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CHIPS AND CRACKS ARE INCLUSIONS

CHIPS, CRACKS, FRACTURES, LINES, NICKS, BREAKS, FAULTS, ARE ALL TYPES OF FLAWS

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Diamond Chips And Cracks Are Just Types Of Inclusions

People think that if a new diamond is cracked, that it’s crappy.

“The jeweler sold me a broken diamond!

They got ripped off!

They blame the jeweler for selling them worthless junk.

But this is not the case…

Because most chips, fractures, cracks, nicks and breaks were done billions of years ago (like a knot in a tree). They are identifying marks in the diamond, and are now just specific types of inclusions or flaws.

Chipped And Cracked Diamonds Are Just Inclusions

Natural flaws like these have been in the diamond forever, and will stay like this forever. They’re like birthmarks, moles, and freckles on people. They were created when the stone was born. And these characteristics are normal in lower clarity diamonds, and will be graded just like any other inclusions, imperfections, or blemishes. They appear on the diamond reports and plots, and affect the overall grade.

Any diamond that’s included (I1, I2 and I3) could have some sort of fault, or visible flaw (I3 is the worst)…

Included Diamond Definition

I clarity means eye-visible flaws. And any included stone could have something that looks like a crack, break or fissure. It’s not the jeweler’s fault, it’s Mother Nature.

Granted chips and cracks can still occur in diamonds today (one good strike at just the right angle and force could do it). You could hit the diamond and break it, sure. But that’s after the fact. I’m talking about buying a brand new diamond in the store and seeing that it’s cracked (most people call a diamond cracked when it’s not. It’s usually just lines in the stone, or a nick or natural on the girdle) when you get it home and inspect it more carefully.

People buy these lower clarity diamonds because they either weren’t informed about the clarity grade, didn’t ask, or care what it was, or were just attracted to the price. I clarity diamonds are cheaper. Much cheaper!

The best way to prevent this, of course, is to learn about clarity, ask what the grade of the diamonds are, and don’t be suckered by a low price tag.

You get what you pay for.

Now, not all I clarity diamonds will have these types of flaws. Flaws can be anything; pinpoints, feathers, cloudy areas, naturals… The most common flaw is the black carbon spot. So when buying diamonds, it’s important to magnify them and compare stones. Look for any glaring flaws that might distract from the beauty of the stone. It’s usually advised to stick with SI clarity diamonds instead. SI diamonds (SI1 and SI2) are cleaner and face up much nicer.

Compare the two diamonds below:

Compare SI1 Diamonds To I2 Diamonds

SI or higher (I recommend SI1) puts you into a diamond that has invisible flaws. The only way to see them is with a microscope or a 10x jeweler’s loupe. Keep in mind, SI clarity does cost more… Which is to be expected. But with diamonds, there is always a balancing act between price and appearance.

View and compare the two qualities below:

So is your diamond chipped? Cracked?

Or is that just another way to identify it?

Cheers! :)




Recommended Jewelry Supplies:

Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner Jewelry Steam Cleaner Complete Jewelry Cleaner Kit Diamond Dazzle Stick
Gold Silver Jewelry Polishing Cloths Jewelry Making Supplies Kit Gold Acid Test Kit Watch Tool Repair Kit
Ring Adjusters EMT Emergency Ring Cutter 10x Jewelers Loupe Jewelers Microscope

Recommended Jewelry Supplies:

Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner Jewelry Steam Cleaner
Complete Jewelry Cleaner Kit Diamond Dazzle Stick
Gold Silver Jewelry Polishing Cloths Jewelry Making Supplies Kit
Gold Acid Test Kit Watch Tool Repair Kit
Ring Adjusters EMT Emergency Ring Cutter
10x Jewelers Loupe Jewelers Microscope

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