If you look up the word Inclusion in the
dictionary, you'll find this
definition:
To take in or comprise as a part of a whole.
But, with Diamonds and other Gems, the word Inclusion means this:
Internal Characteristics found in a Gemstone.
These Inclusions can be found inside the stone (Internal Inclusions) or outside the stone on the surface of the Gem (External Inclusions or Blemishes).
But the real question is:
What are Inclusions?
Inclusions are basically Flaws found within the stone.
Inclusions include: Pin Points, Cleavage, Feathers, Fractures, Grain Lines, Crystals, Knots, Fault Lines, Carbon Spots, Nicks, Chips, Cracks, Bearded Girdle, Cavities, Polish Lines, Laser Drill Holes, Scratches, Abrasions, Naturals, Trigons... and something most people wouldn't think of as an Inclusion: Extra Facets!
So you see, anything that keeps a Diamond from being perfectly clean is a Flaw!
Inclusions are Imperfections of Mother Nature.
How are Inclusions made?
Inclusions are just like Humans with Moles, Freckles and Birthmarks... These Imperfections were just frozen in the stone at the time the gem crystallized millions of years ago. Usually it's caused by rocks, minerals and foreign elements found around the crystal at the time of formation. Fueled by the Earth with its extreme temperature and pressure, these rocks often intertwine and mix together when the elements are melted and cooled.
Inclusions are born in the Gemstone and will be in the stone forever. They will never grow, shrink, change or magically appear as some people tend to think. They are inanimate objects that are just a way of identifying the stone.
The fewer the Inclusions are in the stone, the cleaner the stone becomes, the higher the Clarity becomes and the higher the value of the stone becomes.
Flawless Diamonds are very expensive, while I3 Clarity Diamonds are often Cheap! You get what you pay for.
See the Clarity Chart below to see Inclusions in Diamonds and how they are graded.
Diamond Plots
Inclusions and Blemishes are often drawn on a Plot and listed on a stone's certificate. (Diamond Certificates are the common Certificate that has Plots.)
See example below of a Diamond Plot with Inclusions.
This Plot maps out the Flaws and records them on the Certificate, which can help you to locate the Flaws under 10x Magnification (Microscope or Jeweler's Loupe).
Flaws are not good, nor bad, they are what they are.
What Clarity should you buy?
I would advise sticking to a Clarity Grade that had Inclusions that were invisible to the naked eye. (Which is SI1 Clarity or higher - SI2 stones are questionable!)
Just be sure you ALSO get a stone that has a good Color and a good Cut as well.
Because to concentrate on only one of the 4 C's would truly be a Flaw!
Read more about Diamond Grading: The 4 C's of Diamonds!
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