Author: Mike Fried

Q&A: Help Choosing a Round Diamond for a Solitaire With a $1,600 Budget

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

Hi, I’m looking for a diamond for an engagement ring. My budget is around AUD$2,000. I am after an eye clean diamond, around 0.7 carat minimum, and as good a cut as possible (excellent). I am not sure how to spot an eye clean diamond on the James Allen website. Thanks! Can you also tell …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Finding a 3 Ct. Cushion Cut Diamond With Up to $30k Budget

Last Updated On: January 14, 2018

Hello; Looking at the following ring: https://www.jamesallen.com/complete-ring/ What do you think? Is this good value? Wanting to go with a cushion cut in a platinum setting. Don’t want halo setting, but open to other ideas. Kind of like the tapered baguette… Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks! Can you send me the links to the …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Was I Offered a Good Deal On a 3 Ct. Diamond? Should I Go for It?

Last Updated On: January 14, 2018

We are literally ready to move forward on this ring TODAY if the experts (you all!) say it’s a good deal 🙂 3.03 cushion modified brilliant diamond — L color, VS2 clarity with excellent polish, very good symmetry and no fluorescence (8.38 X 7.64 X 5.30 mm). Already set in a white gold band with …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Choosing a Cushion Cut Diamond for a White Gold Pavé With a $5k Total Budget

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

Got your email from my brother in law who you helped with the buying of a diamond for his now wife’s engagement ring. I am beginning my process and would like some help as looking for stones online can be a bit hard. I believe I have most answers on what I am looking for …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Looking for a 2 Ct. Round Diamond for a White Gold Halo With a $15–20k Budget

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

Dear Diamond Pros, I’m hoping you can help me pick out a diamond. My girlfriend is interested in a 14K white gold halo setting. Probably something like this: Blue Nile Round Halo Diamond Engagement Ring. Can you recommend a few eye clean diamonds between 1.9-2.1 carats appropriate for this kind of setting? My budget for the …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Finding a 1.25-1.30Ct. Round Diamond With Around $7,500 Budget

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

I have visited your site a few times, but then forgot about it. I will be celebrating 25 years of marriage this year and decided that would be the time to buy the diamond I have always wanted. Reviewed a 1/4 ring that had been in my husband’s family, but had always dreamed of something …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Choosing a Cushion Cut Diamond for a Platinum Pavé Setting With Up to $7,500 Budget

Last Updated On: February 2, 2018

Hello. I just stumbled across your article providing tips for purchasing cushion cut diamonds. I have unexpectedly found myself in the market for a loose diamond. Several months ago my wife’s diamond fell out of her ring and it was lost. It was a princess cut diamond (1.21 carats, F color, SI1 clarity). It was …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Experience Shopping for 1.20 tcw Diamond Studs

Last Updated On: December 22, 2018

I’m looking for a pair of diamond stud earrings with locking clasps. In particular, I’m looking for round, brilliant cut 1.20 to 1.40 total carat weight, SI-1 clarity, ideal cut (this is very important) I colour stones set in 18K white gold. Any recommendations from your preferred online vendors would be greatly appreciated. Can you …

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.