minor inclusions. Diamonds with these types of inclusions are generally priced lower because they lack the vibrant shine that buyers often look for, and that brilliant cut diamonds are known for.

Are Inclusions in Diamonds Bad?

Not necessarily. Inclusions are a natural part of a diamond's story and don't always mean the diamond is of poor quality. In fact, some inclusions are so small that they’re not visible without magnification. For many buyers, these inclusions won’t affect the beauty of the stone. However, larger inclusions or those in prominent areas may be a concern for some since they can have negative impacts on the diamond's appearance and durability.

Tips for Choosing a Beautiful Diamond

While some inclusions are harmless and nearly invisible, others can significantly impact the diamond’s appearance and longevity. When buying a diamond, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Focus on Clarity and Cut: The higher the clarity, the fewer inclusions there are. Certain diamond shapes with smaller and numerous facets, like round, oval, pear, and princess cut, can also help mask some inclusions.
2. Check the Grading Report: To spot inclusions not visible to the naked eye, jewelers typically use a 10x magnification loupe or microscope. If you’re buying a diamond, the grading report will detail the diamond's inclusions and give insight into its overall clarity. Pay attention to the plot and avoid diamonds with inclusions near the surface or that cluster together.
3. Consult a Diamond Expert: Navigating all these complexities can be a lot for less experienced diamond shoppers. Our diamond experts at Brilliance can provide valuable insights into choosing the best diamond for your needs and be confident in your decision.

Ready to Make Rock Solid Choices? Shop at Brilliance

Getting familiar with diamond inclusions is essential for making a confident diamond purchase. Whether you’re considering going the natural or lab-grown route, being aware of how inclusions can present issues for diamonds and affect their appearance, quality, and price will help you shop smart.

So, next time you're shopping around for a diamond, don’t fear inclusions. Remember that, just like people, no two diamonds are alike. The journey of each gem – from rough to polished diamond – is unique, and inclusions are a part of that story. Tiny imperfections can sometimes even enhance the uniqueness of the stone.

Ready to find your dream diamond? Explore our collection of wholesale diamonds at Brilliance, and don’t hesitate to reach out anytime if you need our help with choosing a gem that ticks all your boxes.