Diamond Flaws, please rank them

[lovesquares]

Could someone let me know the different types of flaws in diamonds, and whether one is worse than another. For example, I would assume that a fracture is worse than a feather is worse than a pinpoint.

Also, if a diamond has been filled or color-enhanced, would the GIA lab be able to detect this?

 

[Jennifer5973]

Are you asking in terms of the appearance of the inclusions (what kinds are the worst in terms of being viewed) or durability (a feather breaks girdle and compromises the stone) or both?

In terms of GIA, I do not think they grade clarity-enhanced diamonds as a policy. EGL does and notes it on the cert.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Big inclusions are worse than small ones.

I suggest that very few people can learn enough about inclusions to make decisions as to what is better or worse.

Personally I like SI2's that have 2 -4 inclusions spread around the stone rather than 1 that is in the crown. I sometimes prefer table placement to crown, because the for the same clarity grade the crown inclusion will be larger than the table placed one.

 

[kcola]

WOULD SOMEONE GIVE HER A STRAIGHT ANSWER INSTEAD OF RIDDLES! GIVE 10 FACTS INSTEAD OF 1 FACT!

 

[glitterata]

KCola, take a deep breath, calm down, and stop yelling.

 

[mdx]

Some internal inclusions with their symbols

 

[mdx]

Some external inclusions with their symbols

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Thanks Johan.

Perhaps it is apparent now that you can not learn to make these judgements easily for your self.

This is the stuff of appraisers