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Q&A: Round Diamond on a Budget

By Mike Fried,

Carat: 0.50

Q&A: Round Diamond on a Budget

Q&A: Round Diamond on a Budget

Is it possible to get a good .5 – .7 carat between $800 – $1000 or do I have to up my budget more? Thanks! Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well-known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high-quality images are catching up to James Allens’ …


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: 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 1/2 Ct. Round Cut for YG or WG Setting

I’m reaching out to you again because we’re almost ready to buy my ring. I’ve been looking at this setting on James Allen in either white gold or yellow gold (haven’t decided on that part yet). The 14K white gold setting is $700 and the yellow gold setting only comes in 18K gold at $875. …


Q&A: Looking for Princess Cut for $2K Budget

I’m trying to find an engagement ring to give to my girlfriend. The other day we were at Kay Jewelers and she loved the Leo brand princess cut diamonds, unfortunately the 3/4 ct. version sells for $4k+ and my current budget is roughly $2k. If you could recommend any diamonds that might have as much …


Q&A: Looking for Diamond Stud Earrings for $2K Budget

Thanks for such a useful resource that you have created here. I would like to get your advice for buying diamond stud earrings. Budget – $2k, I have liked the two below from James Allen True Hearts collection. https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1542005.asp https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1542006.asp Do you think the H&A cut is worth it for earrings? I would rather go …


Q&A: On the Hunt for a $15K Princess Cut

Love the site! I found it helpful a couple years ago when I was searching for info about earrings and now I’m back looking for help with a ring. Thanks for the great info. Essentially, I have four questions. I apologize in advance for their length. #1) Do you have any recommendations for a diamond …


Q&A: Looking for Round Cut for WG Solitaire on Small Budget

I am considering these diamonds from JA. I’d like your thoughts, Thanks $660 Specifications for Item #: 1525008 Shape: Round Carat Weight: 0.44 Cut: Excellent Color: K Clarity: SI1 Certificate: GIA Depth: 62.4% Table: 56.0% Polish: Excellent Symmetry: Excellent Girdle: Culet: None Fluorescence: None Measurements: 4.87*4.86*3.03 Crown Angle: 35.0 Crown %: Pavilion Angle: 41.0 Pavilion …


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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