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Q&A: Experience Shopping for Diamond Studs on a $7k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Author: Mike Fried

Q&A: Experience Shopping for Diamond Studs on a $7k Budget

Hi. Looking to buy earrings studs for my wife. Budget $7,000. I was thinking 0.8 carat each. F colour, VS1 ideal cut. For studs, the diamonds must be within 1% of each other on the table size and the diameter of the diamonds should be the same. Under 1ct, the difference in average diameter should …


Q&A: GIA vs. IGI

How is this diamond: www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-7172413?a_aid=dmnd1357 It is IGI graded though, is it not as good as GIA graded? I had this reserved already but would like your opinion on this before place the order, thanks. We don’t recommend IGI certified stones. They are looser in grading than GIA or AGS (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/igi/). GIA and AGS are …



Q&A: Experience Shopping for a Lab Diamond on a 5k Budget

Hi, I am about to purchase 1.5 carat lab diamond from James Allen. Can you help in choosing? Can you please tell me what setting style and metal you’re planning to go with? It will help me determine the right color as different settings suit different colors better. Then I’ll gladly recommend some options. I …





Q&A: Help Choosing a Princess Cut Diamond With a $3,500 Budget

I was looking at the following, which is a more ideal cut diamond with color as the main compromise. Which would you recommend? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.04-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-7040223?a_aid=dmnd1357 www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.09-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-8071335?a_aid=dmnd1357 For additional background, the setting is an 18K yellow gold band width tapered baguettes on either side. For that setting, I would recommend sticking …


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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