In general, it is considered that transparent gemstones should be as clear and free from inclusions as possible. Inclusions are material that has become trapped in the crystal as it was formed. There are very, very few gems that contain no inclusions at all and there are some, again very few, who contain inclusions that make them incredibly interesting in their own right.
Sparkly. Pretty. Glittery. Fabulous. Delicate. Exquisite. Rare. Precious. All adjectives that describe the gemstones we all see and love in a jewellers window.
BUT, there is so much more to them than outward beauty. What makes them the way they are and how can we be sure what they are?
It is indeed a fact that diamond is the hardest known substance to man. It also explains why diamond is such a suitable material to use in jewellery, particularly engagement rings which, by their nature, are worn daily and are often subjected to a fair amount of heavy handling!
