Micro-WorldGems & Gemology, Spring 2026, Vol. 62, No. 1

“Basketball Player” in Diamond

Tejas Jhaveri

During routine examination, a natural D-color round brilliant diamond with SI1 clarity, weighing 0.84 ct and measuring 5.98 × 6.02 × 3.78 mm, captured the author’s attention for its interesting combination of internal features. A cloud subtly formed the outline of a human figure, complete with arms and legs, while a nearby rounded crystal evoked the shape of a ball (see above). Together, the inclusion scene provided a perfect snapshot of a basketball player dribbling a ball down the court. The overall visual impression was not only rare but uniquely expressive, giving the diamond a personality beyond its standard gemological attributes. This captivating internal structure is a prime example of how nature can create art that mirrors human life and movement.

Tejas Jhaveri is a quality specialist at GIA in Mumbai.

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