Facts About Diamond Flaws

Natural Flaws within a Diamond

Many natural flaws can be discovered inside the formation of a diamond under the inspection process, these precious gemstones are considered imperfect. Most diamond flaws that occur during the formation of the diamond naturally are not visible to the naked eye and will rarely hinder its market value. The natural flaws that are found in diamonds are actually the inclusions of trace minerals and composites that were present in the area during the time of the natural formation process of the precious gemstone millions of years ago.

These minor inclusions can on occasion, cause the diamond it have a dull appearance or slight discoloration. A common diamond flaw, a tiny crack, will affect the stones clarity. As light passes through the stone, it is interrupted by the distorted reflection. More noticeable diamond flaws are inclusions of a mineral composite, creating a discoloration in the overall look. Rarely, is a diamond graded as no flaw and, to find one on the market would be an even rarer find.

Small natural flaws in a diamond will rarely affect the value of the diamond. On the other hand, diamond flaws that are large enough can cause a weakness in the gemstone itself. These larger than normal infractions and over sized inclusions may cause the precious stone to shatter or break under normal wear. Flaws of this nature, you need to be aware of since they do reduce the value of your gemstone.

Diamond Pinpoint Inclusion Flaws

A diamond that appears to have dark speckles, which resemble dirt clusters displaced throughout the gemstone, it is considered to have a natural diamond flaw called a pinpoint inclusion. If the dirt cluster like crystals are too dense to the naked eye and resembles a cloud, the clarity of the diamond will be affected when the diamond is graded by a gemologist or jeweler.

Diamond Imperfections caused by Laser Treatments

When a jeweler finds an imperfect diamond possessing cloud like crystal flaws he may choose to perform a laser treatment on the diamond, provided the diamond is feasibly large enough to maintain the market values. Laser treatments are often used on imperfections to increase the diamonds appeal and to either gain or maintain market value for the precious stone. Laser treatments are visible from the outer edge of the diamond and works inward to the discoloration area of the diamond cut. The laser performs a bleaching effect on the area that is discolored. After treatment is completed, a glass like substance may be used to fill in the space created by the laser.

Diamond Flaws caused by Mineral and Crystal Inclusions

Not all diamond imperfections have a negative impact on its market value. Diamonds can also create eye catching and pleasing flaws within its character. Minerals that were trapped during the natural processes of the diamond formation can cause imperfections. These various minerals or crystals can give the diamond a hue of yellow to brown, green, and pink, or blue like in the case of the infamous Hope Diamond.

In rare instances, another precious gemstone can be found inside the diamond, and is not seen or graded as an imperfection flaw. Diamonds have been recovered that had another valuable carbon based gemstone embedded inside of the diamond. In which case, the diamond would take on an extremely rare characteristic and would be graded highly by the jeweler in respect to market value.

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