All about Diamonds

Carat WeightThe word carat derives from the word carob, a Mediterranean seed, which has an extremely consistent weight for measuring. The greater the carat weight, the rarer, and more valuable the diamond becomes. Five metric carats weighs exactly 1 gram.
Size matters so Lance's Jewelry can help you to classify the proper cut, color and clarity to fit your budget economically and your jewelry beautifully. Each ring has different size constraints based its size and the type of setting, but prong settings can be manipulated to fit virtually any size diamond. Tension-set diamonds and bezel-set diamonds have more limitations on size. Since Lance's makes custom jewelry we will do what it takes for the diamond to fit your jewelry.

CutAfter a rough diamond is mined, it is evaluated to determine its best possible cut, in order to maintain the maximum clarity, color, and carat weight. Don't confuse the term "cut" with diamond "shape", such as round brilliant or princess cut.
The true definition of cut is the quality of the proportions and symmetry of the diamond. Your diamond's proportions make a vast difference on how bright your diamond shines. An "ideal cut" diamond is one that allows the maximum amount of light to return through the top of the diamond taking into consideration the depth, table size, crown height and angle, girdle thickness, and more. Our diamond professionals will be happy to assist you in selecting the best diamond cut.

ColorDiamonds range from colorless to yellow or light brown, and are sometimes found in a spectrum of fancy colors, including yellow, blue, and even red diamonds. The less color, the rarer the diamond.

• D - Colorless
• E-F - Colorless
• G-J - Near Colorless
• K-M - Faint Yellow
• N-R - Very Light Yellow
• S-Z - Light Yellow

After "Z" on the color scale, diamonds become more fancy yellow, which cost more because of their rarity.


ClarityDiamonds are composed of mostly carbon. During the heating process, other elements become trapped inside, giving each diamond its own unique fingerprint. These inclusions help identify the clarity of your diamond.

• F - No inclusions or blemishes are visible to a skilled grader.
• IF - No inclusions and only blemishes are visible to a skilled grader.
• VVS1-VVS2 - Inclusions are difficult for a skilled grader to see.
• VS1-VS2 - Inclusions are clearly visible but can be characterized as minor.
• SI1-SI2 - Inclusions are noticeable to a skilled grader.
• I1-I3 - Inclusions are obvious and may affect transparency and brilliance.