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).
2.53 Carat Actual Size
This 2.53 diamond will look about the size shown in the image, for an average-sized woman's hand. This 2.53 carat diamond (round shape) has a diameter of about 8.9 mm as shown in the illustration. Be careful of reading too much into just a picture - it can't be completely representative of all finger and hand types - you are best advised to get a bit of an idea in store by trying on actual rings with your partner.
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The "first impressions" size of the diamond is influenced by what it is shown against - her hand - a petite hand will make the diamond appear significantly larger and vice versa.
Go searching for diamonds this size at James Allen by clicking on the banner below and dragging the carat slider to the appropriate setting:
