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Q&A: Diamond for a Student’s Budget

By Mike Fried,

Carat: 0.60

Q&A: Diamond for a Student’s Budget

Thanks for the awesome website. I have already learned a lot from going through the articles. This is my first time purchasing an expensive piece of jewelry, so I am hoping I can get my money’s worth. I am looking for a round diamond that will work well in a solitaire white gold setting. My …



Q&A: Round Cut for $2500 Budget

Many thanks for all the information, it’s been really helpful. I am looking for an engagement ring. My budget for the diamond is $2500. I’ve zeroed in on the two below because they are within my price range, vs1 (most likely to be eye clean), “decent” size and clarity. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-205798?a_aid=dmnd1357 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.61-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-155249?a_aid=dmnd1357 What do you think? …


Q&A: Looking for Diamond Stud Earrings for $3-4K Budget

We used your advice last year to buy an engagement ring and were quite pleased with the result, so we’re back. This time, we need your advice on earrings. My wife likes setting SKU 28018YCY from James Allen, so we’ll need round diamonds. We were looking at SKU 184164 and 188107; are these a good …


Q&A: That Diamond is a Steal!

Can you please help me decide if one would be able to appreciate the difference between two diamonds with a difference in size and cut grade? I’m thinking if the Excellent cut grade or higher carat would matter more overall. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.81-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-very-good-cut-sku-195549?a_aid=dmnd1357   $2,370 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.64-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-174236?a_aid=dmnd1357 Thanks for your time. James Allen James Allen is the leader in …


Q&A: Need 2nd Opinion on 0.69 Ct. Round Cut

I would love your opinion on this diamond I found for an engagement ring. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.69-carat-d-color-i1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-120910?a_aid=dmnd1357 Do you think it’s a good value diamond? I’m worried about the clarity and proportion. Do you think it’s going to be sparkly and eye clean? Should I get it or skip it?? Thank you so much in advance! James …


Q&A: Round Diamond Stud Earrings for $6K Budget

I am looking for a pair of diamond stud earrings with a total carat weight between 1.4 to 1.75. Are you really willing to look online for me????? I have been to Blue Nile, James Allen……and then I got tired! I was looking at SI1 with an excellent to ideal cut. Color E to F. …


Q&A: Looking for 1/2 Carat Princess Cut

Thank you for the work that went into the site. It has been fun reading. I’m looking for an 0.5 ct Princess cut. I made a list of 20 stones and down to 4. Any chance having a look? https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.58-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-152931?a_aid=dmnd1357 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.56-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-188011?a_aid=dmnd1357 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.55-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-179260?a_aid=dmnd1357 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.55-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-148335?a_aid=dmnd1357 These are very similar and I’m having a hard time making a …


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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