The Diamond 4 C's are four variables that are used to calculate the value of a diamond. They are:
Clarity
Color
Cut
Carat Weight
Clarity describes the clearness or purity of a diamond. This is determined by the number, size, nature, and location of the internal (inclusions) and external (blemishes) imperfections.
The clarity scale is broken down into the following grades:
F Flawless Free from all inclusions or blemishes at 10x magnification.
IF Internally Flawless No inclusions visible at 10x magnification.
VVS1 Very Very Small Inclusion #1 Inclusions that are extremely difficult to locate at 10x.
VVS2 Very Very Small Inclusion #2 Inclusions that are very difficult to locate at 10x.
VS1 Very Small Inclusion #1 Minor inclusions that are difficult to locate at 10x.
VS2 Very Small Inclusion #2 Minor inclusions that are somewhat difficult to locate at 10x.
SI1 Small Inclusion #1 Noticeable inclusions that are easy to locate at 10x.
SI2 Small Inclusion #2 Noticeable inclusions that are very easy to locate at 10x.
SI3 Small Inclusion #3 Noticeable inclusions that are very easy to locate at 10x. Some inclusions may be seen with the unaided trained eye.
I1 Included #1 Obvious inclusions. Somewhat easy to locate with the unaided trained eye.
I2 Included #2 Obvious inclusions. Easy to locate with the unaided trained eye.
I3 Included #3 Obvious inclusions. Very easy to locate with the unaided trained eye.
Two methods used to affect the clarity grade given to a diamond are lasering and clarity enhancing. Lasering of diamonds is the process in which a laser is used to drill a tiny hole into a diamond and the black of the imperfection is then removed. This is a legitimate and widely accepted treatment. The second treatment is called clarity enhancing. This method is widely disputed because a foreign element is injected into the diamond. This method is not permanent and therefore not recommended. All clarity treated diamonds must be disclosed as such prior to sale. We do not sell clarity enhanced diamonds.
Color describes the amount of color the diamond contains. This can range from colorless to yellow with slight tints of yellow, gray or brown. Colors can also range from intense yellow to brown, blue, green, pink and red. These fancy colors are rare and therefore more valuable.
It is possible to influence the color by an irradiation treatment followed by a heat treatment. We do not sell color treated diamonds.
Cut refers to the proportions, finish, symmetry, and polish of the diamond. These factors determine the fire and brilliance of a diamond. Well cut diamonds sell at a premium and poorly cut diamonds sell at discounted prices. We pride ourself in selling finely cut diamonds.
Carat is the unit of weight for the diamond. A carat is further subdivided into 100 points (0.01 carat = 1 point). One carat is equal to 0.20 grams. The greater the carat size of the diamond, the greater its worth.
(Images are larger than actual size.)
Definition of Terms
Facets: The flat polished surfaces of a diamond.
Table: The top facet.
Girdle: The rim around the diamond. The girdle is parallel to the table and is the largest diameter of the diamond. It divides the diamond into its two main sections, the crown and pavilion.
Crown The upper part of the diamond, or anything above the girdle.
Crown Angle: Angle of the crown facets.
Pavilion: The lower part of the diamond, or anything that is below the girdle.
Culet: The point or facet on the bottom of the pavilion.
Depth: The measurement of the diamond from the table to the culet, expressed in millimeters.
Pavilion Angle: Angle of the pavilion facets.
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