How Feathers Affect Diamond Clarity
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What is Diamond Clarity?
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Diamond clarity is a measure of the internal and external flaws of a diamond gemstone. The clarity of a diamond can impact the amount of light it reflects, and therefore its sparkle, as well as whether the diamond looks clear or cloudy. As the clarity of a diamond increases, (meaning there are fewer flaws), its price increases exponentially. The reason for a dramatic increase in the price of a diamond with few flaws is that flawless diamonds are extremely rare. Differences in clarity are more noticeable in larger diamonds. When gemologists appraise diamonds, they use magnification to identify various flaws within the diamond.
Diamond Feathers
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Diamond feathers are a clarity flaw that essentially constitutes tiny fractures within the diamond. When a gemologist uses magnification on a diamond, tiny cracks are seen to have a feathery appearance, which gives them their name. The term "feather" was likely adopted by the diamond industry as it is euphemism for what is essentially a crack that can lead to stability problems with the diamond. Small feathers are usually not problematic and may not even be visible without 10x or 30x magnification, but larger feathers may be visible to the naked eye, and reflect light and become visible at certain angles. Larger feathers have the potential to worsen over time, which can possibly cause the stone to break. Feathers that extend to the surface of a stone tend to be especially problematic.
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Considerations
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Diamond clarity is ranked on a scale that ranges from I3 (the lowest-quality diamonds) to Flawless. The impact of feathering on diamonds depends largely upon the size of the feather. Diamonds of vvs1 and vvs2 quality are just below the flawless grades, and will typically have no feathers; any flaws will require 30x magnification to see. Diamonds of vs1 and vs2 quality may have a few small feathers that require 10x magnification to see. Below the V grades are SI1 and SI2; most diamonds with significant feathering will fall into these grades or lower. SI quality diamonds often have flaws that are visible to the untrained, naked eye; it is recommended that you inspect any diamond carefully from different angles to see if you can spot feathers or other clarity flaws. Stones in the I1-I3 grades have many clarity flaws and may have feathers that compromise their structural integrity. These stones tend to be cloudier and less brilliant than other diamonds.
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