Clarity. Confidence.
And a little light science.
Choosing a diamond should be a joyful experience, not a stressful one. At Lewis Jewelers, we believe the more you know, the better you’ll feel when selecting the diamond that’s right for you. Whether you’re just starting your search or narrowing down a few favorites, we’re here to help you understand what matters—and why.
What are the 4C’s? The Core of Every Diamond
When it comes to evaluating a diamond, gemologists rely on four key characteristics: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. Here’s what each one means—and how it affects the diamond you’ll take home.
Cut
The cut of a diamond has the greatest impact on how it handles light. A well-cut diamond will exhibit exceptional brilliance (the return of white light), fire (the rainbow flashes you see), and scintillation (the way light dances across the surface as the stone moves). The cut is not about shape—it’s about proportions, symmetry, and polish, and it determines whether the diamond appears vibrant and full of life.
Round Brilliant
The most popular cut, designed for maximum brilliance and sparkle.
Princess Cut
A square-shaped cut with exceptional lustre.
Oval
A modified brilliant cut with similar fire, its elongated shape creates the illusion of a larger stone.
Cushion
A square or rectangular cut with rounded corners, offering a soft look and exceptional brilliance.
Asscher Cut
A sophisticated square cut with clipped corners, creating an octagonal shape and vintage appeal.
Emerald
Rectangular with step-cut facets and clipped corners, known for its elegant “hall-of-mirrors” effect.
Marquise
An elongated cut with pointed ends, flattering to the finger and appearing larger for its carat weight.
Pear
Teardrop-shaped and brilliant-cut, offering a unique sparkle and elegant silhouette.
Radiant Cut
Combines the sparkle of a round with the shape of an emerald, usually featuring clipped corners.
Heart
A romantic heart shape that is less common and prized for its sentiment.
Vintage
Old European cuts that are more geometric and offer a glimpse into history.
Color
Natural Diamonds are graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (noticeable yellow or brown). Most people find diamonds in the near-colorless range (G–J) offer a beautiful look without the premium of a D or E grade. The less color a natural diamond has, the more rare and valuable it typically is—though many people prefer a hint of warmth, especially when set in yellow or rose gold.
(Photo courtesy of Gemological Institute of America)
Clarity
Clarity refers to the presence of internal or external characteristics (called inclusions and blemishes) in a natural diamond. These form naturally as the diamond crystal grows under heat and pressure over billions of years. How is the clarity of a diamond graded? It’s graded from Flawless (no visible imperfections even under 10x magnification) to Included (imperfections visible to the naked eye). Many diamonds fall into the VS or SI ranges, offering excellent beauty and value—especially if the inclusions can’t be seen without magnification.
Internally Flawless
Very Very Slight Inclusions
Very Slight Inclusions
Slight Inclusions
Imperfect
Carat Weight
Carat measures a diamond’s weight, not its size. While a higher carat weight often means a larger diamond, two stones of the same weight can appear different depending on their cut. Sometimes a slightly lower carat with an excellent cut will look larger—and livelier—than a poorly cut heavier stone.
Are Diamond Shape and Cut the Same Thing?
While “cut” describes how well a diamond reflects light, “shape” refers to the outline of the diamond. The most popular is the round brilliant, known for its exceptional light performance. Other popular shapes include princess, oval, emerald, cushion, pear, and marquise. Each one brings its own personality to a ring—from the clean lines of an emerald cut to the romantic curves of a cushion.
Natural Diamonds vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds
What is the difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds? Both natural and lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They have the same physical, optical, and chemical properties. The difference lies in their origin: natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth over billions of years; lab-grown diamonds are created in advanced labs using high heat and pressure or chemical vapor deposition, replicating the same natural process in weeks.
Here’s what you should know:
- Lab-grown diamonds offer excellent value—typically 40–70% less than a comparable natural diamond.
- Natural diamonds tend to retain more long-term value, especially for those seeking an heirloom-quality stone.
- Both types can deliver exceptional brilliance and quality, and both are available in a wide range of cuts, sizes, and colors.
- GIA now classifies lab-grown diamonds under broader quality tiers like “Premium” and “Standard,” rather than using the full 4 Cs grading, to maintain a clear distinction between lab-grown and mined diamonds.
- All diamonds we carry—natural or lab-grown—are fully certified and laser-inscribed for traceability and peace of mind.
Why Certification Matters
We only carry diamonds that have been graded by trusted independent laboratories, including GIA and IGI. These labs provide unbiased evaluations of a diamond’s cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Certification gives you the confidence to know exactly what you’re purchasing—and protects you for appraisals, insurance, and resale. Learn more about certified diamonds.
Making the Right Choice for You
There’s no one “perfect” diamond—only the one that’s perfect for you. Some people prioritize size. Others value clarity or ethical sourcing. For many, it's about getting the best overall combination of quality and price.
At Lewis Jewelers, we take the time to listen to what matters most to you, and we’ll guide you toward diamonds that reflect those priorities. We’ll show you how two stones of the same weight can look dramatically different. We’ll help you understand which features are most visible to the eye and which are hidden in the fine print.
Here’s What You Can Expect from Us
- Straight talk. We won’t bury you in jargon or upsell you on things that don’t matter to you.
- Clarity beyond the diamond. We’ll explain exactly what you’re seeing and what you’re not, so you can buy with confidence.
- Honesty and transparency. No pressure. No shortcuts. Just expert guidance, genuine care, and beautiful diamonds.
Ready to explore diamonds in person?
Visit our showroom in Ann Arbor, where our knowledgeable team is here to guide you without overwhelm. Ask questions. Try on styles. Compare natural and lab-grown options side by side.
At Lewis Jewelers, we believe every great love deserves a diamond that feels just right—for your style, your values, and your future.
