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).

Actual 1.16 Carat Diamond Size on Hand

This article provides a photo example presenting the real size of a 1.16 carat diamond on an average woman's hand. This 1.16 carat diamond (round shape) has a diameter of about 6.9 mm which you can see in the illustration. The ring shown in the picture is a US size six, which is equivalent to an L 1/2 size in places such as Britain and Australia. You should be aware that picture such as this one are just that - only illustrative - women's hand sizes can vary hugely.

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Don't forget to take into account not just the overall size of your hand, but also whether you possess long and slim digits or squatter ones.

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