Clarity Characteristics - Blemishes Flashcards
What is a Nick (Nck)?
A small notch on a facet junction with no readily apparent depth at 10x, usually along the girdle edge or at the culet.
Nicks can affect the overall appearance and value of a diamond.
Define Abrasion (Abr).
A series of minute scratches or pits along the facet junctions of a fashioned diamond; gives the edges a white or fuzzy appearance.
Abrasion can be caused by normal wear and tear.
What characterizes a Scratch (Scr)?
A thin, dull white line across the diamond’s surface; shows no apparent depth at 10x.
Scratches can diminish the brilliance of a diamond.
What is an Extra Facet (EF)?
A small facet that’s not required by the cutting style, placed without regard for the diamond’s symmetry; most often found near the girdle.
Extra facets can affect the diamond’s light performance.
Describe a Polish Mark.
A feature that resembles an extra facet but lacks a distinct or straight facet junction.
Polish marks can be an indicator of poor polishing techniques.
What is Lizard Skin (LS)?
Wavy or bumpy area on the surface of a polished diamond.
Lizard skin can affect the visual appeal of the diamond.
Define Polish Lines (PL).
Fine, parallel grooves and ridges left by polishing; can occur on any facet but do not cross facet junctions; transparent or white.
Polish lines are usually minor blemishes but can be noticeable.
What is a Burn (Brn)?
Hazy surface area that results from excessive heat during polishing or occasionally from a jeweler’s torch.
Burns can significantly impact the clarity of a diamond.
What causes a Dop Burn (Dop)?
A surface burn caused by excessive heat at the location where the dop touches the diamond.
Dop burns can create permanent damage to the diamond’s surface.
Define Rough Girdle (RG).
Irregular, pitted, or granular surface of a bruted girdle.
A rough girdle can affect the setting of the diamond in jewelry.
What is a Pit (Pit)?
A small opening that looks like a tiny white dot at 10x.
Pits are considered significant blemishes in diamond grading.
What is a Natural (N)?
A portion of the original surface, or skin, of a rough diamond left on a fashioned stone; usually on or near the girdle.
Naturals can sometimes be used to identify the origin of the diamond.
Define Surface Graining (SG).
Similar to internal graining, except it appears on the surface; results from irregularities in the crystal structure.
Surface graining can affect the overall clarity of a diamond.
