

Diamond surface blemishes are external imperfections created during cutting, setting, or wear. Unlike internal inclusions, blemishes sit on the surface of the stone and may affect polish quality or appearance under magnification.
Most are minor. Some warrant attention.
Polish Lines
Polish lines are fine, parallel lines left behind during the finishing process.
They may appear as:
Faint streaks under magnification
Slight surface texture
Subtle reflective lines along facets
In well-cut diamonds, polish lines are minimal and do not impact naked-eye appearance.
Excessive polish lines, however, can reduce surface crispness and affect symmetry grading.
Scratches
Although diamonds rank highest on the Mohs scale, they can still be scratched by other diamonds or abrasive materials.
Surface scratches may:
Dull facet edges
Reduce light reflection at specific points
Become visible under magnification
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Minor scratches can sometimes be removed through repolishing, though this reduces weight slightly.
Repolishing should be reserved for meaningful cosmetic impact.
Surface Graining
Surface graining refers to faint texture variations on facet surfaces.
It may:
Appear as subtle waves under magnification
Slightly diffuse reflection
Be noted in grading comments
Most surface graining is not visible without magnification and does not affect structural durability.
Visual Impact
The practical question is visibility.
If blemishes:
Are only visible under 10x magnification
Do not interrupt light return
Do not affect facet symmetry
they typically have minimal impact on value.
If visible without magnification, professional evaluation is advisable.
Practical Perspective
Surface blemishes differ from structural damage.
They are:
Usually cosmetic
Often minor
Sometimes correctable
Assessment should prioritize real-world visibility over magnified imperfection.
Clarity is about perception at normal viewing distance.
FAQ
Do surface blemishes weaken a diamond?
Generally, no â unless damage is severe.
Can scratches be removed?
Minor scratches can sometimes be polished away.
Does repolishing affect value?
It may slightly reduce weight, which can impact grading thresholds.
Should I avoid diamonds with polish lines?
Only if they are excessive or affect visible performance.





