Is That Spot in Your Gem New? Think Again!

Why Inclusions in Diamonds and Gemstones Don’t Just Appear: Understanding Nature’s Markings

Keywords: inclusions in diamonds, gemstone inclusions, diamond clarity, gemstone clarity, natural gemstone flaws, diamond cleaning effects, resetting diamonds, gemstone setting visibility, diamond internal characteristics

Introduction: What Are Inclusions in Gemstones?

Inclusions in diamonds and colored gemstones are naturally occurring internal features formed during the stone’s creation deep within the Earth. These characteristics—such as tiny crystals, feathers, or clouds—are not imperfections that suddenly appear. Instead, they are nature’s unique fingerprints, captured during the gem’s growth process.

Understanding how and why these inclusions can become more visible over time is essential for jewelry buyers, especially when purchasing pre-owned designer jewelry.

Inclusions Are Natural, Not New

Contrary to common belief, inclusions don’t form after you buy a gemstone. They’ve been present since the beginning, and they remain stable under normal wear. However, a gemstone’s appearance—especially its clarity—can change depending on various factors, making these inclusions seem more noticeable.

1. Cleaning Makes Inclusions More Visible

After a thorough professional cleaning, many customers report noticing inclusions they hadn’t seen before. That’s because:

• Dirt and oils can mask internal features.
• Clean stones reflect more light, revealing inclusions that were previously obscured.
• Improved brilliance enhances transparency, making internal features easier to detect.

Takeaway: A clean stone doesn’t develop new flaws—it simply shows its natural features more clearly.

2. Resetting a Gemstone Changes the View

Resetting your gemstone into a new piece of jewelry—like moving from a bezel to a prong setting—can significantly change how light interacts with the stone.

New visibility factors include:

• Exposure to different light angles.
• Removal of metal that previously blocked inclusions.
• Shifts in orientation that highlight different facets.

Keyword tip: This is particularly relevant for those considering resetting a diamond ring or purchasing pre-owned designer rings.

3. Lighting Conditions Affect Inclusions

Lighting plays a critical role in how we perceive gemstone clarity. Jewelry stores often use optimal lighting to enhance brilliance, while home lighting might reveal more of the stone’s internal characteristics.

Types of lighting that affect clarity visibility:

• Daylight vs. artificial light
• Diffused vs. direct light
• LED vs. incandescent bulbs

Viewing your diamond or colored gemstone in multiple lighting conditions can help set realistic expectations.

4. Gemstone Wear and Surface Changes

Over time, a gemstone’s surface can become slightly worn or accumulate debris. This doesn’t affect the inclusion itself but can:

• Scatter light differently
• Diminish overall brilliance
• Draw attention to internal features

Regular gentle cleaning and periodic professional polishing can help minimize these effects.

5. Magnification Shows What You Missed

Most people don’t examine their gemstones under magnification until a jeweler points something out. Under a standard 10x jeweler’s loupe, inclusions that are invisible to the naked eye can become clear.

This doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with your stone—it simply means you’re now seeing what has always been there, in more detail.

Common Types of Gemstone Inclusions

It’s helpful to recognize the various inclusion types that appear in natural diamonds and colored gemstones:

• Crystals: Tiny minerals trapped inside the stone
• Feathers: Small fractures, often transparent or white
• Needles: Long, thin inclusions resembling threads
• Clouds: Clusters of pinpoint inclusions
• Liquid inclusions: Small pockets of fluid or gas

These inclusions help gemologists determine whether a stone is natural or synthetic, and in many cases, help trace the gem’s geographical origin.

Are Inclusions Bad? Not Necessarily

While high clarity is more valuable in diamonds, inclusions don’t always reduce the beauty or desirability of a gemstone. In some cases, inclusions are even prized:

• Star sapphires owe their unique light effect (asterism) to needle-like inclusions.
• Demantoid garnets with horsetail inclusions are considered more valuable.
• Emeralds almost always contain inclusions, and these are accepted as part of their charm.

When to Worry About Inclusions

Most inclusions are harmless. However, you should consult a professional jeweler or gemologist if:

• A feather inclusion reaches the surface and seems to be expanding
• You notice a chip or crack that wasn’t previously visible
• The stone appears structurally compromised

These situations are rare, especially when the stone is well-set and worn with care.

Tips to Manage and Understand Your Gemstone’s Inclusions

• Get a gemological report: Know what inclusions are present before buying.
• Inspect under magnification: Ask your jeweler to show you the stone under 10x magnification.
• Keep it clean: Oils and debris can dull your stone and skew your perception.
• Choose the right setting: A good jeweler can recommend settings that minimize inclusion visibility.
• Photograph before resetting: If you’re resetting your gemstone, take before-and-after images to track any perceived changes.

Final Thoughts: Inclusions Are Nature’s Signature

Rather than flaws, inclusions are the record of your gemstone’s natural journey through time. They don’t appear out of nowhere—they’ve been there since formation. Factors like cleaning, resetting, lighting, and wear can make them more noticeable, but they do not grow or multiply.

Understanding the nature of diamond and gemstone inclusions can help you make informed buying decisions, especially when shopping for pre-owned designer jewelry.