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 Size of a 2.76 Carat Princess Shape Diamond

Carat weight doesn't tell the whole story - the type of cut will also play a role in the apparent size of the rock; a diamond like this 2.76 carat one will usually be around 14.5 mm . The illustration on this page has a ring of L 1/2 ring size, which is typical or perhaps on the small side of typical for a female ring. Consider the ratio between the length and width of a finger - this ratio can play an important role in how big and appropriate a diamond looks when it's finally placed on the finger.

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Diamonds almost always look larger when you move them onto a woman's hand; because of this fact, make sure you get a female shop assistant to try the diamond on rather than putting it on your own male hand.