Which aspect contributes primarily to a diamond's clarity grade?

The clarity grade of a diamond is primarily determined by the presence of inclusions and blemishes. Inclusions are internal characteristics such as air bubbles, crystals, or other minerals that can occur as the diamond forms. Blemishes are external marks like scratches or chips that can affect the surface of the diamond. These features can impact how light interacts with the stone, influencing its overall appearance and beauty.

The grading process evaluates how visible these inclusions and blemishes are, their size, and their location within the diamond. A diamond with few or no inclusions and blemishes will receive a higher clarity grade, while one with more noticeable features will be graded lower. This assessment is essential in establishing the value and desirability of the diamond in the jewelry market.

Other options like color saturation, size and weight, and shape and cutting style are important to a diamond's overall quality, but they directly pertain to different grading categories—color, carat weight, and cut respectively. Clarity is solely focused on the internal and external imperfections that can affect a diamond's visual appeal.