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).
2.23 Carat Size on Hand
I have used the average engagement ring size, a size 6, in the image, which has an internal diameter of 0.65 inches of 16.5 mm. Be careful of reading too much into just a picture - a picture alone won't be completely representative of every finger and hand type - you are best off getting an idea in store with an actual ring. You also have to take into account the length and breadth of your fingers. Compare the size of the woman's hand and the man's hand in the photo - it's obvious that the woman's hand is significantly smaller and more delicate (which is typical), so the diamond looks to be larger on her hand than it would appear to be on his.