A couple of weeks ago, a customer needed a replacement diamond for a
small, gent’s cluster ring. Upon examination, I noticed that two of
the stones have a square-shaped “phantoms” directly under their table
facets. Although not very common, they are a cluster of extremely
tiny pinpoint crystal inclusions that gather in a cubic shape that
mimics the diamond’s isometric (cubic) crystal system. See two photos
of them heRe:
Since these two finished stones are basically the same size, the
phantoms are also the same size, shape and color, coupled with the
fact that they made it into the same piece of jewelry, the chances
are pretty good that they came from the same rough.
The customer was very nice about trading me for two stones of better
clarity and color so that I could add these to my modest gemological
collection so, they are no longer mounted.
Thank you for sharing the photos of the new addition to your
gemological collection.
I took my GIA classes in the 1970’s to early 1980’s. I have had the
chance to see some interesting inclusions over the years but have
never had the opportunity to see something as well defined and
obvious as what you have.
Thank you for sharing the photos of the new addition to your
gemological collection.
You’re welcome, Greg. I’ll probably wind up donating them to GIA at
some point (after I’ve enjoyed them for a while). I’d send one off
now if I didn’t feel so strongly that they are from the same rough.
For now, I’ll content myself with showing the photos to the3
instructors with whom I’ve kept in contact.