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 2.52 Carat Princess Shape Diamond Size on Hand

Size does not mean a lot until you witness it in person - this page uses a human hand as "context" to simulate the apparent size of a 2.52 carat size diamond with a princess shape. Carat weight isn't the be all and end all - the type of cut will also influence the apparent size of the rock - for a 2.52 carat princess like this one, the size would be around 9.4 mm typically. If you have got a ring around the house and you know the size, use it to compare with the US size 6 ring pictured - this will assist you in getting a concrete idea of the diamond size in the picture.

The size of a female hand can vary hugely - being in public is evidence enough - so this illustration can only show the apparent diamond size for one particular ring size. Digits can vary in terms of their apparent width and breadth, which should influence your decision regarding diamond size and shape.

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There's no need to freak out if diamonds and the dollars involved are making you worry - because the diamond will appear larger on her hand, you may not need to spend as much to get your desired effect.