Micro-World Gems & Gemology, Winter 2023, Vol. 59, No. 4

Distinctive Feather in Diamond

Bhavya Maniar and Sally Eaton-Magaña

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A feather in a 0.30 ct diamond with I<sub>1</sub> clarity resembled an alligator. Photomicrograph by Raju Jain; field of view ~3 mm.
 
A feather in a 0.30 ct diamond with I1 clarity resembled an alligator. Photomicrograph by Raju Jain; field of view ~3 mm.

Recently, the authors examined a 0.30 ct type Ia diamond with D color and I1 clarity. The diamond displayed a grade-setting feather resembling an alligator (see above), which was best observed through the pavilion facets. This unusual clarity characteristic is a charming find that adds distinction to this colorless diamond.

Bhavya Maniar is a diamond grader at GIA in Surat, India. Sally Eaton-Magaña is senior manager of diamond identification at GIA in Carlsbad, California.