Which process uses clarity to decide between industrial rough and gem-quality material?

• A. Sorting Rough
• B. Benification
• C. Upstream
• D. Auction/tenders

Answer: (A)

Sorting rough diamonds is the step that uses clarity as a key criterion to separate material for gem-quality production from industrial use. In this process, each rough stone is evaluated for how its internal flaws and surface blemishes affect potential brilliance and transparency. Stones with high clarity and favorable translucence are directed toward cutting and polishing for jewelry, aiming to produce gem-quality diamonds. Stones with lower clarity or more defects are allocated to industrial applications where optical perfection isn’t required, such as abrasives or other non-gem uses. The other terms refer to different parts of the value chain or different processing ideas, not to a screening by clarity for end-use.