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 3.00 Carat Princess Shape Diamond

This article gives you an idea of how big a 3.00 carat size princess shape stone will look when viewed on the female hand. Carat weight isn't the be all and end all - the depth of the diamond's cut will also play a role in the apparent size of the diamond - for a 3.00 carat princess like this one, the size would be around 28.1 mm .

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While this picture will give you an approximate idea of how big a diamond will seem when viewed on the hand, remember that the size of the ring you choose or need could be quite different in size to that shown in this image. Don't stress if diamonds and the costs are getting you down - because the diamond will appear larger on her hand, you may not need to spend as much to get your desired effect.