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).

Actual 2.79 Carat Diamond Size on Hand

This 2.79 diamond will look about the size indicated in the photo, on a typical woman's hand. If you don't want to rely entirely on pictures like this, what you can do is measure the size of your finger and compare it to the 9.2 mm average diameter of a diamond of size 2.79 carats. The ring pictured is a typical size 6 ring, but bear in mind the ring you get could be significantly larger or smaller.

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Don't forget to take into account not just the overall size of your hand, but also if you have long and thin fingers or short and pudgy ones.

The "first impressions" size of a diamond is influenced by what it is shown against - her hand - a tiny hand will cause the diamond to appear significantly larger, with the reverse applying as well.

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