Inclusions come in all different Shapes, Sizes and Colors. Some are more obvious than others like Big Carbon Spots, Chips, Cracks or Fractures.
Some of these Inclusions are Black in color and some of them are White. One Color of Inclusion is really no better than the other. Inclusions are Inclusions, but generally, people will lean towards White Inclusions. The reason being: They can't see them as easily with the naked eye.
Black Inclusions
Black Specks, or Carbon Spots, are just pieces of the Diamond that never crystallized properly. They aren't a bad thing. Half the Diamonds on the market today have eye-visible Black Inclusions in them. They're pretty common. Black Specks are just one of the means to identify a stone and arrive at the Clarity Grade.
Most Black Specks will look like Pepper in the stone, and will be in the I Clarity Range. I Clarity is the lowest Clarity range on the market. This Clarity will have imperfections that are pretty easy to spot with the eye.
Most people can pick out Black Specks in a heart beat. The Black Spots contrast with the Whiteness of the Diamond and say "look at me". It's like a bug trapped in Amber. It stands out.
So then, White Inclusions are better? Right? Not so fast...
White Inclusions
White Inclusions are not so obvious. They tend to blend in with the stone and unless the Inclusions are large and obnoxious, people normally don't see them (at least not right away they don't).
Some White Inclusions are only visible under 10x Magnification. Lines, Feathers and Pin Points are usually very small and hide well under the Brilliance, Fire and Facets of a Diamond.
But other White Inclusions are not so lucky. Some can be just as noticeable as Black Inclusions are, and the sad thing is; They can actually be much worse!
Inclusions can Damage your Diamond
White Inclusions like Cracks, Clouds, Chips, Nicks, Fractures and Breaks can not only harm the LOOK of your Diamond, but the internal structure as well. They can make your Diamond Vulnerable, Weak and Fragile!
White Inclusions, if BIG enough, can stop light from passing through the stone. It can keep your stone from Sparkling! And a Diamond that has a loss of Brilliance and Fire, loses Life and Beauty, and that's not a great Diamond to own.
White Inclusions that are long and run through the stone, like Fractures or Fault Lines, can make your stone quite weak. One good hit could snap your Diamond in two.
Diamonds with Chips, Nicks and Cracks can actually Chip and Crack even more if they are hit in those same spots. These areas are Weak and Care must be taken when worn.
So even though White Inclusions look better and hide easier in the stone, they can actually be more dangerous to your Diamond.
Black Specks, although more visible and ugly, are generally not harmful.
Do note that there are exceptions to every rule!
So what Diamond should you Buy?
White Inclusions or Black Inclusions don't matter. It really all depends on the actual Diamond and the Clarity you chose.
If you're buying an I Clarity Diamond, you get what you pay for; Inclusions! Your best bet is to scope the stone and look at the Flaws. White vs Black, better or worse, you'll have to decide for yourself.
My Advice?
Don't buy I Clarity! If you can afford it, step up into an SI Clarity Diamond. SI1, if you can. (SI2 is questionable!) With SI1 Clarity, you'll get away from eye-visible Inclusions, both Black and White.
Higher Clarity makes both Black and White Inclusions equal. It puts them on the same playing field:
Invisible!
Invisible that is, until you scope the Diamond. Microscoping them will show you the Inclusions, but the Clarity will be greatly improved.
So, in my book, Inclusions that you CAN'T see with the eye...
Are the BEST Inclusions to buy! :)
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