Clarity characteristics are divided into two main groups: inclusions and blemishes. Inclusions are inside the stone; blemishes are on the surface.

There are many kinds of inclusions. Some are quite well-known and may be familiar to you: feathers, clouds, cavities, and the presence of crystals within the diamond.

Blemishes include characteristics such as abrasions, nicks, pits, scratches, and others as well. Since blemishes affect the polish, they are often counted under cut rather than clarity. (If so, they are not counted twice.)

Two tools are used for judging a diamond's clarity: magnification and the human eye. All American Gem Society grades are determined by a professional using a special stereoscopic zoom microscope.

It will be interesting and informative for you to ask your jeweler to show you your diamond under the gem microscope. With some helpful pointers about what to look for, and perhaps a plot map, you'll see the wonders that are hidden within your diamond.

If magnification to the tenth power under a gem microscope reveals nothing-no small feather, no tiny crystal-the diamond earns a Clarity Grade of Flawless, the grade for the most exquisitely clear diamonds.

If magnification reveals that light returning to your eye may be affected by one or more inclusions, the professional AGS jeweler determines the appropriate grade along the grading scale.

In addition to the microscope, the grader's skilled eye is another tool for judging clarity. If your jeweler can see a clarity characteristic without magnification, you can too. The presence of such a characteristic could cause the grade of the diamond to drop on down below the middle of the scale.

Remember, most diamonds have some inclusions. This doesn't mean that a diamond with an inclusion isn't a quality diamond. It does show that your AGS jeweler wants you to have all the facts necessary for you to make an informed decision.