The Four C's

These factors determine the value of a diamond are called the 4 C's
The 4 C's include:
Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat.

Clarity
Clarity is the internal quality of a diamond. The term refers to the degree which a diamond is free of interior or exterior birthmarks or inclusions. An inclusion being any internal characteristic apparent to a trained or professional eye at 10x magnification. The size, position, and type of birthmarks affect the value of a stone according to the degree to which it interferes with the passage of light through the diamond. Using such words as "flaw" or "imperfection" with a diamond customer is misleading. These terms imply that the diamond has no value. Only the most rare of diamonds are free from "blemishes". Birthmarks, or natures fingerprints are terms developed to indicate the presence of these blemishes without the negative implication. While minute inclusions reduce the cost of a diamond, they do not mar its beauty or endanger its durability.

The birthmarks in a diamond provide a distinctive "fingerprint" that gives the stone a uniqueness without loss of beauty.

External Characteristics (Naturals)
"Naturals" are part of the surface of a rough diamond that were not cut or polished during the cutting process. This type of inclusion can appear any place on a diamond, but is usually found on the girdle. "Naturals" are often mistaken for chips but under magnification can be distinguished from chips. "Naturals", on the other hand may appear to have a "waxy" look.

Interesting Facts About a Diamond's Clarity
* Less than one percent of all diamonds ever found have no inclusions and can be called flawless.
* Inclusions are not flaws. They are nature's fingerprints. Like fingerprints, no two diamonds are exactly alike.
* Birthmarks become a part of the diamond during the process of formation. Other minerals and sometimes other diamonds become birthmarks as the diamond solidifies.
* There are at least six different clarity grades that cannot be distinguished by the naked eye. Ten-power magnification and an experienced eye are required to tell the difference.
* Most birthmarks have little or no effect on a diamond's brilliance or durability.
* Diamonds occasionally have other gemstones, including garnet or peridot, trapped inside them.
* An inclusion seen under ten-power magnification that is no larger than the point of a pin is enough to keep the diamond from being graded as flawless. Flawless diamonds are extremely rare. In grading diamonds, the location of the birthmark is as important as its size and color. A birthmark in the heart of the diamond will be easier to see than one close to the edge.

Benefits
Whether it's flawless or not, every woman is wearing a one-of-a-kind gemstone created by nature just for her.

Nature puts the signature on the diamond; the diamond puts the signature on the woman.

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