clarity
The Clarity of a stone relates to the presence of any features within the stone. In the jewellery trade, the presence of any structure variances or other sediments within a precious stone would be called impurites and structural flaws.
Sometimes there are small dots within the diamond which appear black when light passes through the stone. These features are known as inclusions and appear in various sizes and number as small spots, cloudy groupings, scratches, and often resemble cracks or cleavages. Cracks and cleavages can be caused by other external or internal influences and are also know as flaws.
The entire structure of a stone through it's formation can ultimately influence the state it is found in when mined / collected. Most stones can warp and twist away from the common state and shape it is found in. Crystals are well known for many different patterns of growth, as is organic materials.
The presence of any other sediment, oxides and heat during the stones structure can affect the stone's clarity and characteristics. Often a stone is fused with other materials such as crystals or other intrusions. The presence of such elements can also affect aspects such as the colour, and can even morph two stones together. External features such as polish, chips, scratches, surface blemishes and damage influence the clarity.
The clarity of a diamond / precious stone would ultimately affect it's brilliance and colour. Heavily flawed or included stones will be less durable and appear darker. The overall size of a stone would influence how strictly the clarity is graded.
 IF
|
 VVS1
|
 VVS2
|
 VS1
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 VS2
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 SI1
|
 SI2
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 P1
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 P2
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 P3
|
| IF - Flawless |
Internally Flawless to Flawless stones have no visible flaws or inclusions with 10 x magnification , also called Loupe Clean |
| VVS - VVS1 - VVS2 |
Very Very Small Inclusions that are difficult to see with 10 x magnification |
| VS - VS1 - VS2 |
Very Small Inclusions that are moderate to easily found with 10 x magnification |
| SI - SI1 - SI2 |
Small Inclusions that are easily seen under magnification. Difficult to see or slightly noticible to the eye alone |
| P - P1 - P2 - P3 | Pique inclusions easily found under 10 x magnification and with the eye alone |