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 2.96 Carat Diamond Look Like on a Hand?
This 2.96 diamond will look about the size indicated in the image, on an average-sized woman's finger. This 2.96 carat round diamond has a diameter of about 9.4 mm as shown in the picture. This illustration shows a size L 1/2 ring (British and Australia), which is the same as a US size six ring.
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Be aware that picture such as this one are just that - only illustrative - female hand sizes will vary quite a bit. If you've been stressed about how expensive diamonds are but are still really set on getting one, here's something to cheer you up - the diamonds invariably appear bigger when put on a hand, especially in cases where her hand is on the smaller side.