Jul 29 2008

Facts about Diamond Flaws

Published at 10:35 am under Fine Diamond Jewelry

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.

We strive to be the premiere jewelry marketplace bringing you the feel and excitement of a real auction. We have LIVE auctions running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can enjoy bidding at home or at work. For more information visit: http://www.squidoo.com/wholesalejewelryauction

How Fine Diamonds Are Graded For Clarity And What Affects The Rating
A diamond is graded for clarity based on the number of flaws it has inside and out. The fewer flaws there are on it and insi...

Four Things You Must Know When Looking For A Quality Diamond
The very first stones that were found were mined in India and Africa well over two thousand years ago. As you can imagine, al...

Fine Diamond Jewelry - Choosing The Right Wedding Ring For Her
To choose the right fine diamond ring for your lover, you will need to spend some time and effort to learn a little bit about...

Fine Jewelry - Your Perfect Guide To Buy A Diamond
Fine diamond jewelry has been traditionally presented as gifts to people, especially women. Diamond is so sparkling and impre...

Classic And Stylish Diamond Earrings Are For Every Woman
Diamond earrings make a wonderful gift for any occasion. Did you ever, as a child, spend time dreaming of the time when you...

Some facts of Diamonds
Diamonds are carried to the surface by volcanic eruptions. The volcanic magma conduit is known as a kimberlitic pipe or diamo...

Diamond Color - Cut - Clarity and Carat
Diamonds are graded for certification by laboratories using grading criteria. Four of these criteria are critical to understa...

Gemstone Quality
A gemstone is a precious stone cut and polished to use in the making of jewelry. If you are in the market for a gemstone, the...

Jewelry Loose Diamonds
When designing jewelry loose diamonds are the best way to start off. Loose diamonds have a number of advantages over set diam...

How To Find High Quality Diamonds Wholesale Without Getting Ripped Off
In time when you make jewelry there might come a day that you need a diamond or many of them to make the piece you are trying...

How Treated Diamonds are Enhanced
Instances When a Jeweler May Treat a DiamondDiamonds may undergo treatments or enhancements to improve their natural appearan...

The Many Shapes Of Diamonds And The Difference Between Shape And Cut
If you were thinking that stones as in diamonds only came in 1 shape you were wrong. Most of all the major jewelers offer at...

Cheap Diamond Wedding Ring - Or Inexpensive?
Pros and Cons to a Cheap Diamond Wedding RingFirst and foremost, a cheap diamond wedding ring is not the same thing as an ine...

What are Diamond Certificates?
A diamond certificate is also known as a Diamond Grading Report. This report comes from the Gemological Institute of America ...

Tips For Buying A Diamond Engagement Ring
Diamond is the girl`s best friend. If you gift someone make sure it is something special. Before buying it, there are four Cs...

How To Find Out Whether A Diamond Is Real or Fake?
You want to know whether a diamond is real or fake?1. Visit a reputed jewelry store in your area. The jewelers can test diamo...

Fine Diamond Jewelry - Choosing the Shape of Your Diamond
If you are going to buy an engagement ring for your fiance, you will need to choose the right shape for your fine diamond. Th...

Gold Diamond Engagement Rings
Jewelry is unique; a consumer product one may say but is an engagement ring, or a wedding band, or a vivid color gemstone jew...

Where Did a Diamond Bracelet Originate From?
Diamond bracelets are beautiful pieces of jewelry draped around the wrist. They provide a shimmering elegant circle of jewel...

The Genuine Diamond Certificate
The purpose of the diamond certificate is to protect consumers from purchasing falsely-claimed diamonds perceived to be a cer...