To choose a diamond you love, you need to know how to identify diamond flaws. What do diamond flaws look like? Where can you see them in the certificate? Today, we'll take everyone to find the answers. Flaws are a crucial element to consider when deciding to buy a diamond. The more flaws a diamond has, the less desirable it is because it affects its beauty. Diamonds with fewer flaws are more in demand in the market and easier to buy and sell.
What Do Diamond Flaws Look Like?
Let's first explain that diamond flaws are divided into two types: internal flaws and external flaws. Both internal and external flaws have different forms. Internal flaws can be found in many forms, as can external flaws. The most common ones are as follows:
- Internal Flaws
As the name suggests, internal flaws are blemishes that occur inside the diamond. They mostly appear as tiny spots, and the commonly found ones are:
- Bruising: Roughness found on the girdle of the diamond, extending deep inside. It may be caused by impact during cutting.
- Clouds: Flaws with no definite shape, appearing as tiny dust-like spots or like a cloud, scattered inside the diamond.
- Feathers: Larger flaws that look like white, feather-like cracks.
- Mineral Crystals or Diamond Crystals: These may be colorless or colored. Colored ones are easily visible and affect the diamond's price.
- Internal Grainings: Cracks inside the diamond caused by weather conditions, leading to internal fractures.
- Twinning Wisps: Appear as triangular shapes across the center of the crystal, affecting the diamond's transparency.
- External Flaws
External flaws occur on the outer surface of the diamond. They can be divided into 6 common types:
- Abrasions: Appear as tiny scratches or white marks at the junction of the facets, possibly caused by diamonds rubbing against each other.
- Extra Facets: Additional facets that may occur from diamond cutting. This flaw is mostly found on the girdle of the diamond.
- Naturals: Flaws that occur naturally and are not caused by human intervention or accidents like impacts.
- Polish Lines: Small flaws that occur during the diamond polishing process.
- Wavy Girdle: May be caused by cutting with high speed.
- Surface Graining: Lines on the diamond's surface or facets caused by abnormalities in the diamond's structure.
Diamond flaws can be viewed with a 10x magnification or a loupe. However, it's easier if you buy a diamond with a certificate, such as from GIA. Look at the Clarity section; there will be a diagram clearly indicating the diamond's flaws, along with its clarity grade. The grades range from the best, Internally Flawless (IF), to the worst, Included (I1-2-3). A clean diamond will have few or no flaws, with flaws not visible to the naked eye. These diamonds are very expensive and have perfect beauty.
Can Diamonds Get Scratched?
Real diamonds do not get scratched easily. Diamond is the hardest gemstone according to the Mohs scale, completely different from CZ diamonds or synthetic diamonds. The only thing that can scratch a diamond is another diamond, hence the saying "diamond cuts diamond." Although diamonds are difficult to scratch, it doesn't mean they cannot become dull. Be careful not to let them come into contact with cosmetic residue or chemicals, as these can make your diamond look dull, old, and not as beautifully brilliant as it should be.
What types of diamond flaws are there? What are internal and external flaws? Can diamonds get scratched? Now that we have the answers, we hope everyone will have more knowledge and understanding about diamonds. Clarity is just one of the factors that affect a diamond's beauty. Don't forget that the diamond's color and cut also significantly influence its beauty.