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).

Kate Middleton Engagement Ring

Well, the big news is in - Kate and William are getting married! And the big news on the engagement ring is in as well - they are going to use the exact same engagement ring that Princess Di originally used.

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Back in 1981, Princess Di personally selected the oval blue sapphire ring herself. The ring has a central oval blue sapphire which is a massive 12 carats in weight. The central stone is surrounded by 14 diamonds arranged in a cluster. The ring was provided by Garrard of Mayfair.

Apparently it was a difficult decision for William to use it - this is quite understandable given the events in his life.

Interestingly, Harry was the one who originally had the ring - when given the choice to pick items to inherit he chose the ring. But now William and ultimately Kate has ended up with it.