What is surface graining?

[eks6426]

I am looking at a radiant and on the GIA report there is a notation that Surface Graining is not shown. Does this mean there isn''t any or does it mean that there is some and they just didn''t plot it? What is surface graining? How does it affect the diamond? How does it affect price?

Thanks!

 

[moosewendy]

There are many things to worry about in a radiant cut, but surface graining is not one of them. The cert implies that the graining is there, just not plotted. It is noted principally for the purpose of stone identification. While some people (though not most) find internal graining objectionable, surface graining is an external characteristic which appears like a minor polish detail. Unless you''re looking for excellent polish, the surface graining is no more important than the kind of polish details that make a stone''s polish vg or good.