What is "graining" and how bad is it?

[orange_horse]

I noticed it on the grading report for this diamond that I was reviewing. The comments on the GIA certificate state:

Internal graining is not shown
Surface graining is not shown

If I''m in the market for a high end diamond, should I pass based on this? In many months of searching, this is the first time I''ve seen this comment.

http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?shortnamelink=1&pid=LD00309209

 

[dimonbob]

Hello orange_horse

Graining in a diamond is an interruption of the atoms of the crystal. You mention surface graining and internal graining. There is also colored graining. If the graining is not colored it can only be seen in a microscope, in certain lighting and only in a particular direction. It will appear as a light gray line or lines all running parallel to each other. Surface graining can be seen in a microscope in reflected light and appears as a ripple on the surface.

Graining, unless eye visible, is not a bad thing and does not reflect on the beauty of the stone and cannot be seen without a microscope.

 

[pyramid]

dimonbob


There is reflective graining too which I have been told is not so good in a diamond.

 

[Rhino]

Hi OrangeHorse,

I would not pass on a stone based on that alone, however it does throw up a potential red flag. There are some stones on the market where graining *can* affect transparency much in the same way that strong or very strong fluorescence can affect it. If you''ve found a diamond that you really like and the one stumbling block is the issue of graining you''d best be served by having a professional look at it to confirm or deny whether the graining affects the transparency.

Peace,

 

[valeria101]

Oh man! This is VVS2 with a feather aside the graining contributing to the grade...

I guess we are talking a couple of dislodged atoms here !

Of course, the theory is just this: kinds of grainig and what it does... and I hope there will be an appraisal after purchase anyway.

 

[moremoremore]

LOLOLOLOL Ana! Yeah, major issue! Orange...it's a vvs2!!!!

 

[dimonbob]

I don''t think there is going to be much of a transparency problem with a VVS diamond. If there was it would not get a VVS rating.

The most important consideration on this diamond is going to be cut, not a clarity or transparency problem.

 

[Rhino]

Date: 12/23/2004 5:48:46 PM
Author: dimonbob
I don't think there is going to be much of a transparency problem with a VVS diamond. If there was it would not get a VVS rating.

The most important consideration on this diamond is going to be cut, not a clarity or transparency problem.

Not too long ago I turned down a 1.96ct E VS1 awesome H&A stone because of graining. The graining did affect the transparency in certain lighting much the same way that an IF or a VVS's transparency is affected by strong blue. Just because a diamond's transparancy is affected by fluorescence or even graining doens't mean it will change the clarity grade.

The fact that the *graining* is the major contributor to the clarity grade would make me approach this diamond with that much more caution. Chances are high that it will not be an issue but there is a chance it may.

Peace,

 

[RockDoc]

Internal and surface graining comments don''t necessarily mean a lower price, although it can be an issue.

Since stones that have this may not be priced lower than others which don''t have the comments, since you may pay the same price, it probably is prudent to find one that doesn''t have this characteristic.

If it is priced less, you can be sure its because of these two comments, and if for some reason you can''t live without it get it checked thoroughly.

IMO Some stones like this also exhibit internal strain running in the grainlines, which COULD be a potential problem. Depend on where the strain is and what color it exhibits under crossed polaroids.


Rockdoc

 

[strmrdr]

There are other problems with that stone.
Do you like warm looking diamonds?
An I asscher in that size will show some color.
The numbers look like they might work (slightly large crown and need crown height info) but without someone looking at it who knows...

 

[valeria101]

Date: 12/23/2004 61:56 PM
Author: Rhino

Not too long ago I turned down a 1.96ct E VS1 awesome H&A stone because of graining.

The graining did affect the transparency in certain lighting much the same way that an IF or a VVS''s transparency is affected by strong blue

Ouch! Tell me about the distance between a pro (you) and a rookie (I)

I kow fluorescence is not counted towards the clarity grade, is graining not counted as well ?