Quick and Easy Buying Guide
Carat weight: 1 carat = 200 milligrams = 6.5 mm diameter. Doubling weight doesn't double diameter.
Diamond clarity: FL/IF/VVS/VS = super expensive, near perfect. SI = best value if you can check a photo for obvious inclusions (defects).
Color: D-G = colorless, expensive, only if you have money to burn. H-J = best value. Can go lower in gold metal settings than white metal.
Cut: Better cut ratings let more light into a diamond, making it sparkle more. Very important property, don't skimp here.
Set a budget and minimum cut (Premium). Go J color for gold and I/H for white metals. Go searching for SI1/SI2 clarity diamonds at James Allen. Pick a diamond with small/no inclusions. Choose a ring setting and buy it risk-free (60-day returns).
0.05 Carat Actual Size
If you're wondering how big a 0.05 carat diamond appears when worn, take a look at this picture to give you an approximate idea. You can use the 2.4 mm average width for a 0.05 carat diamond through measuring the length and width of your own finger to get an idea at home of how big the diamond would appear. The woman's hand pictured has quite long and slender fingers - your fingers may or may not be similar - if they're not, bear in mind that a diamond engagement ring may present quite differently on your finger. Don't make the mistake I made of examing a potential diamond engagement ring placed on my own, male finger - remember that it is ending up on a generally smaller and more delicate female hand, where it will likely not shrink quite as much as when placed on a male hand.
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Go searching for diamonds this size at James Allen by clicking on the banner below and dragging the carat slider to the appropriate setting:
