What size diamond for a small finger?

[duoplex]

My fiance is petite with a size 3.5 finger. Can people please give an idea of how different sizes of round diamonds will be perceived? At what sizes do you think it switches from underwhelming to reasonable to overwhelming for a small finger? (I know some of you think bigger's always better, but you know what I'm asking...)

Thanks!

 

[Niel]

may I ask what your budget is for this endeavor?

 

[duoplex]

I was hoping $6-7k, but I'm a somewhat flexible. Will budget impact how the size of the diamond is perceived?

 

[Kaycee2018]

Can people please give an idea of how different sizes of round diamonds will be perceived?

Check out the diamdb website to get an idea of how different sizes and shapes will look on different finger sizes. Different shapes face up larger or smaller (pears and ovals face up larger than cushions, etc.)

At what sizes do you think it switches from underwhelming to reasonable to overwhelming for a small finger?

There is no single answer. In some regions, 1ct is considered large, in others diamonds aren't considered "large" until they hit the 3ct range. Some people prefer an understated look, while others believe bigger is better. Additionally, smaller diamonds work better for certain lifestyles and careers. These are questions that really should be answered by the intended wearer (or if you are going for the element of surprise, perhaps friends and family can help).

 

[yssie]

My fiance is petite with a size 3.5 finger. Can people please give an idea of how different sizes of round diamonds will be perceived? At what sizes do you think it switches from underwhelming to reasonable to overwhelming for a small finger? (I know some of you think bigger's always better, but you know what I'm asking...)

Thanks!

It really depends.
What do other women in your social circle wear?
Where do you live?
How old are you?

You can play with different diamond sizes on this site: https://www.diamdb.com/

Nothing you could buy within the $6-7k range would raise eyebrows as "overwrought" anywhere within the US.

 

[duoplex]

Thanks, that diamdb simulator is great!

 

[bludiva]

it really depends on what she wants and is comfortable with and what your budget allows. anything from a petite diamond to a huge rock can look good on any size finger imho.

 

[duoplex]

It really depends.
What do other women in your social circle wear?
Where do you live?
How old are you?

You can play with different diamond sizes on this site: https://www.diamdb.com/

Nothing you could buy within the $6-7k range would raise eyebrows as "overwrought" anywhere within the US.

I could spend more, but my initial impression was that around 1.5ct things start to get blingy... But maybe that's just me.

Social circles vary WIDELY. So ideally would convey understated wealth rather than attention seeking.

 

[Niel]

I was hoping $6-7k, but I'm a somewhat flexible. Will budget impact how the size of the diamond is perceived?

Obviously no so no reason to get sassy.
I asked because if you said your budget was 1k vs 30k you’d be given different advise. There’s a certain threshold you’d probably want to meet if you had a limited budget. And telling someone to buy a ctw that’s out of budget would be useless —That’s the point.

 

[Niel]

I always think a small finger is the perfect opportunity to explore stones that face up smaller. If I had 7k to spend I’d get an asscher. You’ll end up with a higher ctw for your money but as they face up smaller they won’t look ostentatious. If she likes that shape, of course.

 

[duoplex]

Obviously no so no reason to get sassy.
I asked because if you said your budget was 1k vs 30k you’d be given different advise. There’s a certain threshold you’d probably want to meet if you had a limited budget. And telling someone to buy a ctw that’s out of budget would be useless —That’s the point.

Apologies, no sass intended!

 

[jBright]

My ring is sized a tad less than 3.5 and my diamond is 2.03 carats RB. I LOVE it and don’t think it’s too big. But.. this is PS and most of us are size ho’s. If I could’ve gone bigger, I would’ve

attached pic for reference:

 

[elizat]

I always think a small finger is the perfect opportunity to explore stones that face up smaller. If I had 7k to spend I’d get an asscher. You’ll end up with a higher ctw for your money but as they face up smaller they won’t look ostentatious. If she likes that shape, of course.

I think that that would be an excellent idea. Assuming an asscher cut is something that is appealing.

My finger is a 6.75 on a good day, but I have my ring size between a 7 and a 7.25, so in reality I think that I would need a stone that is probably over 3 carats if I were to go with that cut to be the size range that I would want to appreciate it.

A tiny finger for a deep step cut like that would be perfect.

 

[RunningwithScissors]

I think @jBright's diamond looks beautifully proportioned to her finger size.

But like everyone else has stated, what would be appropriate for you and your particular situation really depends on so many different factors.

That's why I always think its a good idea to purchase a diamond from a vendor who has an excellent trade-up policy. That way you have flexibility to change for many years to come because lifestyles and circumstances always change as you move along life's journey.

 

[mrs-b]

I think 1ct on a size 3.5 finger would be lovely. Larger would be great, too, but to work within the parameters of your budget, you're probably looking around 1ct - and that would be both elegant and eye-catching.

I'd suggest going with a company like WhiteFlash, who has a great upgrade policy in case you ever decide to go larger, say, for a milestone anniversary or birthday - but also who deal only with beautifully cut stones, so you get the most light return for your buck.

I'd be looking in the G and up color range, unless she's expressed a specific preference for warmer, and something in the VS range as well, so it's definitely eye clean.

This would be nice. It's from their premium select range, which is always great value for terrific diamonds:

Diamond | 1.04 ct G VS2 Premium Select Round Cut Loose Diamond GIA Certified | 4279931

This fabulous 1.04 carat Round Excellent cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS2 and color grade of G.It is an excellent choice for diamond engagement rings or other fine diamond jewelry. | 4279931

www.whiteflash.com

But if you want an A Cut Above diamond - which is WhiteFlash's flagship range - this would be nice. It's a little above your budget, but it's the one I'd go for if I were you. Or if it were for me!

Diamond | 1.070 ct G VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4289144

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.070 carat G color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4289144

www.whiteflash.com

So - just a couple of suggestions. Not sure if your partner has expressed preferences. If she has - GO WITH THOSE. It will be *her* ring and she's the one who will wear it. But if she's more the "I want whatever you pick out for me" kinda girl (and beware the land mine here!) I'd stay with something classic - white, clean, solitaire in a perfectly cut round diamond.

Good luck!

ETA @duoplex - I just came back to add a photo recently posted in the engagement rings thread in the Show Me The Bling forum. This is a .63ct diamond on a size 3 finger. Personally, I think it looks fabulous. Just be aware, there are plenty of women who prefer a moderately sized diamond. The 1.07ct diamond from WhiteFlash that I posted would be 2/3 again in volume from the one in this photo - ergo - plenty of presence on the hand. So unless she's said she wants something large (and this, too, is perfectly reasonable if that's the direction her tastes run), something a ct or above would look very pretty on such a dainty finger.

Here's the photo of the .63ct....

 

[jaysonsmom]

Well, at your price point, you won't get much more than a very nice 1 ct rb, may be 1.25 tops. I think that size would look really classy and not over the top for a size 3.5 finger.

 

[mommylawyer]

@jBright's 2.03 ct ring looks fabulous on her beautiful fingers. My 1.66 ct with a halo looks massive on my short, size 3.5 pinkie finger. What kind of fingers are you working with? 1ct three stone with .33 ct sides gives good finger coverage. I like the 1 ct round solitaire probably the best. Petite .4 ct princess is nice too but would be much less than your budget.

 

[duoplex]

Wow, everyone posting here is amazing. I think I'll probably go for 1-1.2ct round solitaire. Thanks for all the advice!

 

[Fancygems]

I would go for the best color clarity combo at 1 carat from WF ACA’s if you want a round rather than dropping to get a larger stone. A 1 carat is very elegant even the picture of under is a very elegant size on a small finger. Here is a 1.28. I had my ring sized at a 4 because I am in SoCal but it is too big and it spins on me.

 

[FL_runner]

Around one carat will look wonderful. I agree with the posters above, you can go with a vendor with a good “upgrade” policy if she decided she would like a larger stone down the road!

 

[daisygrl]

I have just snapped this one. I am 3.5, 5'4" and this is 2.13ct. I could go bigger. 2.6ct is my goal. You can, however, start smaller and upgrade later.

 

[Big Fat Facets]

here is a 3.5 ring size with a 1.5 carat round brilliant