Author: Mike Fried

Q&A: Choosing a 1.50+ Ct. Round Diamond for a Halo With a $15-17k Budget

Last Updated On: February 11, 2018

Firstly thank you very much for your extremely informative website. I truly learned a lot, though I am still way too much of an amateur in this! I was looking to buy an engagement ring and was shooting for an all in budget of around 15k USD (round shaped is preferable, and was hoping for …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Finding a Round Diamond for a Solitaire With Around $3,000 Budget

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

Hi, I am looking for a round brilliant diamond for a solitaire setting. The budget is around £2000 for the diamond. What do you think of this combination? Blue Nile LD08743473 Blue Nile Classic Four Claw Solitaire Engagement Ring The diamond looks eye-clean, it’s well cut and will compliment the setting. Thank you, very thoughtful. …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Choosing a 1.50 Ct. Round Diamond for a Platinum Setting With a $10-12k Budget

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

Hello there.. I came across your website and decided to write you seeking your advise on purchasing a diamond engagement ring. I have been shopping around for a nice 1.3-1.6 diamond on a nice platinum setting. My budget for the ring is around 10K-12K. I am thinking of buying it online from Blue Nile but …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: General Advice on Where to Go Diamond Shopping

Last Updated On: February 5, 2018

Hi, I’m looking to purchase a ring from Robbins Brothers to propose soon. I like the ring design and it comes with a cubic zirconia. I figured I can get by with a good design and later (if desired) set it with a nice diamond in the future. I don’t like spending what I don’t …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Choosing a Round Diamond for a Double Halo Ring With a $4,500 Total Budget

Last Updated On: February 5, 2018

Looking for carat diamond best value for my budget. I want a halo setting with round 1.00 carat white gold if possible within my budget. I’d like to spend no more than $4500 out the door. If you don’t do settings than $3000 for the round stone. Thanks. I looked around and this is the …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Finding a Round Diamond for a Solitaire With a $20-30k Budget

Last Updated On: February 3, 2018

Hello, I am looking for help in purchasing an engagement ring. I have read your site and narrowed down my selection. My price range is 20k-30k. I want a round diamond, true heart. Carat should be between 2.5-3.5. I would like closer to 3.0-3.5 as possible. James Allen has a few that are closer to …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Choosing a Cushion-Cut Diamond for a Cathedral Pavé Setting With Around $7,000 Budget

Last Updated On: February 2, 2018

Hello, I’m new to all this but a quick study. My GF and I recently started looking at rings and diamonds. We decided on cushion cut and looked at a few at a local jeweler. One that we liked had this GIA #6245760138. I’ve read some of your articles and it didn’t seem completely “eye …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Finding a Round Brilliant for a Split Shank Pavé Setting from Ritani With $7 Total Budget

Last Updated On: February 2, 2018

What do you know or think about Ritani? They use legitimate GIA or AGS certification, they offer a 30-day return policy. If you like any stone on their site, feel free to send me the link. I’ll be happy to comment on it. If you also tell me what style of setting (solitaire, halo, pave …

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.