The gemologists at AGS Laboratories often come across diamonds that display some very unusual clarity characteristics. These rarities confirm Mother Nature’s ability to be both humorous and creative, as seen in our first “Out of the Vault: Clarity Rarities” blog.
The next set of these clarity curiosities displays colorful crystal inclusions, which are internal characteristics of a diamond. These inclusions usually form in a diamond as a result of the tremendous heat and pressure deep within the earth where they form. Inclusions can also be created by a diamond’s violent journey to the earth’s surface caused by volcanic eruptions.
Since many inclusions and blemishes are very small, and can be difficult to see with the naked eye, they are graded at 10x magnification. Grading at 10x is an industry standard to determine the final clarity grade of the diamond.
This photo was taken at 40x magnification of a green crystal inclusion within the diamond.
Next is a purple crystal inclusion, taken at 20x magnification.
Diamond graders plot the inclusions they see in the diamond on a diagram which is included on diamond grading reports. See how diamond graders plot diamonds.
To find a jeweler who carries diamond grading reports, click here.
