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Q&A: Looking for Advice: Buy Online or at Bricks & Mortar Store?

By Mike Fried,

Budget: $9,000

Q&A: Looking for Advice: Buy Online or at Bricks & Mortar Store?

I’m looking for some quick and dirty advice. My budget is between $5-9k depending on the rock – I want to get either a round or cushion diamond in a cushion halo w/ platinum. The C’s are where it gets iffy – I don’t know whether to buy online vs. in store, and for that …


Q&A: Looking for Cushion Cut for Micropave Heirloom Setting

Your website is very informative, educational and helpful. Originally I looked at Blue Nile but I worried about the workmanship of the rings. I really wanted the heirloom micropave setting with a cushion or radiant diamond. Then I looked at James Allen but I was not sure if the table/depth % was good enough = …


Q&A: Looking for Best Round Diamond for Channel Setting

Really like your website & the great information. Great job with that. I need to buy an engagement ring. I am looking for a 1.5ct or larger round brilliant cut diamond and I hoped to stay under $9,000 but I realize that may not be possible. Based on your advice, I have been looking for …


Q&A: Looking for 1.5-2 Ct Princess Cut Diamond for Channel Pave Setting

Q&A: Looking for 1.5-2 Ct Princess Cut Diamond for Channel Pave Setting

I’m looking for a diamond for my girlfriend, she hasn’t decided on a setting yet, but she wants a princess cut. I’ve been reading your blog for a while and I’m glad I did! James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond …


Q&A: Looking for 1+Ct. Asscher Cut Diamond for Sidestone Setting

Q&A: Looking for 1+Ct. Asscher Cut Diamond for Sidestone Setting

I really appreciate the site. The engagement ring process is pretty daunting and your articles really helped. The situation: My girlfriend and I have been going out long enough (almost 6 years) that we talk openly about getting engaged, which is great because I have gotten more than “hints” when it comes to what kind …


Q&A: Looking for Round or Cushion Cut ~1.5 Ct. Diamond

I had emailed you yesterday but realized I provided the wrong email address. Above is my correct email address. I plan to propose to my girl friend towards the end of August and am looking for a round diamond in the 10K range. The setting will be Pave to go with this diamond. In my conversations with …


Q&A: Looking for Oval Diamond for ~$10K Budget

I am looking for a diamond for my girlfriend. Preferably oval or round since she has to wear latex gloves for work and square shapes are more likely to tear. Leaning to oval due to more stone for the price. I would like to spend 8300 to 9500 for the stone and prefer size and …


Q&A: Looking for Vintage Engagement Ring for $10K Budget

Q&A: Looking for Vintage Engagement Ring for $10K Budget

I really like the Vintage Engagement Rings, but I am not sure if this is the way to go for my engagement ring. My budget is $10000, and I would like a 1.50 to 2.00 center stone, I like the European Cut or Emerald (Step Cut). Could you please advise if it is wise to …


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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