Inclusions & Blemishes
Diamond Inclusions: Knot | Rare Carat
Knot as represented on GIA report
What is a Knot?
‘KNOT’ to sound overly alarmist here (I couldn’t help myself), but knots are bad news.
Knots are caused when a 'crystal' reaches the surface of a diamond. The difference between a knot and a crystal though is that a crystal rarely distorts the stone's shape or causes durability issues.
Not only are knots usually pretty visible within the stone (and it mightn’t even take a magnifier to see them either), but they also negatively impact the overall durability of a diamond.
This is an extreme example, but still. Knots can’t keep to themselves. They widen. They fracture. They crack. If the remaining crystal falls out, the knot can leave a huge cavity behind. Trust us, just avoid them.
Should a diamond showing a knot always be ruled out?
Yes—for the most part. Knots are high‑risk because they are often visible without magnification and can compromise the durability of the diamond.
How can I spot a knot in the diamond I'm reviewing?
You will spot a visible crystal touching or breaking the surface. Ask for high‑resolution images or videos of the diamond, especially from multiple angles, and look for any irregularity on the surface or facet where the knot sits to evaluate the diamond's durability and appearance.
How might a knot affect a diamond’s value or future durability?
Because a knot involves a surface‑reaching inclusion, there’s added risk: the crystal might drop out, leaving a cavity, or the area around it might fracture. These possibilities mean the diamond could lose brilliance or structural integrity over time. In practice, this tends to lower both the value and the confidence a buyer should have.
Not sure where to start? Read our guarantee
Knot Diamond Inclusion FAQs