What Are Inclusions In Diamonds?

Diamond inclusions are an important factor when pinpointing the gem's clarity. Inclusions are imperfections in diamonds that may even appear black. They can impact a diamond's worth and may strongly impact its appearance. However, inclusions aren't always bad. They can add appeal by creating a unique, stand-apart design. 

Types of Diamond Inclusions

Inclusions usually worsen a diamond's clarity, creating imperfections in its appearance. The main types of diamond inclusions are: 

Pinpoint inclusions
Feather inclusions
Diamond cavities
Some diamonds may have multiple types of inclusions, which can further impact their worth and durability. 

Pinpoint Inclusions

Pinpoint diamond inclusions are small black or white crystals located inside the diamond. The crystals appear as small dots within the gem when magnified at 10x. Pinpoint is the most common type of diamond inclusion. 

Feather Inclusions

Feather inclusions are cracks or breaks within the diamond that can appear white or translucent. Feather inclusions may be visible to the naked eye or they may not be noticeable (also known as "eyeclean"). This type of inclusion can cause concern about a diamond's durability and is a point of caution for buyers. 

Diamond Cavities

Diamond cavities are small holes or indentations in the gem. This is the rarest type of inclusion and has a significant impact on a diamond's worth. Larger cavities are particularly concerning as they can easily trap dirt, dust, and other debris that would create a dark, unappealing appearance. 

Grading Diamond Inclusions

Gemologists can grade diamond inclusions to determine their impact. The four factors typically used to grade inclusions are: 

Size: How big is the inclusion? 
Visibility: How visible is the inclusion? 
Location: Where is the inclusion located? 
External vs. Internal: Is the inclusion external or internal? 
Large inclusions that are highly visible and located on the inside or near the surface of a diamond are likely to have a worse grade and diminished quality. 

Choosing an Included Diamond

Buyers should take care when purchasing a diamond with inclusions. Some diamonds, such as salt and pepper designs, maybe coined for their imperfections. However, it's important to understand when they can impact the diamond's durability. Heavily included gems can be fragile and need to be handled and maintained with special care.