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Q&A: Looking for Oval Diamond & Engraved Band — JA or BN?

By Mike Fried,

Carat: 0.90

Q&A: Looking for Oval Diamond & Engraved Band — JA or BN?

First off, thank you for the website. It goes without saying that I truly appreciate the time you have put into this site – it has been a huge help for me. To be honest, I’m slightly nervous/apprehensive about contacting you but you seem very open, and I could certainly use your advice! I am …


Q&A: Looking for 0.85-0.9 Cts. Excellent Cut Diamond for $4200 Budget

I’ve read with interest the Q&A section and love the diamonds you help people find. I would love some help/advice, as I want to order a ring in the next few days from jamesallen.com. Here is the ring: https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/-Platinum-Pave-Set-Diam-Engagement-Ring.html I am wanting (hopefully) to be somewhere around .85-.9 carats, but with an excellent cut diamond …


Q&A: Searching for 1 Ct. Round Diamond on $6K Budget, JA or BN?

Q&A: Searching for 1 Ct. Round Diamond on $6K Budget, JA or BN?

I’m searching for a round diamond of about 1ct at a budget of $6000. Based on the information in your site, I’ve mostly been looking at excellent or better cut, I color, and SI1/VS2 clarity stones, which are eye-clean. I’ve browsed James Allen & Blue Nile and came up with some possibilities: https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1468671.asp https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1471701.asp Blue …


Q&A: Looking for Round Brilliant 0.8 Ct. Diamond for Solitaire Setting

Q&A: Looking for Round Brilliant 0.8 Ct. Diamond for Solitaire Setting

Thank you for all the great information you’ve put together on your site, it’s been a great resource for me. I’m looking for a great stone for my girlfriend’s engagement ring and am looking for some advice. My criteria Cut: Excellent/Ideal (or better) Color: J (or better) Clarity: SI2 (this is where I need help …



Q&A: Oval Diamond — James Allen or Brian Gavin?

I have now spent a number of weeks (turning to months) educating myself on the various elements to be taken into account when purchasing a diamond/engagement ring. After visiting a number of jewelers I didn’t feel I was getting my moneys worth so decided to look online. I have now read countless reviews of Blue …


Q&A: In the Market for a Diamond Pendant Anniversary Gift

I am in the market to buy a diamond pendant for my wife for our anniversary. What I’m looking for is a round cut diamond in the 1 carat neighborhood. For me value is important – I don’t want to waste any money on stuff that cannot be determined with the naked eye. Seems like …


Q&A: Going Down in Clarity to Go Up in Cut Quality

Your site is simply amazing, with so much useful information. I’ve been researching my diamond purchase for a while and I have narrowed down my choices to the following diamonds from JA. I’m wondering what are your thoughts on them? https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1493118.asp https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VVS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1509632.asp Which one would you recommended or perhaps some other similar diamond? I plan …


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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