Some may be so small that you need magnification to view
them. Pinpoints effect diamond clarity because they are white dots
along the surface of a diamond. Pinpoints are the most common of all
diamond flaws.
Clouds effect diamond clarity because they cause
what look to be cloudy areas within the gemstone. The clouds are
actually made up of many growths of crystals that are positioned very
close together within the diamond, and their proximity to one another
is what causes the cloudiness to appear. Feathers effect diamond
clarity by causing cracks to form within the diamond, that look similar
to that of broken glass.
Diamond Clarity Enhancements
Diamond clarity flaws can often be fixed or
reduced by using a variety of clarity enhancement treatments. Some
diamonds are painted, some get lasered in order to remove pinpoints and
carbons, and some diamonds jewelry undergo a process by which tiny holes are
drilled into the diamond in order to reach areas of inclusions within
the gemstone, and then the cracks are later filled with molten glass.
Having enhancements done to improve diamond clarity
decreases the overall value of the diamond, but can improve it's
appearance. Diamond certificates should indicate that enhancements were
done on the diamond, so ask to see documentation before making a
purchase. While most enhancements just cause the diamond to look nicer,
some may actually cause the diamond to be weaker, and more prone to
breakage than a diamond that has not had any treatments.