Author: Mike Fried

Q&A: Looking for a 2 Ct. Round Diamond for a Pave Setting Platinum Ring within $20K Total Budget

Last Updated On: October 24, 2017

I just came across your website today. I’m looking for an engagement ring and am curious how your service works? I’m mostly looking at James Allen per your reviews. My guess would be that you get paid a commission from the seller that you recommend? If this is the case I’d like to work with …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Choosing a Perfect Diamond for a White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring for $8500 Budget

Last Updated On: October 24, 2017

I am ready to pop the question and now i need the right ring. I have been researching online and in some local stores and have worked myself into a state of confusion as to what to buy. All the C’s run together after a while. She wants a solitaire on a relatively thin white …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Choosing a Diamond for a Platinum Solitaire Ring for $2K-3K Budget

Last Updated On: October 24, 2017

Hello there! My budget is between 2K-3K. Platinum metal and plain solitaire. Thank you for your help. I’d be happy to help. What shape would you like? Well, I’m open to any suggestion in terms of the shape. Granted that my budget is in the very low end, what shape would produce the best looking …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Choosing a 1 Ct. Round Diamond for a White Gold Setting with Side Stones on $4000 Budget

Last Updated On: October 24, 2017

1. $4000 max 2. White gold or Platinum 3. Side diamonds … Looking for a 1 carat round diamond. I am trying to find the best value for my money. Would consider enhanced diamond. I have been on James Allen looking, but hard to know what inclusions I live with. With a pave/sidestone settings, …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Choosing a 1.25 Ct. Cushion Cut Diamond for around $6500

Last Updated On: October 24, 2017

I am looking to purchase a diamond for an upcoming engagement and am wondering what you think about the diamonds that I have listed below. I have been looking at diamonds for a while with the girlfriend and have determined that she wants a rectangle cushion cut diamond. I have been looking to see what …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Looking for a 1 Ct. Round Diamond for a White Gold Solitaire Setting in the $5,000 Range

Last Updated On: October 24, 2017

I’ve been looking a a particular diamond on the James Allen site. I’ve been looking for a round diamond, 1 carat, in the $5,000 range. It’s been very helpful learning so much from your website, and having the ability to review the diamonds on line. The diamond I’m looking at is: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.06-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-232155?a_aid=dmnd1357. Although I can …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Finding a 0.6 to 1 Ct. Diamond for an Engagement Ring with $1800-$2300 Total Budget

Last Updated On: July 3, 2025

Hello, I am currently looking at getting an engagement ring and diamond and was wondering what your take on getting them separate vs. together is? If I get both separately what are my options for getting them put together? My budget is about $1800-$2300 total. I am looking for a round cut somewhere around .6-1 …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Choosing a 1 to 1.5 Ct. Princess Cut Diamond for $7-8K Budget

Last Updated On: July 3, 2025

Found your website and thought I would take you up on helping me out! I plan to buy an engagement ring at some point in the near future and think I have narrowed down what I want. I’m looking for a princess cut solitaire on a channel set band (white gold or platinum). I’d like …

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.