The Art of
Diamonds
For five generations, Siegel Jewelers has guided West Michigan families through one of life's most meaningful purchases. Our diamond experts bring decades of GIA-trained knowledge to every conversation.
GIA Certified
Every diamond we carry
Understanding the 4Cs
The 4Cs — Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat — are the universal language of diamond quality. Understanding them empowers you to make a confident, informed decision.
Cut
Cut refers not to shape, but to how well the diamond's facets interact with light. A well-cut diamond will appear more brilliant than a poorly-cut stone of higher color or clarity. Cut grades range from Excellent to Poor.
- ◆Excellent: Maximum brilliance and fire
- ◆Very Good: Reflects most light that enters
- ◆Good: Reflects much of the light
- ◆Fair/Poor: Allows light to escape through the bottom or sides
Color
Diamond color is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The difference between grades is subtle to the untrained eye, but significant in price. For most settings, G-H offers the best value.
- ◆D-F: Colorless — the rarest and most valuable
- ◆G-J: Near-colorless — excellent value, appears white
- ◆K-M: Faint color — visible warmth, budget-friendly
- ◆N-Z: Noticeable color — significant yellow or brown tint
Clarity
Clarity measures the presence of internal inclusions and external blemishes. The scale runs from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3). For most buyers, VS1-VS2 or SI1 offers the best balance of beauty and value.
- ◆FL/IF: Flawless — no inclusions under 10x magnification
- ◆VVS1/VVS2: Very very slightly included — minute inclusions
- ◆VS1/VS2: Very slightly included — minor inclusions
- ◆SI1/SI2: Slightly included — inclusions visible under magnification
Carat
Carat is the unit of weight for diamonds (1 carat = 0.2 grams). A well-cut 0.90ct diamond can appear larger than a poorly-cut 1.00ct stone. Consider cut quality before maximizing carat weight.
- ◆0.50ct: Classic, elegant, excellent value
- ◆0.75ct: Noticeably larger, still accessible
- ◆1.00ct: The most sought-after milestone
- ◆2.00ct+: Statement pieces, exceptional rarity
Diamond Shapes Guide
Each shape has its own personality. Click any shape to learn more about what makes it unique.
Five Generations of
Diamond Expertise
Since 1889, the Siegel family has been West Michigan's trusted source for diamonds. We've helped thousands of couples find the perfect stone for the most important purchase of their lives.
Our GIA-trained gemologists don't just sell diamonds — they educate. Every consultation is unhurried, personal, and focused entirely on finding the right stone for your vision and your budget.
Book a Private Diamond Consultation
Meet one-on-one with a GIA-trained gemologist. We'll walk you through our selection, explain every detail, and help you find the perfect diamond — no pressure, no rush.
From Earth's Core
to Your Hand
Natural diamonds are a marvel of geological time, forming over billions of years deep within the Earth's mantle, approximately 100 miles below the surface. Under immense heat and pressure, carbon atoms crystallize into the extraordinary gems we cherish today.
These diamonds are then brought closer to the Earth's surface through rare, deep-source volcanic eruptions called kimberlite pipes — nature's diamond delivery system. The journey from formation to the surface takes hundreds of millions of years. When you hold a diamond, you're holding a piece of the deep Earth, older than the dinosaurs.
At Siegel Jewelers, we ensure all our natural diamonds are conflict-free, adhering to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS). Your diamond is not only beautiful — it's responsibly sourced.
Carbon Crystallizes
Deep in the mantle, carbon atoms arrange into diamond's cubic crystal structure under extreme heat (2,200°F) and pressure (725,000 psi).
Kimberlite Eruption
Rare volcanic eruptions carry diamonds upward through kimberlite pipes at speeds of 20–30 mph — nature's diamond delivery system.
Mining & Recovery
Diamonds are carefully extracted from kimberlite rock or alluvial deposits in riverbeds and ocean floors around the world.
Cutting & Polishing
Master cutters study each rough diamond for weeks before making the first cut, maximizing its potential brilliance and fire.
Grading & Certification
Independent labs like GIA assess and certify the diamond's 4Cs, providing a permanent, unbiased record of its quality.
Trusted Grading Laboratories
Always insist on a diamond accompanied by a grading report from one of these respected institutions. Their unbiased assessments protect your investment and give you complete confidence.
GIA
Gemological Institute of America
The Gold Standard
The world's most respected and recognized diamond grading authority. GIA invented the 4Cs system and the International Diamond Grading System. Their reports are accepted worldwide and set the industry benchmark.
Known For
Strictest grading standards, most consistent results
AGS
American Gem Society
The Cut Specialists
The only lab that grades cut on a 0–10 scale (0 being Ideal). AGS pioneered the scientific study of diamond cut performance and light behavior. Particularly respected for round brilliant and princess cuts.
Known For
Best cut grading system, rigorous light performance analysis
IGI
International Gemological Institute
The Lab Diamond Leader
The world's largest independent gem certification and appraisal institute. IGI has been a pioneer in grading lab-grown diamonds since 2005 and offers comprehensive reports for both natural and lab-grown stones.
Known For
Leading lab diamond certifier, widely accepted globally
Fascinating Diamond Facts
Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth — four times harder than the next hardest mineral, corundum (ruby and sapphire).
The word 'diamond' comes from the ancient Greek 'adamas,' meaning 'unbreakable' or 'invincible.'
The oldest diamonds ever discovered are estimated to be over 3.5 billion years old — predating most life on Earth.
Natural diamonds form approximately 100 miles beneath the Earth's surface and are brought up by deep volcanic eruptions called kimberlite pipes.
Only about 20% of all diamonds mined are gem-quality. The remaining 80% are used for industrial purposes due to their extreme hardness.
Diamond FAQs
Ready to Find Your Diamond?
Visit us in Grand Rapids or explore our lab-grown diamond collection — an identical stone at a fraction of the cost.