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Q&A: Looking for Best 0.5 Ct. Round Diamond for $1500 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Tag: eye-clean

Q&A: Looking for Best 0.5 Ct. Round Diamond for $1500 Budget

My fiancé and I are planning to purchase my engagement ring from James Allen in the next few days and we would like your help in choosing the best diamond for our budget. We are looking to get at least 0.5 carats. Here is the setting we have chosen: https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/-18k-White-Gold-Pave-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring.html We are hoping to spend …


Q&A: “May I get your opinion on this rock?”

May I get your opinion on this rock? I’m guessing the feather on the top is not completely prongable. Do you think this is good value for money? Is this the type of inclusion that is too obvious? James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same …


Q&A: BG Hearts & Arrows 1.5+ Cts for $12K Budget

So, I’m in the market for a round diamond. I’m currently looking at Brian Gavin Signature Hearts and Arrows diamonds. I’m looking to spend in the neighborhood of $12K for the diamond. Ideally, I’d like a size of 1.5 carats or more. What would you recommend for size, color, clarity for such a diamond from …


Q&A: Looking for Round 2-2.5 Ct. Diamond in Australia

Q&A: Looking for Round 2-2.5 Ct. Diamond in Australia

First of all – thank you so much for your website, it’s so helpful, the best I’ve seen by far! Really appreciate your honest advice and insightful comments. My partner and I are looking to buy a round diamond, between 2 and 2.5 carats, excellent cut, and probably an SI1 and I colour. We had …


Q&A: Second Opinion on Brian Gavin Diamond

I am about to purchase this Brian Gavin diamond, or something similar to it. What are your thoughts? https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.310-f-si1-77-diamond-active-104061000011#more Thanks! James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler’s loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and …


Q&A: Going Down in Clarity to Go Up in Cut Quality

Your site is simply amazing, with so much useful information. I’ve been researching my diamond purchase for a while and I have narrowed down my choices to the following diamonds from JA. I’m wondering what are your thoughts on them? https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1493118.asp https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VVS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1509632.asp Which one would you recommended or perhaps some other similar diamond? I plan …


Q&A: Looking for Eye-clean 2 Ct. Round Cut Diamond

Hi, First I wanted to say thank you for all of the information on this site. Looking for a diamond is a bit of a challenge especially with all the conflicting information/(mis)representations by a lot of the big stores. What I’m looking for: a round, excellent cut at about 2 ct. I totally agree with …


Q&A: Searching for Brian Gavin 3 Ct. Diamond

I first wrote you aabout 6 weeks ago regarding my search for a ~3 carat diamond for an engagement ring I’d like to present this November. Through Q&A’s you posted with other readers, I found Lesley at Brian Gavin. I’ve chatted back and forth with Lesley, letting her know I was looking for something in …


About the author

Mike Fried Mike Fried Mike Fried has over 25 years experience in the diamond industry working with Leo Schachter Diamonds, Moshe Namdar Diamonds, and joining The Diamond Pro in 2007. He is recognized as an industry expert and has been quoted in publications such as Us, People, Page Six, The Next Web and more.

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