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Education›Lab Grown Diamond Guidance›Diamond Inclusions — Types and How They Affect Sparkle

Lab Grown Diamond GuidanceFenora Guide10 min read

Diamond inclusions — types and how they affect sparkle.

A diamond inclusion is a characteristic within the crystal formed during growth. Every diamond has some degree of inclusion — the question is whether they are visible and whether they affect light performance. This guide explains every inclusion type, where they appear and what they mean for your ring.

What diamond inclusions are — formation, not defects

A diamond inclusion is a characteristic — internal or external — formed during the crystal growth process. Inclusions formed underground reflect the specific conditions of natural geological growth: trapped minerals, growth interruptions, crystal irregularities. Lab grown diamond inclusions reflect the specific conditions of their growth method.

Inclusions are not defects in the sense of manufacturing errors — they are natural characteristics of crystal formation. The IGI clarity scale (Flawless through I3) describes the presence, size, number and position of inclusions as they are visible under 10x magnification. Eye-clean — meaning no inclusions are visible to the naked eye under normal viewing conditions — is the practical standard for engagement ring stones.

“The clarity grade tells you about the inclusions under magnification. The practical question for an engagement ring is simpler: can you see anything with your naked eye in normal conditions? VS2 is reliably eye-clean in every condition. SI1 often is — assess individually.”
— Yash Chandpara, Founder

Inclusion types — every type explained

Crystal

Mineral trapped during growth

A small mineral crystal that became trapped in the diamond as it grew. Crystals can be transparent (showing as a clear area with slightly different optical properties) or opaque (showing as a dark spot). Size and position relative to the table determine visibility.

Feather

A fracture within the crystal

A small fracture or cleavage plane within the diamond crystal. Feathers appear white or transparent and can look like a small flat crack. Most feathers are harmless in VS2 and above grades — very small and positioned away from the table. Large feathers or feathers near the surface can affect durability.

Cloud

A cluster of micro-inclusions

A group of very small inclusions too close together to see individually under 10x magnification, creating a hazy or milky area. Clouds affect transparency in the affected area. A small cloud away from the table is a minor characteristic. A large, dense cloud under the table is more significant.

Needle

A fine, elongated crystal

A very thin, elongated crystal inclusion — looks like a tiny needle or hair within the stone. Generally minor at VS2 and above. Multiple needles can affect transparency if dense.

Pinpoint

A tiny crystal — smallest inclusion type

An extremely small crystal inclusion — a single bright or dark dot visible only under high magnification. Individually very minor. Multiple pinpoints can form a cloud if densely clustered.

Indented Natural

Surface irregularity from rough diamond

A small portion of the original rough diamond surface that was not polished away during cutting. Located on or near the girdle. Generally minor.

Clarity grades and Eye-Clean status

IGI Grade	Inclusions Under 10x	Eye-Clean in Normal Conditions	Fenora Availability
FL/IF	None or surface blemish only	Yes — completely clean	Available — premium grade
VVS1/VVS2	Extremely difficult to see at 10x	Yes — completely clean to naked eye	Available — excellent quality
VS1/VS2	Difficult to see at 10x	Yes — reliably eye-clean in all conditions	VS2 is the Fenora standard recommendation
SI1	Visible at 10x, typically not to naked eye	Usually — assess individually per stone	Available when confirmed eye-clean by Yash Chandpara
SI2	May be visible to naked eye	Sometimes — very careful individual assessment needed	Available only when absolutely confirmed eye-clean
I1-I3	Visible to naked eye	No	Not available at Fenora

Position matters — where inclusions sit in the stone

Two inclusions of the same type and size can have very different visual impact depending on where they are positioned in the stone.

Most visible positions

Under the table facet (the flat top) — the area with the most direct view into the stone. Any inclusion here is the most visible
In the centre of the crown — visible from the front

Least visible positions

Near the girdle — the thin edge. Inclusions here are often hidden by setting prongs
Near the pavilion edges — visible from below but not from the crown in normal viewing
Deep in the pavilion — often less visible from the crown

How Fenora uses position in stone selection

Yash Chandpara reviews the clarity plot for every stone to assess inclusion position. An SI1 stone with inclusions near the girdle edges may be more visually clean than a VS2 stone with inclusions directly under the table. Position is as important as grade.

Inclusion questions — answered

Can I see inclusions in my VS2 diamond?

Not under normal conditions with the naked eye. VS2 inclusions are only visible under 10x magnification. In a ring setting, in normal indoor lighting, a VS2 stone looks completely clean to any observer.

Do inclusions affect the sparkle of the diamond?

Minor inclusions (VS2 and above) do not meaningfully affect light performance. Very significant inclusions (I1-I3) can affect transparency and brilliance. The Fenora minimum of VS2 ensures inclusions do not affect sparkle.

Is a lab grown diamond likely to have different inclusions than a mined diamond?

Yes — the inclusions in a lab grown diamond reflect the growth method (CVD or HPHT) rather than geological formation. CVD diamonds tend to have fewer inclusions than comparable mined diamonds. The type of inclusions differs — lab grown rarely has the mineral crystal inclusions common in mined diamonds.

Melbourne client care · Made in Surat

Questions about diamond inclusions? Ask Yash Chandpara.

Book a free online consultation. Yash Chandpara reviews the clarity plot of every stone shown and explains the specific inclusions — their type, position and visual impact.

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