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).
2.99 Carat Actual Size (Princess Shape)
This article has a handy illustration showing you the apparent size of a 2.99 carat size princess shape stone, when viewed in place on the hand of a woman. The exact size of a 2.99 carat size princess shape diamond depends on other factors such as cut, but will typically be around 27.2 mm along one of the straight edges of the diamond. Pictures can sometimes be notoriously deceptive - I've tried to make this one as clear as possible, but remember viewing the diamond in the flesh will give you a very different judgement of size to viewing it on the internet.
Digits can vary in terms of their apparent width and breadth, which should factor in to your decision regarding diamond size and shape.
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Don't stress if diamonds and the costs are getting you down - because the diamond will appear larger on her hand, the diamond size you need may be smaller than you think.
