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).

1.66 Carat Size on Hand

This page provides an illustrated example presenting the real size of a 1.66 carat diamond on an average woman's hand. An average round diamond with a 1.66 carat size has a width of 7.7 mm, although this can change if the cut is shallow or deep.

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The ring pictured is a typical size six ring, but bear in mind the ring you get could be significantly larger or smaller. It is good to be cautious when looking at a picture - a picture alone won't be entirely representative of all finger and hand types - you're best off getting an idea in store by trying on actual rings with your partner. Also take into account the length and breadth of your fingers. Look at the difference between the size of the woman's hand and the man's hand in the image - you can see that the woman's hand is much smaller and more petite (which is usually the case), so the diamond appears larger on her hand than it would obviously on his hand.

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