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).
1.29 Carat Diamond Sizes on Hand
This 1.29 diamond will appear about the size shown in the illustration, on an average-sized woman's hand. If you don't want to rely entirely on pictures like this, you can measure the size of your finger and compare it with the 7.1 mm mean diameter of a 1.29 carat diamond.
Sponsored Links
This picture is scaled to show a size L 1/2 ring (Britain and other countries ), which is equivalent to a US size 6 ring. You should be aware that image like this one are just that - only illustrative - female hand sizes will vary quite a bit.
You also have to take into account the length and breadth of your fingers. Don't make the mistake I made of looking at a potential diamond engagement ring placed on my own, large male finger - remember that it is going to go on a generally smaller and more petite female hand, where it will likely not shrink quite as much as when placed on a male hand.
Go searching for diamonds this size at James Allen by clicking on the banner below and dragging the carat slider to the appropriate setting:
