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Q&A: “I Don’t Have a Clue Where to Start…”

By Mike Fried,

Budget: $2,000

Q&A: “I Don’t Have a Clue Where to Start…”

I have a budget of about $1000-2000 ,including the setting but I don’t have a clue where to start. Ive gone to a few places but either the diamond was too small or didn’t shine enough.Not to mention the prices they’re giving me are not what I thought. One store made it seem as if …


Q&A: Loose Diamond Purchase in the UK; Buy Locally or Online?

Hope you’re well. A fantastic site which has been really useful! Following your guidelines, I’m looking for: – Round diamond – GIA/IGI certified – G/H colour (G if IGI and H if GIA – is that fair?) – VS2/SI1 clarity (VS2 if IGI and SI1 if GIA – is that fair?) – Excellent cut – …


Q&A: Looking for Biggest Emerald Cut Possible for $2500 Budget

Hi i am hoping you can help me to find the right diamond for my engagement ring. I would like an emerald cut, and for me size is important im hoping for around 1ct or bigger. the budget is 5000. i live in australia, and after meeting with jewelers here i have been told i …


Q&A: “Big Price on Setting, Not Much Left for a Diamond”

Hi there, I’m helping my son look for an engagement ring. After reading your information I have only been looking at James Allen. He really likes this setting (https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/18k-white-gold-tapered-baguette-diamond-engagement-ring.html) Because the setting is so expensive, he wants to stay around $4000 for the entire ring, and get a diamond close to 1 carat, it doesn’t …


Q&A: Student in Switzerland on Tight Budget of $2K

Thank you for your great website. I have been following your articles since a year now, and it’s time that I ask for your help as many other did before me 🙂 I must admit that you are the best source of good and unbiased diamond counseling on the web. First, I will tell you …



Q&A: “I’m on the hunt for an engagement ring” — Round Diamond for Contemporary Setting

I’m on the hunt for an engagement ring, common news for you I’m sure. My girlfriend and I like the modern tension settings but recently she expressed interest in something that showed off the diamond more. I found this setting on James Allen as a compromise. https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/contemporary-rings/18k-white-gold-split-shank-v-tip-tension-set-engagement-ring-17217w.html I haven’t been able to find anything equivalent …


Q&A: $2500 Budget for Round 3/4 Carat Diamond

The first thing I would like to do is thank you for what is a truly excellent website. I’ve been apprehensive over this whole process, but your website has been so informative and helpful. You do a great service for all of us guys (and gals!) who are pretty clueless about all this stuff. Thank …


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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