Grade-Setting Characteristics are best described as what?

• A. Inclusions or blemishes that establish the clarity grade of a diamond.
• B. The color distribution across the gem.
• C. The weight and proportions of the diamond.
• D. The fluorescence and scintillation pattern.

Answer: (A)

Grade-setting characteristics describe the imperfections that determine a diamond’s clarity grade. These are inclusions inside the stone and blemishes on the surface. When grading, the inspector examines how many such features exist, their size, location, type, color, and how visible they are under magnification. These factors establish the boundary between the clarity grades, from flawless to included. Other aspects like color distribution, weight and proportions, or fluorescence and scintillation relate to color, cut/proportions, and light performance, respectively, and do not determine the clarity grade.