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).
1.74 Carat Diamond Actual Size
You can use the 7.9 mm mean width of a 1.74 carat diamond by measuring the size of your finger in order to get an idea at home of how big the diamond would appear. This image displays a size L 1/2 ring (Britain and other countries ), which is equivalent to a US size 6 . Be careful of reading too much into just a picture - it can't be entirely representative of every finger and hand type - you're best off getting an idea in store by trying on actual rings with your partner. You also have to take into account the width and overall length of your fingers. The "first impressions" size of the diamond is influenced by what it is shown against - her hand - a tiny hand will make the diamond appear proportionately larger and vice versa.
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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:
