Bruise

We all know what a bruise looks like on skin. A mark left behind from impact. Well, diamonds can get bruises too. And while they are tougher than skin, they are not indestructible.

A bruise is caused by a sharp blow to the diamond’s surface. The impact creates a small area of surface disruption, but it does not stop there. It sends tiny feather-like fractures just beneath the surface, making it a true inclusion. That is what separates a bruise from a simple blemish. It breaks through the exterior and continues into the interior of the gem.

Bruises most often show up on the crown of a diamond. This is the area that takes the most handling during cutting, setting, and daily wear. They can appear as small cloudy spots. Under magnification, you may see internal lines radiating from a central point, similar to the way a bruise spreads under pressure. That said, bruises are one of the rarer inclusion types. Most buyers will never actually encounter one unless they are specifically looking through magnified diamond photos or reviewing lower clarity grades.