Clarity
THE MOST OBVIOUS FLAWS
CLOUDING: Milky clouding can produce a dull stone. The degree of penetration into the diamond affects the overall purity of the stone.
SUBSTANTIAL CRYSTALLIZATION: All natural diamonds, even the best, have a slight internal crystallization: a mark that occurs as the crystal forms. However, substantial crystallization constitutes a considerable flaw on the surface and sometimes in the depth of the diamond. It is manifested by veins, waves or minuscule cracks.
NODES: It is not unusual to see a diamond crystal, or node, within the diamond, which reaches up to the surface of the stone. While these imperfections are often accepted, K.Norris does not stock problem diamonds like this.
NATURALS: Some gem cutters leave a part of the original surface of the crystal in its rough state when cutting the facets of a diamond. These parts are called “naturals,” and they can change the appearance of the diamond. K.Norris gemologists reject diamonds with naturals.