Diamond Quality and Information
The slight Imperfections or "birthmarks of nature" make every diamond quite unique. However, they do affect diamond quality, the beauty and value of the stone. These natural birthmarks are often referred to as "inclusions" which are a measure of the surface (blemishes) and internal (inclusions) characteristics of a polished diamond, and have a major impact on value.
Diamond Quality - BLEMISHES: Abrasions: tiny nicks on facet junctions or the culet; caused by wear or contact with other diamonds. Extra Facets: small facets placed to remove diamond imperfections; not part of the cutting style. Naturals: part of the original crystal surface remaining on the polished stone, frequently in the area of the girdle. Polish Lines: tiny parallel lines or surface clouding left by irregular polishing. Polish Marks: excessive heating during polishing. Rough Girdle: a grainy or pitted girdle surface usually caused by poor workmanship. Surface Graining: structural irregularities in crystal growth; may appear as faint lines, causing grooved or wavy surfaces and often cross facet junctions. Diamond Quality - INCLUSIONS: Bearding: tiny feathers extending inward from a bruted girdle surface. (Bruting is the process of rubbing two diamonds together to achieve the rounded shape of the diamond.) Cavities: large, deep openings in the diamond's surface. Chips: small, shallow openings in the diamond's surface. Clouds: hazy or milky areas of many very small, usually crystalline inclusions. Feathers: cleavages or fractures often white and feathery in appearance. Included Crystals: mineral crystals, such as garnet or peridot, contained inside a diamond. Indented Naturals: natural rough surfaces that penetrate the stone and may distort the girdle outline. Internal Graining: regions of irregular crystal growth that may appear as milky or colored lines or streaks, or may be reflective. Laser Drill Holes: a tiny tube made by a laser; the surface opening may resemble a pit, while the tube usually resembles a needle. Needles: needle-shaped included crystals. Pinpoints: areas of minute, dot-like inclusions. Twinning Wisps: cloudy areas produced by distorted crystal growth.
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