Diamond Guide

Diamonds are made up of pure carbon atoms that exist deep in the ground, exposed to intense heat and pressure over billions of years. Over time, this pressure builds up and forces the diamonds and rocks up toward the surface in a volcanic-like explosion. The explosion creates a very deep, wide hole called a "pipe" into which most of the diamonds settle; these deposits of diamonds are known as primary deposits. Other diamonds are washed away by water or erosion, and often settle into the coastal waters of nearby bodies of water; these are alluvial deposits. These deposits occur in many places around the globe; however, the largest commercial deposits exist in Angola, Australia, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Russia and Zaire, which produce 80% of the world's diamonds. The first diamond deposits were brought to the surface of the earth approximately 2.5 billion years ago. The most recent deposits are roughly 50 million years old. Your diamond is a truly unique piece of history.

The four Cs of a diamond include Clarity, Color, Cut and Carat.

A diamond clarity profile is determined by the unique characteristics found within it. Since no two diamonds are alike, nature has identified each diamond by its inclusions, or its fingerprints. Generally, these inclusions are minute imbedded crystals or other minerals trapped in the diamond during its formation. Diamond clarity is judged by the lack of inclusions. Clarity grading structure is as follows: FL and IF present no visible imperfections under a 10x magnification. VVS1, VVS2, VS1 and VS2 present minute imperfections under a 10x magnification. SI1 and SI2 display noticeable imperfections under a 10x magnification. I1, I2 and I3 display obvious imperfections.

Color in diamonds results from traces of other elements that mixed with carbon during the diamond’s formation. Generally, gem-quality diamonds, when seen alone, appear to be colorless to the untrained eye. Color grading structure is as follows: D-F are colorless, G-J are near colorless and K-Z display noticeable color.

A diamond’s cut is the only human contribution to a diamond’s beauty and is the most critical of the 4Cs because so much of a diamond’s value depends on the diamond cutter achieving the ultimate brilliance. A well-cut diamond will internally reflect light from one mirror-like facet to another and disperse and reflect it through the top of the stone. Each facet or plane of the diamond’s surface when properly placed, allows light to interact within the diamond and return to the eye as fire or brilliance.

Yes! Diamonds with a GIA grading report will help with confirming the quality of your diamond, verify ownership for repair or insurance as well as proving useful if you want to resell a diamond.

A Fancy Diamond is a rare, natural occurring diamonds that comes in colors that include yellow, pink, blue, gray, black, red, orange, chocolate, green, and violet. Certain Fancy Diamonds can cost more per carat then white diamonds.

Visit a Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry store to browse hand-selected diamonds set beautifully in bands, bracelets, necklaces and engagement style rings. Or learn more about our Loose Diamond Program where you can select the diamond of your choice and the coordinating setting to offer a truly original, one-of-a-kind engagement ring.

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry store is located inside the Mall of Louisiana and there is also a Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry store located at the corner of Corporate Boulevard and Jefferson Highway near mid-city. In Lafayette, Louisiana, a Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry store is located on Ambassador Caffery. In Shreveport, Louisiana, a Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry store is located on Youree Drive at East 70th. Just outside of New Orleans, Louisiana, in Metairie, a Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry store is located in Lakeside Shopping Center with a new and expanded, freestanding location coming Fall of 2022. In San Antonio, Texas there are two Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry stores. Find one at The Shops at La Cantera and another located inside the Northstar Mall on San Pedro Avenue. In Jackson, Mississippi, visit a Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry store located at the Renaissance at Colony Park on Highland Colony Parkway. Visit the newest Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry store, located in ABQ Uptown of Albuquerque, New Mexico.