Author: Mike Fried

Q&A: Choosing a Fancy Yellow Cushion Cut Diamond for a Halo Setting With Around $4k Budget

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

Dear Diamonds pro, I am looking at buying an engagement ring and wanted your opinion on whether it is better to buy: Online (eg. BlueNile) vs Hatton Garden (I am based in London) vs Dubai (I am due to go there in March anyway) I read your article about Dubai and I can see you …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Choosing a Preset Pair of 1 Ctw. Diamond Stud Earrings With a $2,000 Budget

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

Hi, I’m interested in getting a pair of diamond earrings for myself and came across Blue Nile which seem really legitimate and up to par exactly as you guys found. I want to get the 1 carat diamond earrings which look amazing on the site. Is this a good buy? And will I get my …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Looking for a 1.50 Ct. Marquise-Cut Diamond for a Yellow Gold Solitaire

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

Hi, I found your site to have quite useful information. You asked for questions quite a few times, so here you are: I am looking to “upgrade” the diamond in my wife’s engagement ring. We purchased the original 0.25 ct marquise 40 years ago when we were broke graduate students. Since she wanted a marquise …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Finding a 4 Ct. Round Diamond With a $50k Total Budget

Last Updated On: February 2, 2018

Hello Friends! Over a year ago I bought an engagement ring and now I would like to upgrade it for our anniversary. I purchased a 2.31 round, K, VS1 for about $13,500 at JamesAllen.com. I would like to take advantage and upgrade but now I see that they are selling L color & M color …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Choosing a Fiery and Brilliant Cushion Cut Diamond With Around $5k Budget

Last Updated On: January 6, 2018

Hello, I read your article and am looking to get the discount code you mentioned for Blue Nile or James Allen, thanks!! Here is the BN code for $50 off of a purchase over 1k: [contact us for your own unique coupon code]. According to BN, this is the best coupon they are offering right …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Choosing a Round Diamond for a Platinum Pavé With Around $7,700 Budget

Last Updated On: January 6, 2018

Hi there! Firstly thanks for all the great advice on the website… So helpful! I’m currently shopping for an engagement ring, with a budget of around £6000 ($7700). Based on your advice I think I’ve narrowed it down to two rings, just wondered if you’d be able to check them over for me? My main …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Finding a Round Diamond for a White Gold Solitaire With Up to $10,000 Total Budget

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

Hello, I’ve read your website extensively in preparation for an engagement ring – thanks for all the great information! I have a question about hearts and arrows, or more generally about cut. I notice that when viewing diamonds on a site like James Allen, some have a distinctive, black arrow pattern when face up. Others …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Choosing a Round Diamond for a Rose Gold Ring Within a $4,000 Budget

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

Interested in Blue Nile diamond. I’d be happy to make some recommendations for you, but I need a little more info. What shape diamond are you looking for? What style setting (solitaire, pave/side stones/halo) and metal (yellow/white gold, platinum) do you want to use? This may affect the colors that I recommend for the center …

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.