What is a cloudy diamond? a dim diamondappears blurry due to microscopic inclusions in the stone. In some cases, a concentration of small, clumped inclusions causes the diamond to appear blurry, lifeless, and dull.
Principal Photography: A comparison of two diamonds. The diamond on the left appears cloudy, opaque, milky and lifeless compared to the diamond on the right.
Internal properties have caused a diamond to appear blurry compared to a normal diamond with higher diamond brilliance.
Milky, cloudy, matte diamonds. Reasons why diamonds are boring and sleepy.
There are several reasons why your diamond may appear blurry, dull or cloudy. Experts have a hard time giving advice without seeing specific diamonds.
Haze generally comes from the internal structure of the diamond rather than the surface. Because of this, we rarely reverse the effect of a blurry appearance.
Every diamond will have inclusions unless you choose a truly flawless gemstone. However, most diamonds have light inclusions rather than evenly distributed clouds of particles.
Common inclusions are twin tufts and feathers. Some of these can damage the surface of the diamond. Conversely, some diamonds appear to be clean diamonds to the eye due to the even distribution of turbidity.
Read on to better understand why diamonds can appear milky. We refer to these diamonds as sleepy diamonds that lack vibrancy and brilliance compared to other diamonds.
Where do cloudy diamonds come from?
From experience, many of the smaller cloudy diamonds I've sourced are from India. But remember that India cuts many of the world's diamonds. Its true origin may befrom one of the diamond mines in the world.
Many online diamond dealers sell such diamonds, for example James Allen and Blue Nile. Additionally, these diamonds come in all shapes and sizes, including the classic brilliant cut diamond.
When purchasing a diamond, we recommend seeking professional help to avoid the pitfalls of choosing the wrong stone.
Hazy diamond clarity levels.
clarity featuresThey're evenly distributed in many of these diamonds, so we don't see a single inclusion.
Instead, many microscopic inclusions spread out like a suspension in the diamond. This slows the passage of light and takes on a milky appearance through the diamond.Unlike low clarity diamondsWith visible markings, these diamonds appear clear with no visible inclusions.
Such diamonds appear to be good value for money, but they lack thatDiamond bezel with higher clarity.
Remember that nebula diamonds are subject to the same clarity scale as all other diamonds. A cloudy stone often reaches the lowest levelClarity grade I3 applies to diamonds of the lowest purity. Consult your valuation report to find your stone's clarity rating.
Diamond fluorescence and cloudy diamonds.
some diamondsFluorescence under ultraviolet light. When reviewing your diamond certificate, fluorescence is usually shown with a description such as none, very light, light, medium, or strong. Diamonds graded with strong fluorescence can have a milky appearance, especially in bright sunlight. Ultraviolet light makes many of these diamonds glow.
Is fluorescence in diamonds good or bad?
Jewelers rarely consider fluorescence good or bad. However, strong fluorescence sometimes results in a blurry appearance in strong sunlight. Because of this, many highly fluorescent diamonds fetch lower prices and rarely accompany a high quality diamond.
Strong fluorescence (and the value reduced in a diamond).
Strong or very strong fluorescence in white diamonds sometimes results in a milky tint. Many buyers first notice this effect when they wear their new engagement ring in the sunlight.
This is often clearer in sunlight. Because of this, strong fluorescence is often associated with a much lower price for a certified stone.
When does fluorescence add value to a diamond?
Tinted diamonds that appear slightly yellow sometimes benefit from increased whiteness as a direct result of fluorescence. Ultraviolet light reflected off colored diamonds results in a whiter appearance.
As a result, diamonds appear whiter than their stated color grade. This effect occurs when looking at a diamond from above. On the other hand, when viewed from the side, we see the true color of the diamond.
"Smoked" diamond: Oxidation of the surface of a diamond
Occasionally an oily film can form on the surface of a diamond ring that cannot be removed. This film can cause the diamond to appear milky or cloudy.
In addition, the greasy film cannot be cleaned. The effect often follows a noticeable change in the diamond's appearance from brilliant and clear to dull.
One of the reasons for this change stems from a "smoky" effect caused by extreme temperatures. This causes the surface of the diamond to oxidize, leaving an unsightly effect on the surface of the stone.
The only remedy here is to polish the surface of the diamond with the skill of a diamond grinder.
It is always best to remove diamonds prior to casting the setting. At very high temperatures, the surface of a diamond oroxidizedresulting in a matte coated appearance.
How much do cloudy diamonds cost?
Milky diamonds are often sold at a very competitive price compared to clear brilliant diamonds. For this reason, we recommend that you speak to an expert before making your purchase.
Part of our work consisted of photographing certified diamonds for clients as part of our diamond concierge service.
We also provide microscope images and 365 degree videos in many cases where clients are unable to inspect diamonds in person. Expect 20-30% less for a milky or cloudy diamond.
Depending on a diamond's degree of turbidity, prices will vary for any given diamond size. Remember that color and cut also contribute to clarity. Some buyers will forgive a slight tarnish in their diamond. In fact, many buyers never notice the reduction in brilliance because they have no other diamond to compare with.
As such, we encourage buyers to look at a selection of different diamonds to compare different levels of brilliance. We prepare a selection of diamonds suitable for any client who makes an appointment for diamond viewing.
Do lab diamonds cloud?
Laboratory diamonds never become cloudy or opaque over time. In fact, lab grown diamonds are an inexpensive alternative to natural diamonds with no visible difference in their appearance.
However, as with natural diamonds, excessive heat can cause oxidation of the surface of a lab grown diamond. As we have already explained, the resulting "efflorescence" causes a milky or cloudy appearance on the surface.
For more information, help and guidance on how to avoid or buy cloudy diamonds, please contact our helpful team.
OneMarke Johnson
Mark is the founder and owner of Serendipity Diamonds, which he founded in 2007 after working with polished diamonds for over a decade. Today he works as part of an experienced team of fine jewelery experts from his luxurious Ryde showroom on the Isle of Wight in the UK.
