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A Hidden Inclusion
A chipped diamond often hides part of the inclusion that caused it to break away in the first place. The inclusion (or what's left of it) will be nestled up against the inside of the chip, so that detecting it may be a problem. A very common mistake among buyers is their carelessness in assuming that the area directly behind the chip is clean. In fact, sometimes the force that caused the chip has also created an internal fracture beyond the visible external damage.
To cope with this likely scenario of an inclusion hiding behind the damaged area, always assume that it is indeed the case. When trying to view this possible flaw from an opposite direction, it is still a challenge to distinguish the inclusion from the chip in front of it. Turn the diamond to every possible angle, looking behind the damaged area, to try to judge the effect of the (assumed) inclusion. Naturally, the size of the chip may indicate how large an imperfection it could hide. Small nicks will hide, at most,VS type inclusions, if any at all. Above all, be cautious and take your time.
