Inclusions & Blemishes

Diamond Inclusions: Cloud in a diamond

Diamond cloud shown on GIA certificate

Cloud as represented on GIA plot

If you haven’t read through that general intro post on all this jazz, we suggest you read what are diamond inclusions article, so you can learn more about it. It will give you a little grounding on the whole topic before you launch fingers first into this intriguing post on ‘clouds’.

What is a Cloud in a diamond?

A cloud is basically a cluster of seriously tiny inclusions known as ‘pinpoints’ (read more about pinpoints here). On their own these pinpoints would be impossible to spot, but when they get together and party up close to one another, they can cause a ‘cloud’ to form.

It’s known as a cloud because it can often make the diamond appear hazy or fuzzy, like those days when the sun can’t quite blast through the dust and smoke in the air:

Photo of a round diamond with a red circle around a cluster of pinpoints called a cloud

An inclusion will be called a cloud when there are three or more pinpoints huddled together in the same place (this is according to the GIA who are pretty much the authority on these things). Because these clouds cannot affect the overall durability of the stone (i.e. they will not multiply/expand over time, and will not cause the stone to crack or break), they should not be deal breakers. If the clarity grade on a diamond is a VS1 or above, any clouds will most likely not affect the optics of the diamond at all.

That being said, the more severe looking clouds can be a real bummer. Not only can they look like a gray blob inside the diamond, but they can also stop the light from bouncing around inside there, causing the diamond to look dull and lifeless. If a diamond has been given a lower clarity grade for example, the cloud could be the culprit. That will especially be the case if the cloud(s) are located at or near the table (top) of the diamond. This diamond is basically one big cloud, and it's turned milky:

A diamond with a milky appearance caused by a large internal cloud inclusion

Make sure that any clouds are transparent, and that the clouds themselves are not too dense. You also need to make sure that the cloud doesn’t take up more than one quarter of the diamond itself (no matter where the cloud is located in the stone). The less space taken up by clouds, the more light can bounce around in there giving you a sparkly diamond.

Cloud Diamond Inclusion FAQs

What does a cloud inclusion look like inside a diamond?

A cloud inclusion appears as a soft, hazy patch when viewed under magnification. It’s actually a cluster of several tiny pinpoints grouped close together. In smaller amounts, it’s barely noticeable, but if the cluster is dense or large, it can make the diamond look cloudy or less brilliant.

Are cloud inclusions always bad?

Not necessarily. A small cloud in a high-clarity diamond (like VS1 or higher) usually won’t affect how the diamond looks to the naked eye. The issue arises when the cloud spreads across a large area or sits right under the table, where it can dull the sparkle.

Can I still buy a diamond that has a cloud inclusion?

Yes, you can — as long as you check the clarity grade and the diamond’s appearance in person or through magnified images. Many diamonds have minor clouds that don’t impact beauty or durability. What matters most is how visible it is and how much light it blocks.

Do cloud inclusions lower the value of a diamond?

If the diamond of your choosing has a faint, small cloud, then chances are that it won't be visible. However, if the cloud's appearance is dense, then it can lower the diamond's value, as such stones are often associated with a less lively or milky appearance.

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Dr. Rian Mulcahy

Rian is officially a Diamond PhD - just ping us if you’d like to read her fascinating 200-page thesis, titled Facets of Value: An Investigation into the Formation of Worth in the Diamond Market. She has consulted various firms all along the pipeline, from the rough diamond market to the recycled diamond industry. She holds an MA in Globalisation and Development from University College Cork and a PhD in the Sociology of Diamond Valuation from the London School of Economics.