4C'S

The 4 C's are four variables that are used to calculate the value of a diamond. 1.Clarity 2.Color 3.Cut 4.Carat Weight 1. Clarity 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).

	The clarity scale is broken down into the following grades:
	F	Flawless	No inclusions visible at 10x magnification.
	IF	Internally Flawless	Free from all inclusions or blemishes.
	VVS1	Very Very Small Inclusion 1	Inclusions that are extremely difficult to locate at 10x magnification.
	VVS2	Very Very Small Inclusion 2	Inclusions that are very difficult to locate at 10x magnification.
	SI1	Small Inclusion 1	Noticeable inclusions that are easy to locate at 10x magnification.
	SI2	Small Inclusion 2	Noticeable inclusions that are very easy to locate at 10x. Some inclusions may be seen with the unaided eye.
	I1	Included 1	Obvious inclusions. Somewhat easy to locate with the unaided eye.
	I2	Included 2	Obvious inclusions. Easy to locate with the unaided eye.
	I3	Included 3	Obvious inclusions. Very easy to locate with the unaided 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.

2.Color

Color describes the amount of color the diamond consists of. 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.

There is a possibility of influencing the color by an irradiation treatment followed by a heat treatment. We do not sell color treated diamonds. Our Gemologists determine the color of the stone using a GIA Certified set of master stones and the Colorimeter, a computer that accurately grades the color of a polished diamond.

3.Cut

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. Our staff of GIA Gemologists use the Dia-mension system, a computerized system that takes accurate measurements and proportions of a diamond in seconds, in addition to the standard millimeter gauge. We pride ourselves in the fine make diamonds.

4.Carat Weight

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.