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 Size of 1.22 Carat Diamond

The image displayed here displays the actual diamond size on a hand for a 1.22 carat diamond for a typical woman's hand size. It is good to be cautious when looking at a picture - a picture alone won't be completely representative of all finger and hand types - you are best off getting an idea in store by trying on actual rings with your partner. You also have to take into account the length and breadth of your fingers.

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If you have been stressing about how expensive diamonds are but are still really set on getting one, here's one piece of good news - the diamonds often look bigger when put on a woman's hand, especially in cases where 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:

Actual Diamond Photos from JamesAllen