The four Cs – carat, color, clarity and cut, are the primary focus for people buying loose diamonds. The clarity scale runs from flawless to heavily included, with the former having no visible blemishes. The latter has obvious flaws that are visible under 10x magnification. A high clarity grade means that the diamond is free from imperfections, but these imperfections might not be something you need to avoid. When buying a diamond, price is often a key factor, so if you are happy to compromise on inclusions, you can find something bigger, with a higher quality cut, or with less color.
A diamond with inclusions
However, diamond inclusions aren’t necessarily a bad thing . A slightly included diamond might not sparkle any less than a very slightly included diamond. It all depends on the individual diamond, but there are a few things to consider.
Diamond Birthmarks
A nice way to think about inclusions is that they are the birthmarks of your diamond. Research has shown that minerals inside diamonds that cause inclusions take billions of years to form. This means the inclusions can help to date your diamond. Scientists recently discovered that the inclusions found in diamonds often differ depending on the location of the diamond mine. They studied diamonds from two mines just miles apart and found distinct differences between the inclusions found in diamonds. If you want to be reminded just how old your diamond is, inclusions can help.
Diamond Inclusions Are Used In Identification
Since inclusions are unique to your diamond and mapped on your diamond certificate, this is an excellent way to protect yourself against theft. If you diamond is ever stolen and re-cut or re-set, you will have a much better chance of seeing this returned to you if you have inclusions in your diamond to help identify it.
Diamond Inclusions Can Be Faked
If you are concerned about the risk of buying a fake diamond, then you will be happy to learn that inclusions can be used to definitively prove if a diamond is real. The inclusions seen in real diamonds differ from the lab-grown variety, so purchasing a diamond with inclusions can help to safeguard against the fake diamond trade.
When you consider these so-called flaws will be invisible to the casual viewer, if you’re looking for a diamond with character, inclusions could be your best friend. These flaws offer a window into your diamond’s past and a link to its origins.
