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).
What Does a 2.87 Carat Diamond Look Like on a Hand?
If you're wondering how big a diamond with a 2.87 carat weight looks on a hand, here's a picture to give you an approximate idea. This 2.87 carat round diamond is 9.3 mm in diameter as shown in the illustration. The ring pictured is an average-sized size six ring; of course, the ring you get could be much larger or smaller than this one. The woman's hand pictured has long and thin fingers - which may not be what yours look like - if your fingers are differently shaped, bear in mind that a diamond engagement ring may look quite different when worn.