The 4 C's

The 4 C's are four variables that are used to calculate the value of a diamond.

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

Table of Contents

Encyclopedia Home
Introduction
The 4 C's
Terminology
Depth and Table Percentages
How to use The Diamond Buying Guide
GIA, AGS, & Commercial Grade Conversion Charts
Round Brilliant , Brilliant, Old Mine Cut
Pear and Oval Cuts
Marquise Cut
Heart Shape
Princess and Radiant Cuts
Emerald, Cushion, and Carre Cut
Trillions
 
F
 Flawless Free from all inclusions or blemishes.
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. 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.

Eugene Biro Corp. follows a strict GIA (Gemological Institute of America) standard. It is important to note that the GIA Grading system changes slightly over time.

All diamonds at Eugene Biro Corp. are plotted and examined by no less that two GIA Graduate Gemologists. Eugene Biro Corp. stands behind all the diamonds it grades and sells.

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. Our Gemologists determine the color of the stone using a GIA Certified set of masterstones and the Colorimeter, a computer which accurately grades the color of a polished diamond.

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 which takes accurate measurements and proportions of a diamond in seconds, in addition to the standard millimeter gauge. We pride ourselves in providing fine make 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.

The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) offers diamond certificates in which the 4C's are analyzed and certified. These certificates are used widely for insurance purposes and for verification of authenticity. Your local jeweler or a G.G. (Graduate Gemologist), may provide certification as well.