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).
2.42 Carat Diamond Actual Size
Try to use the 8.8 mm mean width for this 2.42 carat stone by measuring the length and width of your own finger in order to get an appreciation of what a diamond of this size will look like on your finger. You should be aware that photo like this one are just that - only illustrative - women's hand sizes will vary quite a bit. The apparent size of the diamond and ring will vary depending on whether you have thin or thick fingers, and also depends on their length. Don't make the mistake I made of examing a potential diamond engagement ring placed on my own, male finger - remember it's going to go on a generally smaller and more petite female hand, which will make the diamond appear significantly larger.
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Go searching for diamonds this size at James Allen by clicking on the banner below and dragging the carat slider to the appropriate setting:
