Normally, inclusions are not what people seek in diamonds. These internal imperfections may obstruct light from passing through the diamond and reduce its brilliance and sparkle. But what if they create an effect that makes a stone beautiful and attractive despite low clarity grade? The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) highlighted three natural diamonds with unusual impurities in the recent edition of Gems & Gemology journal. It seems as if nature acted as a talented artisan and playfully created images that resemble fish, butterflies, and a Venetian carnival mask.
In fact, you rarely see precious stones without inclusions; almost all diamonds have some particles inside, but the intensity level may vary. However, these stones are special because the silhouettes are incredibly distinct and recognizable. This is a perfect example when a flaw turns into an exclusive characteristic that attracts people who value nature-inspired jewelry pieces.
One of the diamonds described in the publication was a 0.90-carat, F-color, Very Slightly Included clarity, type la diamond with a feather inclusion. When observed from the bottom part of the stone, it looked like a carnival mask. Experts say this uncommon visual effect may spark interest among customers who like motifs created by nature.
Another gemstone can boast a kaleidoscope-like effect due to a feather inside it. The I1-clarity round stone diamond weighs 1.55 carats and is graded in the near colorless range at the scale. One may notice the inclusion from the crown, with its reflections off the bezel facets creating five overlapping prism-like images. It looks fascinating as if there are tiny, delicate tropical butterflies inside.
The last stone is the smallest but no less appealing for aficionados of designs created by nature. The near-colorless stone weighs 0.30 carat and is graded VS2-clarity round. It also features one of the most common inclusions, a feather, which is located in the table. The reflection of the flaw resembles a tiny fish as if swimming in transparent, calm waters.
These cases show that diamond imperfections may be seen as something special and enhance the stone’s unique character. It should be mentioned that the type of cut also plays an essential role as it helps to present an inclusion most beneficially or make it less visible if necessary.
