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Diamond Q&A

By Mike Fried,

Diamond Q&A

In this section of the site, I publish some interesting private exchanges I have had with readers of the site who have contacted me via the “Ask a Question” form. I believe you will find that the questions and answers are both interesting and educational. Of course, names have been removed to preserve privacy.

Use the filter below to find Q&As relevant to your diamond search:

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Q&A: Choosing an Oval Diamond for a Pave Ring With $4,000 Total Budget

Hi, I’m looking for an oval diamond. My budget is around $3,000. My maximum budget for the ring is $4,000 including the oval diamond and a pave setting. I’ve been searching in Blue Nile, and I’ve found some around .9 carats. But I don’t know how to choose the best for the money. I didn’t …



Q&A: Experience Shopping for Diamond Studs With a $2k – $4k Budget

Hello, I am looking to buy diamond stud earrings for a push present. I am looking at either 1 ct tw or 1.5ct tw studs. I’ve read your article on purchasing studs and I regularly read the Q&A. At this size your article says I should buy their preset studs however I’ve seen several Q&As …


Q&A: Help Finding a Round Diamond for Around C$4k – $5k Budget

Hi, I’m very new to this. I’ve read all I can but to be honest I’m lost. I only have $3,000-$4,000 CAD budgeted for a ring, and the below link is the best I can come up with. Am I wasting money on things that I ultimately won’t be able to discern? Preference: round diamond, …



Q&A: Choosing a Round Diamond for a Halo Setting With Up to $7,000 Budget

Hello. Help, help, help :). I’m proposing to my GF of 19 years in 2 months. Looking for a round diamond on Blue Nile (preferred vendor) for no more than $7,000. Would like to have a diamond that has fire and is brilliant, but would like the imperfections not to be so visible. But in …



Q&A: Choosing a Round or Pear-Shape Diamond With a $7k – $15k Budget

Good afternoon. Firstly, thank you for your interesting articles. I would truly love some advice on purchasing an engagement ring. My budget is between $7-12k for a round diamond, G-D in colour with a VS1 and up clarity. I looked around and I like these diamonds for you: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.11-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2420261?a_aid=dmnd1357 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2765837?a_aid=dmnd1357 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.30-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2617744?a_aid=dmnd1357 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.50-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3435627?a_aid=dmnd1357 They are well …


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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