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 Diamond Sizes on Hand of a 0.12 Carat Diamond

If you are wondering how large a diamond with a 0.12 carat weight appears when worn, here's a picture which provides a visual guide to this diamond's size. The woman's hand shown in the picture has long and thin fingers - your fingers may or may not be similar - if they're not, be aware that a diamond engagement ring may present quite differently on your finger.

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The apparent size of a diamond is influenced by what it is shown against - her hand - a tiny hand will cause the diamond to appear significantly larger, with the reverse applying as well.

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