Cut • Color • Clarity • Carat Weight
After determining what cut, color, and clarity grade you're looking for, then decide on carat weight. Diamond prices rise exponentially with carat weight. A 2-carat diamond of a given quality is always worth more than two 1-carat diamonds of the same quality.

To choose the best carat weight of diamond, consider her style, the size of her finger, the size of your setting, and your budget.

• Explore all your options and you'll find that there is a wide range of diamond carat weights and qualities available in your price range.

• If your recipient is very active or not used to wearing jewelry, she may find herself bumping or nicking her new ring. Consider a smaller size diamond or a setting that protects a larger diamond from getting knocked against objects.

• Keep in mind that the smaller the finger, the larger the diamond will appear.

• If you have already chosen a setting, to make sure you choose a diamond to fit, look for the diamond size specifications of your ring.

• Finally, if a large carat weight is important to you, yet you're working within a budget, consider a diamond with a good cut, SI1–SI2 clarity, and an I or J color grade.