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Diamond Characteristics


Bruise

 
A tiny impact or concussion mark on the surface of the diamond that may create very small root-like lines inside the stone. 
The presence of a tiny bruise can make the difference between an IF and a VVS1 clarity grade.
Bruise symbol on a plotting diagram.

Cavity

 
An angular opening in the surface of the diamond, created when part of a feather has broken away. In higher clarity grades, 
this may be impossible to see with the naked eye.
Cavity symbol on a plotting diagram.

Chip

A shallow opening resulting from the cutting process or damage to a stone’s surface. Larger, more serious chips may result in 
considerable weight loss. In higher clarity grades, the chip may be impossible to see with the naked eye.
Chip symbol on a plotting diagram.

Cloud

 
A group of tiny pinpoints found inside a diamond, too small to distinguish individually. In higher clarity diamonds, 
clouds are often difficult to detect under 10x magnification. Occasionally with lower clarity diamonds, you may see a note 
on the grading report that clarity is based on clouds not shown. This may be referred to as a “micro-cloud” and in rare 
instances can become slightly eye-visible.
Cloud symbol on a plotting diagram.

Crystal

 
A crystal is a tiny bit of mineral, diamond or other matter found within a diamond. It can vary in size, shape and color, and may extend to the diamond’s surface.
Crystal symbol on a plotting diagram.

Extra Facet

 
Facet One or more additional facets not required by the cutting style, and outside of the diamond’s overall facet pattern or symmetry. Often located near the girdle.
Extra Facet symbol on a plotting diagram.

Feather

 
A general term for any fracture or fissure in a diamond that extends to the surface. In higher clarity diamonds, feathers
may be so shallow or low-relief as to be difficult to find even under 10x magnification.
Feather symbol on a plotting diagram.

Indented Natural 


An indented edge or portion of the original rough diamond, left unpolished, that dips below the surface of the finished, 
polished diamond.
Indented Natural symbol on a plotting diagram.

Knot

 
A transparent included crystal that extends to the surface of the diamond after final fashioning.
Knot symbol on a plotting diagram.

Laser Drill Hole

 
A pinpoint hole on the surface of a diamond that leads to a microscopic tunnel that has been drilled into a diamond. 
This type of hole is most often drilled to remove an internal inclusion, and is considered an artificial form of 
enhancement. Blue Nile does not carry diamonds with laser drill holes.
Laser Drill Hole symbol on a plotting diagram.

Natural

 
A portion of the original rough diamond’s surface left unpolished on the finished diamond. Typically found near the girdle and 
often undetectable to the naked eye in the face-up position.
Natural symbol on a plotting diagram.

Needle

 
A fine, elongated inclusion that is enclosed within a diamond that looks like a tiny rod under 10x magnification. Needles are 
general more subdued than crystals or feathers.
Needle symbol on a plotting diagram.

Pinpoint

 
Minute crystals enclosed in the diamond that look like tiny specks under 10x magnification. The presence of a single pinpoint 
can make the difference between a Internally Flawless and VVS1 clarity grade.
Pinpoint symbol on a plotting diagram.

Twinning Wisp

 
A series of pinpoints, clouds or crystals formed during a diamond’s growth, produced by an irregularity in the crystal structure. 
Often appears as a ripple or wispy line.
Twinning Wisp symbol on a plotting diagram.

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