Diamonds · 4 min read
Why Inclusion Location Matters as Much as Clarity Grade
The position of an inclusion within a diamond can affect both its visibility and the stone's structural durability, making the clarity plot worth reviewing alongside the overall clarity grade.
Clarity Grade vs. Clarity Plot
A GIA clarity grade, ranging from Flawless to Included, summarizes the overall number, size, relief, and position of inclusions and blemishes within a diamond, but this single grade does not specify exactly where within the stone those characteristics are located. The accompanying clarity plot, a diagram included on the report, maps the approximate location and type of each identified inclusion.
Reviewing the clarity plot alongside the overall grade provides more specific information than the grade alone, particularly for buyers concerned about whether an inclusion might be visible from certain angles or could pose a durability concern.
Inclusions Near the Table vs. Near the Girdle
An inclusion located directly under the table facet, the large flat top of the diamond, is generally more likely to be visible to the naked eye or noticeable under magnification than a similarly sized inclusion located near the girdle edge, where facet patterns and the angle of viewing make it harder to spot.
This means two diamonds with the same overall clarity grade could differ in practical eye-visibility depending on where their respective inclusions are positioned, which is why the clarity plot is a useful supplementary reference beyond the grade alone.
Inclusions Near the Girdle or Culet and Durability
Beyond visibility, inclusion location can also have structural implications. An inclusion, particularly a feather, located near the girdle or culet can, in some cases, present a slightly higher risk area for potential chipping if the stone experiences an impact in that location, compared to an inclusion deeply buried within the stone's center.
This is not true of every inclusion near these areas, and severity depends on the specific type, size, and depth of the characteristic, but it is a reasonable factor to discuss with a knowledgeable jeweler when reviewing the clarity plot for a specific stone.
Types of Inclusions Commonly Plotted
Clarity plots use standardized symbols to represent different inclusion types, such as feathers, which are small internal fractures, crystals, which are mineral inclusions trapped within the diamond, and clouds, which are clusters of pinpoint inclusions that can create a hazy appearance in larger concentrations. Each type behaves differently in terms of visibility and durability implications.
Understanding what type of inclusion is present, not just its size or grade impact, helps buyers and jewelers assess whether a particular characteristic is primarily a cosmetic consideration or one with potential durability relevance.
Why Eye-Clean Claims Should Be Verified, Not Assumed
It is a common but inaccurate assumption that all diamonds graded VS1, VS2, or similar clarity grades are automatically eye-clean, meaning no inclusions are visible without magnification. In reality, eye-cleanliness depends on the specific size, type, color, and location of inclusions, not solely on the clarity grade category.
Some SI clarity diamonds can appear eye-clean due to well-placed, small inclusions, while some VS clarity diamonds could theoretically show a visible inclusion if positioned prominently under the table with sufficient size or contrast, so direct visual confirmation remains important rather than relying on grade category alone.
Practical Steps for Reviewing Inclusion Location
Requesting and reviewing the full clarity plot from the GIA report, asking the jeweler to point out where specific inclusions are located relative to the table and girdle, and requesting magnified images or video for stones with inclusions near structurally sensitive areas are all reasonable steps.
Riakoob recommends treating the clarity plot as an essential companion to the clarity grade itself and verifying the full GIA report through official channels before making a final purchasing decision.
Further reading & references
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