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 1.36 Carat Diamond Size on Hand

This page gives an illustrated example presenting the real size of a 1.36 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, you can measure the size of your finger and compare it with the 7.2 mm average diameter for a diamond of size 1.36 carats. It is good to be cautious when looking at a picture - it can't be completely representative of every finger and hand type - you're best advised to get a bit of an idea in store by trying on actual rings with your partner. You also have to take into account the width and overall length of your fingers. The apparent size of the diamond depends heavily on what it is shown against - her hand - a tiny hand will cause the diamond to appear significantly larger and vice versa.

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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:

Actual Diamond Photos from JamesAllen