Do You Know Which Diamond Inclusions to Avoid?

A photo-realistic guide to diamond inclusions. See commonly occurring inclusions under magnification and learn which diamond inclusions to avoid

Inclusions. They sound like a good thing but they’re not. Inclusions are small naturally occurring blemishes inside of diamonds. Diamond inclusions can block light from bouncing around inside your diamond, making it less brilliant. Almost all diamonds have them so you’ll want to know which are OK, and which diamond inclusions to avoid.

First Things First, Lets Talk About Clarity

When gemologists are assessing diamond clarity, they’re looking at the number, size, relief, nature, and position of a diamond’s internal characteristics, called inclusions, and surface characteristics, called blemishes, as well as how they affect the overall appearance of the stone. In simpler terms, diamonds with the smallest and fewest characteristics get the highest clarity grades—and the price tags to match. To learn more, check out our deep dive into diamond clarity.

How Low Can you Go?

Clarity is the first C we recommend sacrificing. Most inclusions are difficult, if not impossible to see with the naked eye. As a general rule of thumb, you can drop down to a VS2 without worrying about the stone being eye clean. If you’re thinking about purchasing an SI1 diamond, or an SI2 diamond you’ll want to do your homework and ensure the inclusions won’t harm the integrity, sparkle or clarity of the diamond. And while step cut diamonds, like the emerald and Asscher, do let it all hang out, there’s no need to spring for a VVS clarity diamond, unless you want to — more on that here.

Eye Clean?

If the diamond inclusions are large enough, they can be seen by the naked eye. Generally, this means a stone’s inclusions ”cannot be seen with normal vision within a distance of 6-12 inches”.

The Hall of Mirrors

Diamonds are reflective by nature — that’s why they sparkle. But, that reflectivity also means a single inclusion can be reflected many times. These reflections multiply its appearance like a hall of mirrors. You’ll want to watch out for this, especially when it comes to black inclusions. A simple black crystal reflected infinitely inside your diamond, can appear much more heavily included then its grade lets on.

Acceptable Diamond Inclusions

If you see these inclusion types listed on a diamond certificate you can take a deep breath and relax. None of these inclusion types pose a threat to the integrity of the diamond. Think of them like freckles, only microscopic. Now, that doesn’t mean they’re invisible, just that they won’t cause your diamond to chip or break.

Images courtesy of the GIA

Diamond Inclusions to Avoid

Now here’s where you’ll want to watch out. If you see the following diamond inclusions listed on a cert, run. Like a bad foundation, these inclusions can cause long term structural issues with the diamond that should best be avoided. Diamonds are hard, not tough. You may not think twice about cutting something with a sharp knife on a ceramic plate, but think how careful you are when placing it in the sink.

Shopping the Lower Clarity Grades and Unsure Which Diamond Inclusions to Avoid?

Email us with what you’re looking for at hello@shop.frankdarling.com. We’ll curate a list of 5-7 exclusive stones that are just right for you.