Author: Mike Fried

Q&A: Looking for a Princess or Cushion Cut Center Diamond for a White Gold Halo Ring of Total 1.22 Carats

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

Hello, I’m trying to find a princess cut, 1.22 carat diamond, since my girlfriend and I met on Jan 22. The size though falls at the end of my budget, making color and clarity tricky for me to figure out. I’ve found a few, each with their drawbacks. The 2 most expensive are Blue Nile, …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Finding a Pair of Round Cut Diamond Earrings With a $1500 Total Budget

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

Hello, I am looking for a pair of diamond stud earring for my fiance. I bought a pair of earrings from Jared that I plan on returning tomorrow, it was an impulse purchase and I feel like I was taken advantage of and I didn’t do my research beforehand. I would like at least 3/4 …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Choosing a 1 Ct. Emerald Cut Diamond for a White Gold Solitaire Setting Within a $3500 Budget

Last Updated On: October 24, 2017

I want to purchase an emerald cut diamond that is eye clean. 1.08 to 1.15 carats. What is the lowest clarity I can go? I’d be happy to make some recommendations for you, but I need a little more info. What style setting (solitaire, pave/side stones/halo) and metal (yellow/white gold, platinum) do you want to …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Choosing a Round Diamond for a Solitaire Setting With Up to $9,000 Budget

Last Updated On: October 24, 2017

Hi, I’m looking for an engagement ring and I would like to buy it from James Allen. I would like a solitaire diamond ring and my budget is around $8000. Could you advise? I’d be happy to send you some diamonds to look at. Can you just tell me what shape diamond you are looking …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Finding a Center Diamond for a White Gold Halo Setting With a $10k Total Budget

Last Updated On: October 24, 2017

Hi. We have been shopping around for quite a while at the local jewelers in our area. I have found plenty of rings I love but the prices are too high. My favorite ring has been the heart’s on fire acclaim with a 1.1 center stone with .6-.8 setting. They wanted over $12k plus tax …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Choosing a Center Diamond for a Three-Stone Setting With a $10k Total Budget

Last Updated On: October 24, 2017

Looking for a diamond ring with either emerald cut, radiant cut, or princess. I have a 10k budget and saw some nice settings with side stones and smaller channel stones. I have heard that emerald loses its glitter under 3 carats and was told princess would be nicer. We actually like that stone too. I …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Choosing the Best Value 3/4 to 1 ct Round Diamond for a Pavé

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

Hello, I am looking for a diamond engagement ring and have been looking on Blue Nile and James Allen, and could use some help in making sure I get an eye clean, sparkling diamond at the best value. I am looking for a round cut diamond in a pave white gold setting. Please let me …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Looking for a Loose Round or Radiant-Shaped Diamond With a $2k – $3k Budget

Last Updated On: October 24, 2017

I’m looking for a quality budget diamond to buy loose for an engagement ring. I was looking on Blue Nile but I didn’t like taking a chance on a diamond there. James Allen is awesome but I’m not exactly sure what I’m looking at half the time. I would like a radiant cut diamond in …

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.