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Clarity
Clarity is the measure of a diamond's flawlessness. When light is able to pass through a diamond uninterrupted, the result is a beautiful sparkle.
Nearly all diamonds have tiny imperfections known as "blemishes" (externally) or "inclusions" (internally). This is not surprising, considering the journey that diamonds have taken during their lifetime. Over a billion years ago, diamonds formed in the mantle of the earth. During this time, trace elements often became trapped inside, lending a unique personality to the diamond's appearance.
Even diamonds with inclusions and blemishes can be among the most beautiful, especially those with good color and cut. Many inclusions are difficult to see with the naked eye, and some may be minimized by the setting you choose.
Experts measure clarity with special equipment. A classic jewelers' tool is the loupe, a small 10-power (10x) magnifying glass. This is the standard magnification when determining diamond clarity. Jewelers will also use gemological microscopes to show you the characteristics of your diamond.