What can graders use to see inclusions hidden by prongs?

• A. Reflections
• B. Magnification
• C. Backlighting
• D. Clarity-enhancing treatments

Answer: (A)

Light behavior inside the diamond is the key. When an inclusion sits under a prong, you often can’t see it head-on, but light can still interact with it and produce reflections that are visible on other facets or through the table as you tilt and rotate the stone. Graders intentionally watch for those reflections to reveal the presence of the inclusion despite the prong obstructing direct view. Magnification helps when you can actually see the inclusion directly, but it won’t help if the prong blocks the line of sight. Backlighting can reveal internal features by passing light through the stone, but in a mounted piece that isn’t always practical, and it isn’t as universally reliable as using reflections for this scenario. Clarity-enhancing treatments don’t reveal hidden inclusions; they change the stone’s appearance rather than uncover the natural flaws.