There are plenty of factors to consider when purchasing a diamond, from the size and shape to the cost and appearance of the accessory on the wearer. When looking at diamonds, you might hear about inclusions. But what are inclusions, and how can they impact your decision when deciding on the perfect piece? We’ve got all the details.
What Is A Diamond Inclusion?
First things first: what is an inclusion? In short, it’s a small imperfection within the diamond’s structure. It takes a lot of heat and pressure to turn carbon into diamonds, so it’s unlikely that the product will be complete without a couple of minor flaws here and there.
To clarify, it’s incredibly rare to see a diamond with no inclusions. Some jewelers work for decades and never see a flawless diamond. Still, inclusions can come in different grades and varieties that can impact the appearance and value of the stone.
Plus, inclusions are typically so small that they can’t be seen with the naked eye. Most inclusions can only be spotted if you’re looking at them with 10x magnification. If you can see an inclusion with your eye alone, you may want to look for a higher quality diamond.
You might see a pinpoint inclusion in your diamond, which looks like a small black spot and is the most common of all inclusions. Diamond cavities, as the name suggests, are small holes within the diamond. These inclusions are rare, but when they are found, they drastically reduce the quality of the diamond. Finally, feather inclusions are small cracks inside or on the diamond.
How Inclusions are Graded?
Part of the overall grade of your diamond will have to do with its inclusions. Inclusions are graded in their own unique way and impact the value of the diamond differently. The GIA, AGSL, and other reputable diamond certifying labs have unique criteria that they use to grade a diamond and its inclusions.
First, the gemologist grading the stone will look at the size of the inclusion. Bigger inclusions get lower grades. The visibility of the inclusions is also important, as is the location of any inclusions. Finally, the gemologist will determine if the inclusions are internal or external.
Do Inclusions Impact Value?
In short, yes, inclusions can impact the value of the diamond. However, you can still get a diamond with a high value even with inclusions. Remember that inclusions are incredibly common, so don’t discount a gem just because there’s a small issue.
As we stated, bigger inclusions can reduce the value of a diamond. The visibility of the inclusions can also impact the diamond’s value, with more visible inclusions lowering the value. If the inclusions are toward the bottom of the diamond, it won’t lose as much value as it would if the inclusions were toward the center.
Find the Perfect Diamond at Gold City Jewelers
Not sure how to look for inclusions in a diamond or determine which style or size is best for you? Come see the team at Gold City Jewelers. Our experts can help you pick the perfect diamond for yourself or your loved one, always ensuring you get the size, color, and price you want. We also ensure that our collection holds the highest quality diamonds with the smallest, least visible inclusions.
Whether you’re looking for an engagement ring, a bracelet, or another piece of jewelry, our catalog has something for everyone. We can help you narrow down your search and find the ideal piece for yourself or your gift’s recipient. Contact Gold City Jewelers today to learn more about our extensive collection of diamond jewelry.
