Author: Mike Fried

Q&A: Help Finding a 1 Ct. Oval Shaped Diamond for a Petite Pave Setting With Up to $5,900 Budget

Last Updated On: March 12, 2018

Hello Diamond Pro team. I’ve been doing tons of research about buying an engagement ring. I have used your website as my primary resource. I was hoping you could suggest the best value oval diamond to be set in a petite pave setting. My budget is between $5,400 – $5,900 range. It has to be …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Choosing a Round Diamond With a $14k to $16k Budget

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

Thank you in advance for your time. I am looking to spend between 10 and 12k on a 6 claw delicacy engagement ring from 77 diamonds. I want it everything about it to perfect. My questions are: *Is 77 Diamonds a legitimate and reputable seller? *Is there any difference to the naked eye between colours …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Choosing a Fancy Vivid Diamond for Around $1,500

Last Updated On: March 11, 2018

What about IGL certificates is it better than IGI and GIA? Benma Fancy Color Diamonds only have IGL certificates. No. In most cases, diamonds with IGL are artificially enhanced which is something you don’t want. If they sell diamonds with only IGL, walk away and go with a company that sells GIA stones. If you’re …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Finding a 1 Ct. Round Diamond for a White Gold East-West Solitaire

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

I’m thinking of buying an engagement ring off Blue Nile.com. I live in Canada and it’s mentioned you have unique promo codes for Blue Nile? Can you send me one? Thanks! Here you go: [contact us for your own unique coupon code] I’m also happy to help you select a diamond or review the one …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Finding a Round Diamond for a Solitaire With Around $6,000 Budget

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

Hey diamond pro, I went hunting for a diamond after reading a number of the articles on your site. I think I found one that seems fairly clean at a decent price and was hoping to get your input. I am open to using James Allen or other sellers but have focused on Blue Nile …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Choosing an Oval, Cushion or Emerald Cut Diamond for a Pavé or Vintage Ring With $20k Total Budget

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

I am looking for either an oval or an emerald cut diamond between 1.85 and 2.15 ct. to be placed in either a pave or vintage setting. I prefer to go through Blue Nile. Which shape do you think is better value? What should be my top priority outside of cut for these shapes? Total …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Finding a Round Diamond for a Zac Posen White Gold Halo Setting With Around $2,500 Budget

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

Looking for a round or cushion cut diamond to go in a halo setting. Looking to spend up to $1300 for the diamond. I looked around and I like these diamonds for you: Blue Nile LD08495751 Blue Nile LD08527592 Blue Nile LD08732210 They are well cut and any of them will be very brilliant. What …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Choosing a Cushion Cut Diamond With a $1,500 Total Budget

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

Hi, I started to follow your site a couple of weeks ago. My budget is aprox. USD 1500. The setting I’ve chosen costs 800, so then I have 700 for the stone. I notice the price difference between a cushion shape vs the other making it interesting to buy. On Blue Nile site they have …

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.