In traditional diamond buying, inclusions are treated as flaws—imperfections that lower value and desirability. But in memorial diamonds, inclusions take on entirely different meaning. They're fingerprints, not flaws. They're what make your loved one's diamond utterly unique and unmistakably theirs.
Every diamond contains inclusions: tiny crystals, feathers, clouds, or needles formed during growth. Natural diamonds develop inclusions over billions of years underground. Lab-grown diamonds form inclusions during their weeks-long creation. Memorial diamonds from Eterneva develop inclusions that are directly influenced by your loved one's individual carbon signature.
This page explains what inclusions actually are, how they affect clarity grades (from Flawless to Included), and why the standard "fewer inclusions = better diamond" equation doesn't apply to memorial stones. When your diamond contains inclusions created during the growth process involving your mother's carbon or your pet's ashes, those inclusions become meaningful markers of authenticity.
Diamond Inclusions: A Diamond's Fingerprint
We often admire diamonds for their brilliant sparkle and incredible strength. But their most personal story is told on the inside. Every diamond contains tiny, natural features called inclusions. These aren't imperfections; they are a permanent record of the diamond’s unique formation. This internal pattern creates a one-of-a-kind diamond fingerprint. Understanding the various diamond inclusion types reveals what makes each stone, especially a memorial diamond, truly irreplaceable and deeply personal.
This process also produces inclusions, tiny blemishes encapsulated and preserved within the diamond that affect its clarity. In this article, we'll explore the fascinating characteristics of diamond inclusions, delving into what they are, how they form, the different types that exist, and how they affect a diamond's grade on the diamond clarity scale.
What Are Inclusions in a Diamond?
A diamond inclusion is an imperfection or irregularity found within the crystal structure of a diamond. These tiny imperfections include sources such as minerals, voids, cracks, and non-crystallized carbon that become trapped beneath the surface during the diamond's formation process and affect its clarity. Inclusions can be visible to the naked eye or require strong magnification to be seen. Like a snowflake, each diamond contains a unique size, shape, and formation of inclusions, and these characteristics serve as a natural fingerprint that can help identify it and categorize its diamond clarity.
Understanding Diamond Quality: The 4 Cs
To truly appreciate a diamond's unique character, it helps to know how its quality is measured. Gemologists worldwide use a universal standard known as the "4 Cs"—Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. These four factors work together to determine a diamond's overall beauty, rarity, and value. Understanding them can give you a deeper appreciation for the stone you choose, whether it's mined from the earth or created in a lab to honor a loved one. Each element tells a part of the diamond's story, from its internal characteristics to the way it plays with light, helping you see beyond the sparkle to the intricate details that make it one-of-a-kind.
Cut
A diamond's cut is arguably the most important factor because it has the biggest impact on its sparkle. It doesn't refer to the diamond's shape (like round, oval, or pear), but rather to how well its facets have been angled and proportioned. A well-executed cut allows light to enter the stone, bounce around inside, and reflect back out to your eye, creating that brilliant fire and scintillation we all love. A poorly cut diamond, on the other hand, can appear dull and lifeless, even if it has excellent color and clarity. The precision of the cut is what unlocks a diamond's true potential, turning it into a dazzling piece of art you can see in our customer gallery.
Color
When gemologists talk about a diamond's color, they are usually referring to the absence of it. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamond color on a scale from D (completely colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). For traditional white diamonds, a colorless grade is the most sought-after and valuable. However, for memorial diamonds, color takes on a whole new meaning. The unique carbon from your loved one's ashes can result in a beautiful, personal hue, from a faint champagne to a deep, rich blue. This makes the color less about a grade and more about a personal connection, a visible reminder of the life it represents.
Clarity
Clarity measures the presence of tiny imperfections within a diamond, known as inclusions, and on its surface, called blemishes. Since diamonds form under immense pressure and heat, these characteristics are completely natural. The GIA grades clarity from Flawless (FL) to Included (I), where inclusions are visible to the naked eye. Far from being flaws, these internal features are like a diamond's fingerprint—a unique map of its creation that makes it entirely individual. Every diamond's inclusions tell a story, ensuring that no two stones are exactly alike, which is a beautiful sentiment when creating a piece to remember someone special.
Carat
Carat refers to the weight of a diamond, not its visual size. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams. While it's true that a higher carat weight generally means a larger and more expensive diamond, size isn't everything. A large diamond with poor cut, color, and clarity can be far less beautiful than a smaller one with excellent qualities. The final value and appearance of a diamond depend on how all four Cs work together. When you create a memorial diamond, you can choose a carat size that feels right for you, knowing that its true significance is measured in memories, not just milligrams.
How Do Diamond Inclusions Form?
Diamond inclusions are formed as a result of the extreme pressure and heat that the carbon material undergoes when transforming into a diamond. Traditionally, this process occurs deep within the Earth's mantle, where temperatures can reach up to 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit and pressures are more than 725,000 pounds per square inch.
Lab-grown diamonds undergo a similar version of this process using technology to simulate the extreme conditions necessary to condense the carbon into crystallized form. During this intense transformation, minerals, gases, and other materials can become trapped inside the forming diamond, leading to the creation of inclusions.
A Guide to Diamond Inclusion Types
There are several types of inclusions that can affect diamond clarity grades, including:
- Pinpoint inclusions. Pinpoint inclusions are tiny, dot-like inclusions that can appear individually or in clusters.
- Cloud inclusions. Cloud inclusions are groupings of pinpoints that can create a hazy or cloudy appearance.
- Feather inclusions. Feather inclusions are hair-like fractures that can appear white, transparent, or reflective.
- Crystal inclusions. Crystal inclusions are solid mineral inclusions that can vary in size, shape, and color.
- Needle inclusions. Needle inclusions are long, thin crystal inclusions that can appear white, black, or colorless.
- Twinning wisps. Twinning wisps are actually made up of a series of inclusions, typically a combination of clouds, crystals, and feathers. They may appear as wispy streaks running through the diamond or even black and white stripes.
The size, location, and visibility of inclusions all affect the clarity of a diamond. A diamond's clarity grade is determined by the Diamond Clarity Chart, a universal system used by gemologists. Evaluating diamond clarity involves assessing the size, nature, number, location, and relief of all the microscopic characteristics contained within the diamond, as well as their effect on the stone's appearance and shine.
- Size. Larger inclusions, relative to the size of the stone, typically have a greater impact on the diamond's clarity grade, especially those large enough to be viewed by the naked eye.
- Nature. Nature refers to the type of inclusion and its relative depth within the stone. Internal characteristics trapped within the diamond are called inclusions, while features that appear on the surface of the diamond are called blemishes.
- Number. Usually, the more inclusions, the lower the clarity grade. However, it will also depend on how visible the inclusions are.
- Location. Location refers to the position of the inclusion in the diamond. Inclusions near the center of the table often have a greater effect on diamond clarity, while those closer to the girdle tend to be more difficult to see. Inclusions near the pavilion may affect the stone's refractive properties, as the pavilion facets can reflect the image of the inclusion outward. The shape and cut can also obscure or highlight certain characteristics, which can affect the clarity grade.
- Relief. Relief refers to how distinct the inclusion is in relation to the diamond itself. The greater the relief, the greater the effect on the diamond's clarity grade.
Gemologists use up to 10x magnification to identify and classify these characteristics, which are then mapped out on a "diamond plot". Each diamond's plot is unique and falls somewhere on a scale between Included and Flawless on the Diamond Clarity Chart.
GIA Diamond Clarity Chart
- Flawless (FL). FL diamonds have zero inclusions and zero blemishes visible under 10x magnification. This is the highest level of diamond clarity.
- Internally Flawless (IF). IF diamonds have no inclusions that are visible under 10x magnification.
- Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2). VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds have inclusions so slight they are difficult to see under 10x magnification.
- Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2). VS1 and VS2 diamonds have inclusions that can be observed under 10x magnification but are still considered minor.
- Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2). SI1 and SI2 diamonds have inclusions that are noticeable under 10x magnification but not eye-visible. This is a beautiful clarity and, in fact, is the most commonly purchased clarity grade for engagement rings.
- Included (I1, I2, and I3). I1-I3 diamonds have inclusions that are obvious under 10x magnification, which may affect transparency and brilliance. Some may even be seen by the naked eye.
Are There Inclusions in Eterneva Diamonds?
The short answer? Yes. Almost all diamonds—whether lab-grown diamonds or natural diamonds—have inclusions; most are just microscopic and cannot be seen with the naked eye. At Eterneva, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the highest quality lab-grown memorial diamonds. We adhere to strict quality standards and inspections, and we will perform a regrowth if a diamond does not meet our criteria.
If an Eterneva diamond traps too many inclusions during its formation, our expert team will assess the diamond and determine if regrowth is necessary. Regrowth is only necessary in about 5% of cases, but should the situation arise, we perform the regrowth at no additional cost to the customer, and they get to keep the included diamond as well. In the unlikely event that regrowth is required, our team will work diligently to create a new diamond that meets the same rigorous quality standards. We will also keep you informed throughout the process and provide support every step of the way until your new diamond is home safe and sound.
Growing an Eterneva Diamond is a completely bespoke process. Unlike other diamond labs wherein regular lab-grown diamonds are mass produced, how our process differs is that our customers are ordering a specific diamond up front (for example one carat, round, blue diamond) and we are growing with a personal carbon source, so it's a very tailor-made endeavor. We need to grow a rough diamond that's big enough and clear enough to cut the best possible diamond—optimizing for both size and clarity!
Why Inclusions Are Your Diamond's Fingerprint
Diamonds with inclusions are becoming increasingly popular due to their unique clarity characteristics. Many people appreciate the natural beauty and individuality that inclusions bring to a diamond. Two of the most popular types of diamonds with inclusions are salt and pepper diamonds and galaxy diamonds.
Parallel to how your loved one was truly one-of-a-kind, no two diamonds are alike. Because we are working with personal carbon that's 99.999% pure, there are still some unique elements from someone's ashes that can contribute to its own unique inclusion. For this reason, some customers request a more “natural”-looking stone to further celebrate their loved one’s individuality.
Diamond inclusions are what make each diamond inimitable. When it comes to a diamond that is special to you, it's all personal preference. Whether you love the clarity of a nearly flawless diamond or the distinctive idiosyncrasies of visible inclusions, there's no one right answer. What's important is your connection to the stone and what it means to you.
Using Internal Patterns to Trace Origin
Just as no two people have the same fingerprint, no two diamonds are exactly alike. The specific pattern of inclusions within a diamond serves as its unique identifier, a natural fingerprint that tells its story. Gemologists can analyze these internal characteristics to distinguish one diamond from another and even trace a mined diamond back to its origin. For a memorial diamond, this concept is even more profound. The inclusions are a direct result of its creation from a unique carbon source—the ashes or hair of your loved one. This makes the diamond's internal pattern not just a random identifier, but a deeply personal signature that is intrinsically linked to the individual it honors, ensuring its authenticity and one-of-a-kind nature through a transparent and validated process.
Phosphorescence: A Diamond's Afterglow
Another fascinating characteristic that adds to a diamond's individuality is phosphorescence. This is the beautiful, gentle glow some diamonds emit after being exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. Think of it as the diamond holding onto a bit of light and releasing it slowly in the dark. This afterglow effect varies in color and intensity from one diamond to the next, acting as another layer of its unique fingerprint. While not all diamonds exhibit this quality, those that do possess an almost magical quality. It’s one of the many subtle, scientific wonders that make each diamond a distinct and captivating gem. This unique trait is another reminder of the complex chemistry that transforms a personal carbon source into a brilliant, shining stone.
Keeping Your Diamond's Brilliance
While a diamond's internal "fingerprint" is permanent, its external sparkle depends on how well you care for it. A diamond's brilliance comes from its ability to capture and reflect light, creating that mesmerizing fire and scintillation we all love. However, daily life can leave a film on its surface, temporarily dimming its shine. The good news is that restoring that sparkle is simple. Keeping your diamond clean ensures it always looks its best, allowing you to fully appreciate the beautiful memorial you’ve created. A clean, brilliant diamond is a stunning centerpiece in any piece of jewelry, whether it’s a ring, pendant, or another custom setting.
How Fingerprints and Oils Affect Sparkle
It might seem harmless, but every time you touch your diamond, you leave behind natural oils and fingerprints. Over time, lotions, soaps, and everyday grime build up on the diamond's surface, creating a cloudy film. This layer prevents light from entering the stone and reflecting off its many facets, which is what makes it sparkle. Essentially, a dirty diamond can't perform its light show. To bring back its brilliance, you can gently clean it at home with a soft toothbrush and a simple solution of warm water and mild dish soap. Regular cleaning will remove the buildup and ensure your diamond continues to shine as brightly as the memories it represents, looking as stunning as the pieces in our inspiration gallery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are inclusions considered flaws in a diamond? Not at all. It's more helpful to think of them as a diamond's unique birthmarks. Since diamonds form under incredible heat and pressure, it's completely natural for tiny characteristics to get sealed inside. These internal features are what make every single diamond, whether from the earth or a lab, entirely one-of-a-kind. For a memorial diamond, this unique internal pattern is a beautiful reminder of the individual it represents.
Will I be able to see the inclusions in my Eterneva diamond? In most cases, no. The vast majority of inclusions are microscopic and can only be seen under strong magnification by a trained gemologist. We hold our memorial diamonds to very high quality standards. If a diamond forms with inclusions that might affect its beauty and brilliance, our team will regrow it to ensure you receive a stunning, high-clarity stone.
Can the inclusions in a memorial diamond tell you anything about the person it honors? While the inclusions don't form a literal image, their pattern is a direct result of the unique carbon source from your loved one's ashes or hair. This means the diamond's internal fingerprint is intrinsically linked to the person it memorializes. It’s a deeply personal signature, a permanent map of its creation that is as unique as the life it celebrates.
Why would someone want a diamond with visible inclusions? It really comes down to personal taste and what you find beautiful. Some people are drawn to diamonds with visible inclusions, like salt and pepper diamonds, because they love the unique, organic patterns. They see these characteristics not as imperfections, but as a celebration of individuality. It can be a beautiful way to honor a loved one's one-of-a-kind spirit.
How do inclusions differ from the dirt and oils that make a diamond look cloudy? The key difference is that inclusions are internal and permanent, while dirt and oils are external and temporary. Inclusions are sealed within the diamond's crystal structure forever. The cloudy film that can dull a diamond's sparkle comes from everyday things like lotions, soap, and fingerprints building up on the surface. A simple, gentle cleaning can easily remove this film and restore your diamond's shine, but its unique internal fingerprint will always remain untouched.
Key Takeaways
- Inclusions are a diamond's unique fingerprint, not flaws: These internal features are a natural part of a diamond's creation, making each stone one-of-a-kind. For a memorial diamond, this fingerprint is profoundly personal, as it forms from the specific carbon of the person or pet you are honoring.
- A diamond's quality is more than just its grade: While the 4 Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat) provide a technical measure of quality, the unique characteristics of a memorial diamond are what tell its story. The specific color and internal patterns create a meaningful connection that goes beyond a simple grading report.
- The creation process is entirely bespoke: Unlike mass-produced gems, each Eterneva diamond is a custom project. This means the final stone's unique qualities are a direct reflection of the individual it represents, and our process ensures a beautiful, high-quality result that truly honors their memory.
