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).

0.49 Carat Diamond Sizes on Hand

This 0.49 carat diamond (round shape) has a diameter of about 5.1 mm which you can see in the picture. The ring pictured is a typical size six ring, but bear in mind the ring you get could be significantly larger or smaller. A person's fingers may be significantly larger or smaller than the ones of the woman in the illustration, which are quite thin - be sure to keep this in mind when you're looking at the picture. The apparent size of the diamond and ring will vary depending on whether you have thick or thin digits, and also depends on their length. If you have been stressed about the cost of diamonds but are still really set on getting one, here is one piece of good news - the diamonds invariably look bigger once placed on the woman's hand, especially if her hand is on the smaller side.

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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