Diamond Inclusions

The small marks and flaws found within diamonds are given the umbrella term ‘inclusions’, but there are many different types of diamond inclusions, caused by different phenomena.

• Crystal - a minuscule diamond (or other mineral) within the diamond; sometimes coloured
• Pinpoints - tiny white or black crystals, appearing like a pinprick within the diamond
• Needle - an elongated, thin line of crystal
• Cavity or chip - usually caused by stressing a weak point during diamond cutting, a cavity in the surface
• Feathers - an internal crack or fissure, appears light and feather-like, sometimes transparent without magnification
• Clouds - a cluster of pinpoint inclusions, which can make a diamond appear milky or hazy
• Knot - a small crystal that breaches the surface of the diamond, like a tiny bump on the surface
• Graining - like you might find in wood, long streaks or lines that can look like scratches within the diamond, usually more visible from certain angles of the diamond
• Twinning wisp - these show the moment a diamond stopped then restarted growing; often two amalgamations of pinpoints, needles, feathers and cloud inclusions that point to separate phases of growth

Grading diamonds is done from the top down, so when they are set in your ring you will see the marks you see when viewed under magnification. A diamond's clarity is graded under 10x magnification, so even those not visible to the naked eye are taken into account. Diamonds are graded according to their clarity based on their flaws, which are displayed on a diagram.

There are benefits to having inclusions in a diamond. The most significant benefit is that diamonds with inclusions are much less expensive than flawless diamonds. However, if the inclusions are large or severe enough to be seen without magnification, or if they obstruct light reflection, they may detract from the beauty of the stone. Inclusions are natural and some people appreciate the presence of inclusions as they indicate the stone's history and natural origins. Counterfeit or imitation diamonds will not have inclusions, so any flaws in the stone can help determine its authenticity. Our recommendation is to search for diamonds with minor inclusions graded between VS2 to SI1 for the best balance between value and beauty.

In the world of diamonds, there is a captivating allure that goes beyond the traditional clear and colorless stones. Enter the realm of rustic diamonds - a truly extraordinary and unconventional choice for those seeking a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. Rustic Diamonds celebrate inclusions and color unlike the focus on clarity of traditional diamonds.