Cloudy Diamonds: What To Watch Out For
By Gary A.
Edited by Brian M.
Published Sep 9, 2021
Edited on Oct 15, 2024
Finding the perfect diamond often comes down to balancing beauty and clarity, but when cloudy diamonds enter the equation, knowing what to look for can save you from a lackluster sparkle.
Navigate This Guide:
- Introduction to Cloudy Diamonds
- 7 Practical Tips for Examining Cloudy Diamonds
- The Science Behind Cloudiness in Diamonds
- Evaluating Cloudy Diamonds for Engagement Rings
- Cloudy Diamonds as an Investment
- Conclusion
- 10 FAQs
Introduction to Cloudy Diamonds
When you’ve fallen head over heels with the love of your life, it feels as though there’s not a cloud big or gray enough in the sky to ‘rain on your parade’ – unless, of course, that cloud happens to exist within a diamond you just spent thousands of dollars in, and intend to give to your future bride during what is supposed to be the greatest single moment of her life.
If we just set your mind worrying, then you can go ahead and calm down: cloudy diamonds are simple enough to avoid, provided you know what it is you’re trying to avoid, and where you need to go to ensure you don’t return home with a case of ‘bad weather’ in your pocket.
Diamonds are almost never perfect, and the one you choose will definitely have its own unique imperfections. With our help, however, those imperfections will be small enough to remain invisible – and to have no impact on the beauty of the diamond.
Cloudy diamonds are, for that reason, something to avoid entirely. Here’s why…
What Are Cloudy Diamonds?
Diamonds with dull, milky, or lackluster appearances – and, for those same reasons, ones that are distinctly lacking in sparkle. Cloudiness can be caused by significant cloud inclusions or by strong fluorescence.
A cloud is a particular type of inclusion, created by a small or large cluster of crystals within the internal structure of the diamond. Particularly large clouds can impact the overall appearance of a diamond, and make it appear cloudy.
Hazy diamonds are considered to be far less valuable than eye clean diamonds, not least of all because, even if they are beautifully cut and polished, they offer little to no sparkle. Instead, they look hazy and lackluster, and will receive a very low clarity grade on the GIA scale.
Diamond fluorescence is an entire subject in and of itself – and one you should definitely be aware of when you start looking around for your diamond – but, for now, suffice to say that a strong fluorescence can also cause cloudiness in an otherwise beautiful diamond.
Why It Matters in Engagement Rings
Cloud inclusions can be incredibly minor and, in some instances, still allow the diamond to appear eye clean. These are great investments, but foggy diamonds with impaired sparkle are generally considered bad investments.
A cloudy diamond – that is, one that is so included that it has lost luster and sparkle – will have a much lower clarity grade, and is not worth going to view in person.
Before we dive deeper into the specifics, here are some practical tips to help guide your decision-making process:
7 Practical Tips for Examining Cloudy Diamonds When Buying an Engagement Ring
Understanding the Clarity of Cloudy Diamonds When selecting a diamond engagement ring, it’s crucial to understand how clarity impacts the overall appearance and value of the diamond. Cloudy diamonds, characterized by a dull or hazy appearance, can significantly reduce the sparkle and appeal of the ring. Here are essential tips to keep in mind:
- Tip 1: Assess the Diamond in Various Lighting Conditions: Examine the diamond under various lighting conditions, including natural daylight, fluorescent, and incandescent light. Cloudiness in a diamond may be more evident in certain types of light. Consistency in Appearance: Ensure the diamond maintains its brilliance and clarity across different lighting environments. A cloudy diamond may appear duller under bright light.
- Tip 2: Look for the Degree of Cloudiness Level of Cloudiness: Carefully observe the extent of cloudiness within the diamond. Minor cloudiness might not significantly impact the diamond’s beauty, whereas heavy cloudiness can dull its sparkle. Comparison: Compare the diamond with others of similar size and shape to understand how the cloudiness affects its appearance.
- Tip 3: Check the Diamond’s Clarity Grade: Review the diamond’s grading report, paying close attention to the clarity grade. Diamonds with a lower clarity grade are more likely to have noticeable cloudiness. GIA Scale: Use the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) scale as a reference. Grades like VS (Very Slightly Included) or SI (Slightly Included) may still offer eye-clean options.
- Tip 4: Examine the Diamond’s Cut: A high-quality cut can sometimes offset minor cloudiness by enhancing the diamond’s overall brilliance and fire. Proportions and Symmetry: Pay attention to the diamond’s proportions and symmetry, as these factors contribute to how light is reflected within the diamond, affecting its appearance.
- Tip 5: Analyze the Location and Size of Cloud Inclusions: Identify where the cloud inclusions are located within the diamond. Inclusions near the center or along critical facets can be more detrimental to the diamond’s appearance. Size of Inclusions: Larger inclusions are more likely to impact the diamond’s clarity. Smaller, scattered inclusions may be less noticeable.
- Tip 6: Observe the Diamond’s Overall Brilliance: Regardless of cloudiness, a diamond should exhibit a good level of brilliance and sparkle. A cloudy diamond may lack these qualities. Eye-Clean Test: Determine if the diamond appears eye -clean despite its inclusions. An eye-clean diamond may have minor inclusions that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
- Tip 7: Consider the Impact of Fluorescence: Some diamonds exhibit fluorescence when exposed to ultraviolet light. In certain cases, strong fluorescence can make a diamond appear cloudy. View in UV Light: If possible, examine the diamond under ultraviolet light to check for fluorescence and its effect on the diamond’s clarity.
Now that you’ve got these practical tips, use Jeweler AI below to find the perfect engagement ring that suits your style and budget:
The Science Behind Cloudiness in Diamonds
Clouds are a type of inclusion – something that occurs within the diamond during the course of its development, before it is mined. These diamonds can be tainted by trace amounts of other substances, or by particularly strong fluorescence.
Diamonds are billions of years old, and any diamond you encounter will have spent just a minute fraction of its life above the earth’s surface. They are strong and durable stones, and do not sustain significant damage all that easily. Nevertheless, it can and does happen.
Some diamonds are only cloudy on the surface, and this is much easier to fix! Oils and dirt can coat the surface of a well-worn diamond, and this create a dull diamond. This simply means that the diamond needs to be cleaned more regularly – not that it is starting to deteriorate in quality.
Evaluating Cloudy Diamonds for Engagement Rings
The best place to start is the diamond’s GIA Report. If the clarity grade listed sits within the ‘sweet spot’ for eye clean diamonds – say, around VS or SI – then chances are that any inclusions will be so minor that they won’t impact the appearance of the diamond, unless it is viewed under magnification. So, even if the diamond does feature a cloud inclusion, it won’t disappoint when you see it in person.
Ultimately, however, it comes down to eye cleanliness. Is the cloud noticeable when you look at the diamond without lab conditions and a microscope?
At WillYou, all of our diamonds are individually appraised by our in-house experts – along with gem graders at the GIA. We have high standards for all the diamonds we sell, and won’t encourage you to buy a diamond that appears anything other than bright, beautiful, and sparkly. Nobody wants that ring box to open onto a hazy diamond with no life in its facets.
Preventing and Minimizing Cloudiness
You cannot alter the internal structure of a diamond and, since cloudiness is created by particular inclusions that occur deep within the diamond, you cannot ‘change the weather’, so to speak, and make it less foggy.
Modern day diamond cutting methods are incredibly precise, and have been specifically developed to save as much of the diamond’s size while cutting away any inclusions that would significantly alter the value and beauty of the finished article.
This means that, if you encounter a diamond with visible flaws, they are there because they have to be.
This couldn’t be truer than it is for foggy diamonds, which are considered to be significantly less valuable on the market but, from time to time, still crop up. Just know that investing in one of these relatively inexpensive diamonds with a view to ‘fixing them’ will not pay off in the long run, and that you will be stuck with an inferior diamond if you decide to take this route.
Maintaining the Brilliance: Care and Cleaning
If you bought a bright and sparkly diamond but find yourself looking down at a cloudy diamond ring, don’t worry – diamonds don’t just turn cloudy, no matter how old they are. While any diamond ring deserves the care and attention of a professional jeweler every six months or so, you can keep your ring sparkly by regularly cleaning it with a gentle soap and warm water. Avoid abrasive tools or harsh chemicals. A lot of people use regular dish soap!
A cloudy diamond engagement ring isn’t ideal, but if it’s simply a matter of washing a few weeks’ worth of moisturizer, makeup, and dust off the surface, there’s no reason to worry. Just because your diamond looks cloudy, doesn’t mean it’s a milky diamond.
Cloudy Diamonds as Investments
We wouldn’t recommend any of our readers consider investing in a cloudy diamond. While some people are drawn to the natural inclusions within diamonds – after all, they tell a unique story about the diamond’s creation – a cloudy diamond is a step too far in our book.
Fluorescence has its own appeal for some collectors, although a fluorescent diamond is not ideal for an engagement ring, but only when that fluorescence is seen to enhance a diamond’s beauty, rather than detract from it.
One of the most appealing and valued traits a diamond has is its star-like brightness and sparkle. A milky diamond doesn’t feature any of that, so won’t represent a strong investment, whether you’re looking to keep it forever or sell it in the future.
Conclusion
Many of the very minor inclusions characteristic of SI diamonds can exist quite happily within diamonds without interrupting their beauty – or, just as importantly, their sparkle. You needn’t aim for clarity grades of VVS and IF in order to find the perfect diamond, so don’t take this as a sign that you’ll either get a perfect diamond, or a dull diamond.
Foggy diamonds will be obvious to you – and, besides, a reputable jeweler would never attempt to sell you a cloudy diamond. Focus your search on clarity grades that tend to offer a wide variety of eye clean, well-priced diamonds – between VS and SI – and you can feel confident that your diamond’s sparkle will live up to expectations, without costing the earth.
10 FAQs
- Q: What Causes a Diamond to Look Cloudy?
- A: Cloudiness in diamonds is typically caused by numerous small inclusions clustered together, known as cloud inclusions. These can interfere with light passing through the diamond, reducing its sparkle and clarity.
- Q: Can Cloudy Diamonds Be Cleaned to Restore Clarity?
- A: No, cleaning cannot fix internal cloudiness. Cloudiness due to internal inclusions is a permanent feature of the diamond. However, external dirt and oils can be cleaned to improve appearance.
- Q: Are Cloudy Diamonds Less Valuable Than Clear Diamonds?
- A: Yes, cloudy diamonds generally have a lower value than clear diamonds. Their cloudiness affects their sparkle and overall aesthetic appeal, which are key factors in a diamond’s value.
- Q: How Can I Tell if a Diamond is Cloudy Before Buying?
- A: Inspect the diamond closely, preferably under magnification. Look for uniform haziness or lack of sharpness in sparkle. A jeweler’s loupe or microscope can be very helpful in this regard.
- Q: Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Also Get Cloudy?
- A: While less common than in natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds can have cloud inclusions. However, they are generally less likely to be cloudy due to controlled manufacturing processes.
- Q: Can Cloud Inclusions Be a Sign of a Natural Diamond?
- A: Yes, cloud inclusions can indicate a diamond’s natural origin, as they are less common in lab-grown diamonds. However, other factors must also be considered for a definitive conclusion.
- Q: Is It Worth Buying a Cloudy Diamond?
- A: It depends on personal preference and the intended use. If sparkle and brilliance are priorities, especially for engagement rings, a clearer diamond would be preferable. Cloudy diamonds might be suitable for those looking for a more unique, affordable option.
- Q: Do All Diamonds Get Cloudy Over Time?
- A: No, diamonds do not become cloudy over time. Cloudiness is determined by the diamond’s internal characteristics formed during its creation.
- Q: How Does Cloudiness Affect a Diamond’s Grade?
- A: Cloudiness can significantly lower a diamond’s clarity grade. The extent of the impact depends on the density and visibility of the cloud inclusions.
- Q: Are Cloudy Diamonds Considered Flawed?
- A: In gemological terms, cloudy diamonds have inclusions that impact their clarity. While they are technically flawed, they may still hold appeal for certain buyers.
