Natural and lab grown diamonds develop distinct internal characteristics through fundamentally different processes. In natural diamonds, extreme heat and pressure transform carbon deep within Earth over billions of years, trapping various materials that become visible inclusions — primarily pinpoints (tiny dots) and feathers (small internal breaks). While lab diamonds develop similar physical features during their accelerated growth, grading terminology shifts between natural and lab reports; what GIA calls a "pinpoint" in natural diamonds might appear as a "growth remnant" in lab diamond documentation, reflecting their different formation stories rather than different inclusion types.
Both lab and natural diamonds can develop external imperfections (blemishes) after formation, typically during cutting, mounting, or wearing.
Important Note: Understanding diamond clarity is crucial for selecting the diamond that best fits your budget and preferences. Clarity grades affect a diamond's rarity and value, but most inclusions require magnification to be visible.
Common Internal Inclusions
The most common internal inclusions include:
- Cavities: Angular openings from extended breaks
- Clouds: Hazy pinpoint clusters
- Crystals: Mineral deposits
- Feathers: White, crack-like formations
- Graining: Whitish or reflective lines
- Needles: Rod-like crystals
- Knots: Surface-reaching crystals
- Pinpoints: Microscopic dot-like crystals
Common External Blemishes
Common external blemishes include:
- Abrasions: Edge nicks creating fuzzy white areas
- Chips: Shallow surface openings
- Naturals: Remnants of the original rough diamond
- Nicks: Small girdle notches
- Pits: Tiny white dots
- Rough Girdles: Granular perimeter surfaces
- Scratches: Thin white surface lines
Diamond clarity chart showing different clarity grades from flawless to diamonds with visible inclusions
Diamond Clarity Grades
Diamond clarity grades range from flawless to diamonds with visible inclusions, typically divided into these main grades:
Under 10x magnification, the diamond has no inclusions or blemishes, either internally or externally.
Under 10x magnification, the diamond has no internal inclusions but may have very minor surface blemishes.
Under 10x magnification, the diamond has extremely tiny inclusions that are very difficult even for professional graders to see.
Under 10x magnification, the diamond has tiny inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye.
Under 10x magnification, the diamond has noticeable inclusions but they are typically not visible to the naked eye.
The diamond has obvious inclusions that may affect the diamond's transparency and durability, and may even be visible to the naked eye.
How to Choose the Right Clarity Grade for You
When choosing a diamond clarity grade, consider these factors:
- Budget: The higher the clarity grade, the higher the diamond price.
- Diamond Size: Larger diamonds are more likely to show inclusions.
- Cut Quality: Excellent cut can help mask some inclusions.
- Personal Preference: Some people value diamond perfection more, while others care more about other factors.
For most consumers, VS1-VS2 and SI1-SI2 grade diamonds offer the best value balance — they are typically eye-clean but more affordable than higher clarity grade diamonds.
