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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:
| 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.
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