Diamond Clarity: I have viewed
several GIA certificates. Some state "Surface graining
is not shown" under the COMMENTS section. What does
this refer to ...? Are these other imperfections that buyers
should be aware of ...? Or are they normal?
-- Chris B., Texas
In diamond terminology, "surface graining" is a ridge
or group of ridges in a diamond that show up when you look at
an angle under the right light. They are caused by a change in
the direction of the grain of a diamond, just like the slight
ridges in formed by the grain of polished wood. To see them you
will need to find the right angle under a light under high magnification
-- the same way you might look for fingerprints on a polished
table. To show surface graining on a plot would make it appear
far more significant, so they are normally not drawn. Surface
graining is not important by itself, since it is only visible
under high magnification and is already considered in the total
clarity grade. This is standard procedure, quite common in diamonds,
and not something you should worry about.
We have many such terms
defined in our Glossary
of Diamond Terms
on the site. You can also go to the official GIA web site where they have a extensive,
searchable glossary. We also list several other lab sites on
our Consumer
Resources page.
Robert Hensley
President
Diamond Helpers
[Keywords: surface graining,
graining, GIA, certificate, GIA certificate]
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