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 2.18 Carat Diamond
This 2.18 diamond will look about the size indicated in the photo, on a typical woman's finger. If you don't want to rely entirely on pictures like this, what you can do is measure the width of your finger and compare it with the 8.5 mm average diameter of a 2.18 carat diamond.
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It is good to be cautious when looking at a picture - a picture alone won't be entirely 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.
You also have to take into account the width and overall length of your fingers. The "first impressions" size of a diamond is influenced by what it is shown against - the hand - a tiny hand will make the diamond 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:
