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 Diamond Sizes on Hand of a 1.68 Carat Diamond
This 1.68 diamond will appear about the size shown in the picture, for an average-sized woman's hand. An average round stone with a 1.68 carat weight has a diameter of 7.8 mm, although this can change depending on the cut. The ring shown in the image is an average-sized size six ring, but bear in mind the ring you get could be significantly larger or smaller. 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 with an actual ring. Also take into account the width and overall length of your fingers.
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If you have been stressing about the cost of diamonds but are still really set on getting one, here is something to cheer you up - the diamonds often look bigger once placed on the hand, especially if her hand is on the smaller side.
Go searching for diamonds this size at James Allen by clicking on the banner below and dragging the carat slider to the appropriate setting:
