Once you've determined what cut, color, and clarity grade you're looking for in a diamond, it's easy to determine the carat weight of diamond that will fit within your budget.

This chart illustrates how diamonds of different carat weights look when set in a ring. Note that a 2-carat diamond does not appear to be twice the size of a 1-carat diamond when viewed from the top.

When diamonds are mined, large gems are discovered much less frequently than small ones, which makes large diamonds much more valuable. In fact, diamond prices rise exponentially with carat weight. So, a 2-carat diamond of a given quality is always worth more than two 1-carat diamonds of the same quality.

What Size is best?

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

• If you have a set 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 doors and counters.
• Also keep in mind that the smaller the finger, the larger the diamond will appear. A 11/2-carat diamond solitaire looks much larger on a size 4 finger than a size 8.
• If you have already chosen a setting, make sure you choose a diamond to fit. Look for the diamond size specifications of your ring or ask your Blue Nile diamond and jewelry consultant what size diamond you should look for.
• 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.

But the best way to determine what size is best is by getting an idea of what she is expecting. If you plan carefully, you can get some answers without even raising her suspicions.