Author: Mike Fried

Q&A: Choosing a Round Center Diamond for a Graduated Pave Setting With Around a $6k Budget

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

I am looking for an ideal cut round diamond. Hoping to have min 1.15, D color, VS1, no fluorescence for around 6000. I’d like to see what you can find and what your thoughts are. Is there a reason for the high color? What style setting (solitaire, pave/side stones, halo) and metal (yellow gold, white …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Choosing a Pear-Shaped Diamond For a White Gold Halo With a $6,500 Budget

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

I currently have this diamond on reserve: Blue Nile LD08194893 I like this diamond because the size has excellent face up appearance. Is this a good value? Should I try better color and lower clarity grade? I still want something as close or larger than 10 mm as possible. The diamond looks nice. It’s a …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Looking for an Oval-Shaped Diamond for a Platinum Setting Within a $4k Budget

Last Updated On: October 24, 2017

Hello, I’m based in London and am currently researching my options with regard to buying a diamond. What has struck me so far is the wide variability in pricing. Thanks to your website I am now considering buying from James Allen and shipping to the UK. I have a budget of roughly $4000 for the …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Finding a 1 Ct. Round Diamond for a Platinum Solitaire Setting With Up to $4,200 Budget

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

Hi, I have a budget of about $4000. I am looking for an Excellent cut, J color or better, eye-clean, about 0.9 – 1 carat diamond. I’d like to stretch the table as much as possible without sacrificing brilliance with a minimum diameter of about 6.3 mm. I’d appreciate any help you can provide. Thanks. …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Choosing a Cushion Cut Diamond for a Petite Micropavé Setting for Under $6,500 In Total

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

Thanks for all the great info on this site. It seems you guys don’t necessarily steer people towards Blue Nile, but after looking at a lot of sites and stones in person, they seem to bring the best value for what I’m looking for. I’m looking at cushion cut stones between 1.2 and 1.3 carat, …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Replacing a Lost Ring And Once Again Looking for a 1 Ct. Princess Cut Diamond

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

Hello, I have (thanks to your help) purchased a diamond on Blue Nile. Unfortunately I lost the ring… And have to order another one but I have erased your emails. Can you please help me again? Thank you! I’m so sorry to hear that you lost your ring. Are you looking for a very similar …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Looking for a 1 Ct. Round Diamond for a Platinum Solitaire Setting With a $5k Total Budget

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

Hi, can you make a diamond recommendation for a one carat round solitaire platinum ring with a budget of $5K? We were thinking excellent cut, VS2-SI1 clarity & G-J color. We’d also like to go with James Allen. Thank you! Have a look at this diamond: www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.12-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2169961?a_aid=dmnd1357 It’s very well cut, eye-clean and it’s going …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Choosing a 2 Ct. Round Diamond for a White Gold Solitaire Setting With a $11k–$13k Budget

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

Hi, I am looking for a minimum 2 carat, H-I color, excellent cut grade, and something between SI-1 and VS2 clarity. I believe I’d be looking to spend between $11k and $13k… Am I in the right neighborhood for this? I am looking to mount this on a solitaire white gold ring. Any other advice …

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.