An inclusion is an internal characteristic present within a gemstone, formed naturally during the crystal growth process deep within the earth. Inclusions take many forms: tiny mineral crystals trapped inside the stone, small fractures called feathers or cleavages, cloudy groupings of microscopic crystals known as clouds, needle-like formations, and growth lines. In diamonds, inclusions are the primary factor used by GIA and other grading laboratories to assign a clarity grade, ranging from Flawless (no inclusions visible under 10x magnification) down through VVS, VS, SI, and I grades where inclusions become progressively more visible.
Not all inclusions affect a gemstone equally. Some sit deep in the stone and are nearly invisible to the naked eye even in lower clarity grades, while others near the surface or table can interfere with light performance or, in more extreme cases, compromise the structural integrity of the stone. A feather inclusion that reaches the surface, for example, is more problematic than one fully enclosed at the center of the girdle. When a jeweler evaluates a stone before repair or setting work, the location and severity of inclusions determines what techniques are safe to use, whether heat from soldering could cause a fracture to propagate, or whether a stone near the girdle needs extra protection during prong retipping.
At QJR, our jewelers examine inclusions carefully before undertaking any repair involving heat or pressure near a gemstone. When a stone is removed for a setting repair, we photograph and document its clarity characteristics so the same stone is returned after the work is complete. For customers considering a gemstone replacement, we can help source stones at clarity grades that balance eye-cleanliness with budget, and we provide loose gemstone appraisal documentation so you know exactly what you have.