When shopping for a diamond, we often think of its brilliance, sparkle, and beauty. However, diamonds, like all gemstones, aren’t always perfect. Even the most dazzling diamonds can have small surface imperfections known as blemishes. Blemishes are flaws found on the surface of the diamond and are one of the factors used to determine a diamond's clarity grade.
Understanding these surface imperfections can help you make an informed decision when purchasing a diamond, as some blemishes are so minor they won’t impact the diamond’s appearance, while others might affect its overall beauty and value. In this guide, we’ll explore three common types of diamond blemishes: scratches, polish lines, and diamond abrasions.
What Are Diamond Blemishes?
Before we dive into specific types of blemishes, it’s important to understand the difference between blemishes and inclusions. Inclusions are internal flaws found inside a diamond, while blemishes are surface imperfections that occur on the outside of the diamond.
Blemishes can occur during the diamond’s formation, during the cutting process, or even after the diamond has been worn. While some blemishes are naturally occurring, others are a result of wear and tear over time. These surface imperfections are taken into account when grading a diamond’s clarity, but depending on their size and location, they may or may not be noticeable to the naked eye.
- Scratches: Visible Lines on the Diamond’s Surface
A scratch is a fine, white line that appears on the surface of the diamond. Scratches are one of the more common types of blemishes, and while they may sound alarming, they don’t usually affect the overall beauty of the diamond unless they are deep or located in a highly visible area.
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How Do Scratches Occur?
Scratches can occur during the diamond-cutting process when two diamonds rub against each other, or during daily wear if a diamond comes into contact with a hard surface. Although diamonds are the hardest natural material on Earth, they are not indestructible, and fine scratches can still form on their surfaces. -
Appearance:
Scratches are typically thin and may appear white when viewed under magnification. They’re often difficult to spot with the naked eye and are usually only visible under 10x magnification, the standard used in diamond grading. -
Impact on Value:
A scratch can lower a diamond’s clarity grade if it is large or deep, but minor scratches are often insignificant and can be polished away by a jeweller. Most scratches do not affect a diamond’s brilliance, and you may not even notice them unless you look closely.
- Polish Lines: The Result of Diamond Cutting
Polish lines are fine lines left on the surface of a diamond after the cutting and polishing process. These blemishes occur due to minor imperfections during the polishing phase, where the diamond is cut and shaped into its final form.
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How Do Polish Lines Occur?
Polish lines are caused by tiny irregularities during the polishing process, usually when the polishing wheel doesn’t create a perfectly smooth surface. They are more common in diamonds that have undergone multiple polishing attempts. -
Appearance:
Polish lines appear as fine, straight lines on the diamond’s facets. They are usually only visible under magnification and can run in different directions across the diamond’s surface. -
Impact on Value:
Like scratches, polish lines are typically only visible under magnification and don’t usually affect the overall beauty of the diamond. However, in cases where the polish lines are very pronounced, they can lower the diamond’s clarity grade slightly. Polish lines are generally easy to fix through professional polishing.
- Diamond Abrasions: Worn Edges and Rough Spots
Abrasions are small areas of roughness or tiny nicks found along the edges (facet junctions) of a diamond. They occur when the sharp edges of a diamond become worn or chipped, resulting in a frosted or cloudy appearance in these areas. Abrasions are commonly found around the girdle or near the crown of the diamond.
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How Do Abrasions Occur?
Abrasions often form from friction when diamonds rub against each other, either during the cutting process or while being worn. Since diamonds are hard enough to scratch each other, abrasions are a natural result of everyday wear, especially if the diamond is not handled or stored properly. -
Appearance:
Abrasions look like tiny, worn spots or a rough, grainy texture on the edges of the diamond. They can cause a slight reduction in the diamond’s brilliance, as the frosted appearance of the abrasions may prevent light from reflecting properly. -
Impact on Value:
Abrasions can lower a diamond’s clarity grade, especially if they’re severe or widespread. They are most noticeable around the diamond’s edges and can detract from its overall beauty if left untreated. However, minor abrasions can be polished out by a skilled jeweller.
How Do Blemishes Affect a Diamond’s Value?
Blemishes like scratches, polish lines, and abrasions are surface-level imperfections and generally don’t impact a diamond’s durability. However, they can affect the diamond’s clarity grade, which in turn influences its value.
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Clarity Grade:
A diamond’s clarity grade is based on both internal inclusions and surface blemishes. A higher clarity grade means fewer imperfections, and thus, a higher value. However, many blemishes are too small to be noticeable without magnification, so they may not have a significant effect on a diamond’s appearance or price. -
Jewellery Care:
Over time, normal wear and tear can lead to the formation of blemishes like scratches and abrasions. To minimize these, it’s essential to take care of your diamond jewellery by storing it properly, avoiding rough surfaces, and having it cleaned and inspected regularly by a jeweller.
Can Blemishes Be Removed?
In many cases, blemishes like scratches and abrasions can be polished away by a jeweller, improving the diamond’s appearance. Polishing removes a thin layer of the diamond’s surface, which helps reduce the visibility of these imperfections. However, this process should only be done by a professional, as improper polishing can affect the diamond’s cut and overall appearance.
Conclusion: Should You Worry About Blemishes?
While blemishes such as scratches, polish lines, and abrasions may sound concerning, they are a natural part of a diamond’s lifecycle. Most blemishes are so small that they don’t detract from a diamond’s beauty or brilliance, and many can be polished out by a jeweller if necessary.
When purchasing a diamond, it’s essential to focus on the diamond’s overall appearance and how it looks to the naked eye, rather than getting too caught up in minor imperfections. In most cases, small blemishes won’t be visible unless you’re examining the diamond under magnification, and they’re unlikely to affect your enjoyment of the piece.
If you’re unsure about how blemishes affect a specific diamond, a trusted jeweller can help guide you through the selection process, ensuring that you choose a diamond that balances beauty, quality, and value.