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).
2.49 Carat Actual Size (Princess Shape)
The picture in this page has a ring of L 1/2 ring size; this is around the average size for a female. The size of a woman's hand can vary hugely - just look around you when you're next in public - so this picture can only provide the apparent diamond size for one particular ring size.
Digits can be all different sizes, which should factor in to your decision regarding diamond size and shape.
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Diamonds almost always look larger when you move them onto a woman's hand; because of this fact, make sure you get a female shop assistant to try the diamond on rather than putting it on your own male hand.
