Author: Mike Fried

Q&A: Looking for a 1.80 Ct. Cushion Shaped Diamond for a White Gold Pave or Channel Setting With a $12k Total Budget

Last Updated On: May 6, 2018

Two questions – Can you tell the advantages/disadvantages between a four vs six prong setting? Also, channel setting of side stones versus pave? It seems the channel is a more sturdy setting but is it less in the looks category? 1) The less metal, the more light passes through the diamond. But more than that, …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Finding a 1.50 Ct. Square Cushion Cut Diamond With Around $10k Budget

Last Updated On: May 6, 2018

Hello! Saw your page and would love some help for an engagement ring! Looking for a square cushion cut 1.5 carat diamond budget under $10k. Thanks to your site I have been looking on James Allen and have found some I like but would like some advice also. Let me know thanks! …… I am …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Looking for a Round Diamond for a Solitaire Ring With a $5-7k Budget

Last Updated On: November 12, 2018

Hello! I’m looking for a round, solitaire engagement ring. Ideally, the diamond would be 1-1.5 carats, have a great cut, and good color & clarity. I’m more concerned about the quality of the diamond (I’d prefer a prettier diamond than a larger one) but I’d prefer to stay in the $5.,000-$7,000 range for the diamond. …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Choosing a Round Diamond for a White Gold Vintage Setting With Up to $13,000 Budget

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

Love your website! I have read all the educational articles but still want to ask for advice. This is the setting I want to get: Blue Nile Petite Vintage Pavé Leaf Diamond Engagement Ring I don’t mind spending 10-12k on the diamond. What is the best one to go with? G ideal VS1? I saw …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Choosing a 2 Ct. Round or Cushion Cut Diamond With Around $20k Budget

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

Good Afternoon Experts, I would like to get a diamond for an engagement ring. I have been gone through so many diamonds on websites but mainly on Blue Nile. Would you let me know if the below diamonds are worth the cost? Which one do you think better? Does the fluorescence really matter? Sorry I …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Finding a Round Brilliant For a White Gold Pavé Setting With a $5k Total Budget

Last Updated On: May 5, 2018

Hoping you can help me with this requirement. I would like to buy a brilliant round diamond that including the cost of the setting and tax is not more than $5000 (making the diamond only max cost about $3700). I know that cut is the most important so I’d prefer an Excellent cut. (Sparkle is …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Finding a 3 Ct. Round Diamond for a Platinum Setting With Filigree

Last Updated On: May 5, 2018

Is ‘The Gem Guide’ publication truly a wholesale price guide? I’m interested in purchasing a round cut diamond, excellent or Ideal cut, VVS2 or better, H or better, no fluorescence, 3 to 3-1/2 carats. Do any of the above benchmarks represent a poor value, ie – would anyone other than a jeweler see a difference …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Finding a Round Diamond for a Solitaire With Around $1,000 Budget

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

Hi there , I’ve seen a 0.47 round diamond colour G good cut clarity VS1 for 1350 on Blue Nile. I’ve also seen a 0.5 round diamond, same colour but S1 clarity. I’m not sure whether I should take clarity into consideration over the size of the diamond. Any help would be appreciated. It’s important …

About the author

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.