Our Diamonds
At Hayes Jewelers, you’ll find the Triad’s largest selection of loose diamonds, along with a full range of engagement rings, diamond rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, remounts, and custom mounts. We carry every shape, size, and cut — including unique stones you won’t find anywhere else. And if you’re looking for a certified diamond, we offer an extensive selection, supported by our on-site GIA Graduate Gemologist to help you make the perfect choice.
Understanding the 4Cs of Diamonds
Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Stone
Buying a diamond shouldn’t feel confusing — but it often does. Asking for a diamond’s price is a lot like asking for the price of a house: you can’t answer without knowing the details. That’s because every diamond is valued based on its unique combination of the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Together, these characteristics determine a diamond’s beauty, rarity, and overall value.
The 4Cs are the universal standard used around the world to classify diamonds. Stones with stronger ratings in each category are more rare and therefore more expensive — but no single C is more important than the others. What matters most is choosing the right balance for you and understanding how each factor contributes to what you see with your eyes.
Once you know which qualities you care about most, our team — including a GIA Graduate Gemologist — can help you compare stones side-by-side and find the perfect diamond within your budget.
Cut
A diamond’s cut has the greatest influence on its sparkle. Cut refers to how well the stone has been shaped and proportioned, not its shape (round, oval, pear, etc.). A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully, giving it that brilliant, eye-catching fire. Even with higher color or clarity grades, a poorly cut stone will look dull — which is why cut is often the best place to invest.
Clarity
Clarity refers to the tiny internal or external characteristics, called inclusions and blemishes, that form naturally in the diamond. Most inclusions are microscopic and don’t affect beauty, especially in clarity grades like VS or SI. What matters most is whether the stone is “eye-clean,” meaning those inclusions aren’t visible without magnification.
Color
Diamond color measures the presence of natural tint within the stone. The scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Colorless diamonds are the rarest, but near-colorless stones often appear just as beautiful once set in a ring — especially in white gold or platinum. The best choice depends on the look you love and the setting you choose.
Carat Weight
Carat measures a diamond’s weight, not its size — though weight usually influences how large the stone appears. Two diamonds of the same carat can look different depending on cut and shape. Bigger doesn’t always mean better; the right carat weight is the one that looks balanced on your hand and fits your style and budget.
Finding the Right Combination
The true beauty of a diamond comes from the way the 4Cs work together. Some people prefer a higher color grade, others prioritize carat size, and many focus on finding the most brilliant cut. There’s no wrong answer — only the diamond that feels right to you.
At Hayes Jewelers, we guide you through each step, helping you compare stones, understand value, and choose a diamond you’ll love for a lifetime.
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903 Winston Rd
Lexington, NC
27295