inclusions in small vs large stone

[mbn]

Why is it that some inclusions are more visible in 2c stone than 1c stone?

 

[lawmax]

The way they are graded by the labs.

 

[swift]

There are many factors that affect how clarity is perceived. The size of the stone is one of them - larger stones have larger facets which may make it easier to see certain inclusions.

Each clarity grade also represents a range of quality - not all SI-2 stones are equally desireable. A flaw under the table is more obvious than one near the girdle - some flaws may be hidden by the setting. Some inclusions are more visible that others - feathers (cracks) are bigger than pinpoints, some inclusions may be dark, others light. That's why it helps to see a stone that's not VS or better before making a decision. (Even a stone with a flawless grade certificate may have been damaged by wearing - you never know.)

All these things are taken into account for grading the clarity but it is still very subjective and done by imperfect humans. If you can see inclusions in a stone face-up (looking throught the top) without magnification, it can't be any better than I grade. Unless the stone is dirty - you can't grade a dirty stone.