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 2.36 Carat Diamond
This 2.36 diamond will appear about the size indicated in the photo, for a typical woman's fingers. An average round stone with a 2.36 carat weight has a diameter of 8.7 mm, although this can vary slightly if the cut is shallow or deep.
Sponsored Links
I've used the most common engagement ring size, which is size 6, for the illustration; this ring size has an internal diameter of 16.5 mm or 0.65 inches. Be careful of reading too much into just a picture - it can't be completely representative of every finger and hand type - you're best off getting an idea in store with an actual ring. You also have to take into account the length and breadth of your fingers.
Don't make the mistake I made of examing a potential diamond engagement ring placed on my own, male finger - remember that it is ending up on a usually smaller and more petite female hand, which will make the diamond appear significantly larger.
Go searching for diamonds this size at James Allen by clicking on the banner below and dragging the carat slider to the appropriate setting:
