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).

0.56 Carat Diamond Sizes on Hand

This article gives an illustrated example of the real size of a 0.56 carat diamond when set in a ring and put on a typical woman's hand. If you are hesitant to put too much stock in a simple picture, what you can do is measure the size of your finger and compare it with the 5.4 mm mean diameter of a 0.56 carat diamond. The ring shown in the picture is a US size 6; this is the same as an L 1/2 size in countries like Australia and Britain, and is an average ring size. Be aware that picture such as this one are just that - only illustrative - female hand sizes will vary quite a bit. The ratio between your ring finger's length and its width will play a pivotal role in the final appearance of a diamond on your hand.

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If you are stressed about how expensive diamonds are but are still really set on getting one, here's something to cheer you up - the diamonds often look bigger when put on a hand, especially in cases where her hand is on the smaller side.

Go searching for diamonds this size at James Allen by clicking on the banner below and dragging the carat slider to the appropriate setting:

Actual Diamond Photos from JamesAllen