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 1.80 Carat Diamond Size on Hand
If you are wondering how large a 1.80 carat diamond appears on a hand, take a look at this picture to give you an approximate idea. I've used the most common engagement ring size, a 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 - a picture alone won't be completely representative of every finger and hand type - you're best advised to get a bit of an idea in store with an actual ring. Don't forget to take into account not just the overall size of your hand, but also if you possess long and thin fingers or squatter ones.
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Don't make the mistake I made of looking at a potential diamond engagement ring placed on my own, large male finger - remember it's ending up on a generally smaller and more petite female hand, where it will likely not shrink quite as much as when placed on a male hand.
Go searching for diamonds this size at James Allen by clicking on the banner below and dragging the carat slider to the appropriate setting:
