The clarity plot is the map on a full grading report: an outline of the stone with symbols on it. Each symbol shows the type, position and approximate size of a clarity characteristic.
In more detail
The plot records the evidence for the clarity grade and fingerprints the stone. On GIA's plot, red shows most inclusions, green shows naturals and black shows extra facets. Graders leave out characteristics that are widespread or faint; Comments can mention them.
On a grading report
On GIA's Diamond Grading Report, with the key to symbols beside it. The Diamond Dossier has no plot. IGI also maps the stone, segment by segment.
Related terms
- Key to symbols: The key to symbols is the list beside the clarity plot. It names the kinds of clarity characteristic on that plot.
- Clarity characteristic: A clarity characteristic is any inclusion or blemish in or on a diamond. Together they set the clarity grade.
- Inclusion: An inclusion is a clarity characteristic inside a diamond, or one that reaches the surface from inside.
- Blemish: A blemish is a clarity characteristic confined to the surface of a diamond.
- Diamond Dossier: The Diamond Dossier is a shorter GIA report for loose natural diamonds of 0.15 to 1.99 carats, D to Z. It gives the four Cs and a proportion diagram, but no clarity plot.
- Clarity grade: The clarity grade says how free a diamond is of inclusions (inside) and blemishes (on the surface) at 10x magnification. GIA's scale has 11 grades in six categories, from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3).