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A knot is an inclusion crystal that stretches all the way to a diamond’s surface. To put it simply, it is a tiny mineral crystal inside the diamond. During cutting and polishing, the stone is ground down until this inner crystal gets exposed. It starts as a regular inclusion, most often another diamond crystal or other mineral crystals. Since it breaks through the diamond surface, it counts as both an internal feature and an external blemish. That is why we need to pay extra attention to knots when picking diamonds. A knot is one of the most noteworthy clarity characteristics. It can bring real troubles to a diamond’s durability and overall look.
Why do we need to watch out for diamond knots?
A knot will lower the diamond’s clarity grade. More importantly, it leads to two major problems.
Durability Risk
This is the biggest concern. A knot sticks out on the diamond surface, so it is much weaker than the surrounding stone.
It chips easily. When being set into jewelry, especially under pressure setting, or hit and bumped during daily wear, the raised knot will chip far more easily than the rest part of the diamond.
It also makes maintenance hard. Even during regular jewelry cleaning or repair works, wrong operation may damage this fragile spot.
Visibility & Appearance Issues
White knots usually are small white or transparent dots if they are made of diamond crystals. As they sit right on the surface, their reflection is different from the main diamond. Sometimes they stand out more than other inclusions of the same size deep inside the stone.
If the knot consists of other minerals like garnet or pyroxene, it will turn dark or black. Dark knots are highly visible and do far more harm to the diamond’s appearance.
How to identify a knot on a GIA report
On the GIA clarity plot diagram, knots are marked with red symbols. Red marks always stand for features that reach the stone’s surface.
A knot may be labeled as a small dot or circle on the diagram, with the short form “Knt” next to it.
Here is an important tip. You have to check both the plot diagram and the written description. The diagram show you the exact location, while words like “Crystal, Knot” tell you what the inclusion is.
Buying advice: What to do when a diamond has a knot?
Try to avoid it first
For most buyers, especially those shopping for engagement rings worn every day, it is wise to stay away from diamonds with knots. This can save you from potential damage and appearance issues in the future.
Evaluate the situation carefully
If a diamond catches your eye for its great color, carat weight and good price, you need to make a full assessment.
Check its size and position. How big and noticeable is this knot? Does it locate on the pavilion or the crown?
Knots on the pavilion have lower risk. They are usually protected by prongs and the ring shank. They are hard to hit and barely visible from the front view.
Knots on the crown or girdle carry very high risk. These areas get hit all the time in daily life. Knots near the girdle are extremely easy to break during stone setting.
Check the clarity grade. If a diamond is graded SI clarity and its main inclusion is a knot, you need to be extra careful. Such knots are likely to be seen by naked eyes and even felt by touch. If the diamond is VS grade or higher, the knot is usually tiny, so the risk is much smaller.
Always check the real stone in person
Look closely. Use a magnifying glass to check the knot’s size, position and how much it sticks out.
Touch the surface gently. Feel if the knot is raised above the diamond.
Choose reliable sellers. Buy from trusted merchants who provide 360-degree high-definition videos. Watch the videos carefully to study the knot’s condition. Honest sellers will always tell you about the hidden risks clearly.
Conclusion
Knots are not the most common clarity characteristics, but they are definitely ones we cannot ignore. They ruin the diamond’s look and also create hidden durability risks.
Unless you fully understand and accept all the risks, or the knot is extremely small and placed in a safe spot, you had better choose a diamond without any knot for long-term wearing. A diamond with other inner inclusions, such as small internal crystals, clouds or feathers, is much safer than a diamond with a surface knot.