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Q&A: 2nd Opinion on Half Carat Round Cut

By Mike Fried,

Author: Mike Fried

Q&A: 2nd Opinion on Half Carat Round Cut

Hi, I’m looking for a ring that is around 0.5 carats, platinum knife edge, 6 prong setting. My budgets is $1800-2500. I like James Allen due to good reviews, especially around shipping to Canada. My top concern is brilliance and of course finding a great value. What are your thoughts on this diamond? Any suggestions? …


Q&A: Cushion Cut Help… Make that Round Cut

I have been working hard to save money with a plan to propose to my girlfriend by around August of this year (8 months from now) – I still have a good amount of saving to do, but when do you think I should begin to get really serious about my search for a ring? …


Q&A: Radiant Cut for $7K Budget

I’m looking for a Radiant cut which will have enough oomph to look good on a solitaire ring. From my research most people are saying around 1.2 carat is a good size which fits with my budget of $7,000 I found this one and it seems to be great but I thought I would check …


Q&A: Looking for 2nd Opinion on Cushion Cut

I would love to get your opinion on (1) whether the diamond appears to be a good value and; (2) whether it would look good in (and H/VS2 is good enough quality for) a setting like the one linked below. With regard to (2), do you have an opinion regarding the work of Leon Mege? …


Q&A: Looking to Replace Pear Shape Diamond Ring

My wife’s diamond pear cut engagement ring was lost a few years ago and I am looking into replacing it. I am thinking of a platinum setting with 2 small pear shaped diamonds on each side of a main stone. I read your comments on color/clarity and I looked at the stones on James Allen …


Q&A: Help! Shopping on a Budget and Would Welcome Direction!

First off, I have to thank you for putting together such a fantastic website to educate newbie diamond buyers on what to look for and what to avoid. When I first started my journey to buy an engagement ring, all I had was a brief article on the 4 C’s that emphasized doing cursory diamond …


Q&A: Looking for 2 Ct. Center Stone for 3 Stone Ring

I love your site and am so grateful to learn from the valuable information you provide. I am originally from Dublin, Ireland now living in the US, buying a large engagement ring is not as common in Europe, but since I’m in the US now, I want to participate in the tradition here. I have …


Q&A: Looking for Cushion or Emerald for Tight Budget

I remember my girl mentioning square cut diamonds not princess cut. Like everyone I would like to get the biggest stone possible and still have a beautiful diamond as well. I have a $1800 – $2000 budget for the stone. Any advise would be very helpful and a reputable dealer to buy from. James Allen …


About the author

Mike Fried 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.

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