2.2 Relevant Internal and External Characteristics

2.2.1. Internal characteristics

As a definition all characteristics, which are internally or partly internally perceptible, belong to the internal characteristics.

To be more precise, they are:

• the inclusions:

e.g. crystalline inclusions, carbon inclusions, pinpoints, clouds, …

• fractures
• cleavages (feathers, bearding, fissures)
• some kinds of structure phenomena (ref. 2.3.4.2.)
• poor transparency of the diamond
• remaining parts of the rough diamond: indented naturals, nicks
• laser drill holes

2.2.2. External characteristics

The following belong to the external characteristics: 

• externally located faults caused during polishing, such as polishing lines, rough edges, burn marks and slightly bearded girdle
• externally located damages, such as scratches, abraded culet and point-shaped damages
• some kinds of structure phenomena (ref. 2.3.4.2.)