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Q&A: Help Choosing a Cushion Cut Diamond With an $8,000 to $9,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Author: Mike Fried

Q&A: Help Choosing a Cushion Cut Diamond With an $8,000 to $9,000 Budget

Thank you for such an informative article. It has helped me obtain a better understanding of the four “C” of a diamond. I have been looking at diamonds on James Allen and Blue Nile, but the selection is so vast. I am having difficulties narrowing it down. Our budget is between 8k-9k. We are looking …




Q&A: Making Sure An Already Purchased Diamond Ticks All The Boxes

Good afternoon, I have been reading through your website – thanks for all the advice – and saw you sometimes have Blue Nile coupons? (I’m the in UK). If you do, that would be fab! Thanks in advance! Sure! Here is the code for $50 off of a purchase over 1k:[contact us for your own …



Q&A: Help Finding a 1.25 Ct. Round Diamond for a Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring

Hi, I am looking for 1.25 +/- round shape best quality diamond. Can you suggest best selection with ideal configuration from James Allen/Blue Nile please. I am ready to make immediate purchase. Thanks in advance. Just a quick question. What style setting (solitaire, pave/side stones/halo) and metal (yellow/white gold, platinum) do you want to use?  …


Q&A: Medium Fluorescence on an E diamond

Hi I was looking for an opinion about which diamond you would choose of these two. www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.31-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6554421?a_aid=dmnd1357 or www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.30-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-7016970?a_aid=dmnd1357 The grading reports are below. www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.31-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6554421?a_aid=dmnd1357 This one is a no go. Medium fluorescence is a big problem on G+ diamonds, it usually causes haziness. www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.30-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-7016970?a_aid=dmnd1357 This one is absolutely fantastic, it’ll make a beautiful ring. …


Q&A: Help Finding a Marquise Diamond for Around $1,500 Budget

Hi, I was hoping you could help me decide between 2 diamonds. The first one is: www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/0.52-carat-g-color-if-clarity-sku-4143588?a_aid=dmnd1357 And the second is: www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/0.50-carat-e-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-6972202?a_aid=dmnd1357 I am looking for the best marquise diamond I can get for around $1,500 and both of these seem pretty good. Thank you! (GIA certificates are attached below). I’m not a huge fan …


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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