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).

1.60 Carat Size on Hand

This 1.60 diamond will appear about the size indicated in the image, for an average-sized woman's finger. This 1.60 carat round diamond is 7.6 mm in diameter which you can see in the photo. The ring pictured is an average-sized size six ring, but bear in mind the ring you get could be significantly larger or smaller. The visual size of the diamond and ring can be affected by whether you have thin or thick digits, and also depends on their length.

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If you have been stressed about how expensive diamonds are but still really want one, here's something to cheer you up - the diamonds invariably appear bigger when put on the woman's hand, especially if 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