What does this mean on GIA cert

[autumngems]

On a GIA cert I see this at the bottom and wondered what it means

Additional clouds are not shown
Surface graining is not shown

Does that mean it doesn''t have it or does that mean it is just not shown on cert?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/15/2008 8:29:34 AM
Author:autumngems
On a GIA cert I see this at the bottom and wondered what it means

Additional clouds are not shown
Surface graining is not shown

Does that mean it doesn't have it or does that mean it is just not shown on cert?

When you see these remarks on a grading report, it is basically a non issue. "Additional clouds not shown" and "surface graining is not shown" usually mean they are mentioned for the sake of completeness, as to mark them would make the clarity plotting diagram look messy and offputting to consumers on the report.
If a cloud is the grade making inclusion in an SI grade for example, then further evaluation should be done by an expert to make sure the cloud isn't detrimental to the diamond by causing any dullness ( rare but warrants checking.)

 

[denverappraiser]

The plotting diagram is provided for two reasons. First it to give data that will help in recognizing that particular stone and second is to identify what was used in making the clarity grade decision. The comments are used to indicate that something is present that doesn’t apply to either of these circumstances. I’m with Lorelei, it’s rarely an important issue for shoppers. These two comments are very common by the way.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[niceice]

A "cloud" is nothing more than a small group of pinpoint size diamond crystals. Generally speaking, a "cloud" will consist of three or more pinpoint size diamond crystals located in close proximity. Since smaller diamond crystals tend to be translucent, most clouds are not a reason for concern. Clouds are indicated on diamond grading reports as circles or formations comprised of small red dots or pinpoints when they are the primary reason for the clarity grade, but may be mentioned as "clouds are not shown" under the Comments section of a lab report if they are minute enough to be secondary to the primary inclusions and small enough not to warrant specific reference. Here is a picture of a cloud for your reference.

The comment on the lab report referring to "Surface Graining Not Shown" sounds kind of serious but it really isn''t... Surface graining is essentially a transparent line that is part of the grain of the diamond which happens to be visible across a facet junction. It is essentially the same thing as Internal Graining but it resides on the surface of the diamond instead of being within the crystal structure of the stone. If the surface grain line were within the structure of the facet and not crossing over the facet line it wouldn''t be mentioned on the lab report because it would be considered a characteristic of polish. Most surface graining is so insignificant that we are rarely able to find it and when we do it is because we are using extensive magnification like 50 - 70x which is substantially higher than the industry standard of 10x which is supposed to be used for diamond grading. In the case of a diamond graded as Internally Flawless in clarity, as a general rule it is likely that the diamond may have been graded as Flawless instead of Internally Flawless if the surface graining were not present.

 

[LegacyGirl]

Thanks Todd that was really helpful!

 

[kcoursolle]

They aren''t anything to worry about, you won''t be able to see them.