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).

Diamond Size on Hand of a 1.49 Carat Diamond

This 1.49 diamond will look about the size shown in the illustration, on an average-sized woman's fingers. This 1.49 carat round diamond has a diameter of about 7.5 mm as shown in the picture. The ring pictured is an average-sized 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 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. Don't forget to take into account not just the size of your hand as a whole, but in addition whether you have long and thin fingers or squatter ones.

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If you are stressed about the cost of diamonds but still really want one, here is something to cheer you up - the diamonds invariably look bigger when placed on the woman's hand, especially in cases where her hand is small and petite.

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