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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: Searching for a 2 Ct. Round Brilliant with Around $13k Budget

Hi, I have read numerous articles on the site and your advice has been incredibly helpful. I am looking for a round cut diamond with the following spces: -2ct -SI1 (or better) -J color (or better) -VG/Ideal cut I would like to spend around $13K. I found several options mostly searching Blue Nile and wanted …



Q&A: Searching for a 1.3-1.4 Round Brilliant with About $6,000 Budget

I am looking to maximize the value of the diamond i purchase by balancing all the factors outlined in your excellent articles. As such, I have settled on a round diamond, color of H-L, medium-strong blue fluorescence Vs1-Si2, and size of 1.3 to 1.49 carats (trying to get 1.4 or close, either way). It looks …



Q&A: Choosing a 1 Ct. Asscher Cut Diamond for a Halo Setting with Around $7,500 Total Budget

Hi, I’m looking for approx 1c Asscher cut, halo setting, white 18k or platinum for a total ring cost of approx 7500ish (diamond 5-6k range) Read all your advice on asscher cuts, please recommend a great diamond to get the best for the price, thank you.  I love this diamond for you: www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.14-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-255756?a_aid=dmnd1357 Its bright, …


Q&A: Looking for a 1 Ct. Emerald Diamond For a White Gold Setting with Tapered Baguette Side Stones

Hi, I need help looking to find a emerald diamond 1 carat or above. I am close to 100% set on this side stone setting, https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/side-stones/14k-white-gold-tapered-baguette-diamond-engagement-ring-item-7101?a_aid=dmnd1357. I am looking to spend at most 6,000-6,500. The setting i’m interested in is 1,200, so I have around 5,000 for the diamond. 1 carat would be the smallest …


Q&A: Finding a Round Diamond with the Most Sparkle for Around $2k Budget

Looking for a diamond that costs around 2k. Must be big and SPARKLey The setting will either be plain or pave.  What shape would you like?  Round I think. That is the sparkliest? Yes ?  What do you think of this diamond? www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-sku-265149?a_aid=dmnd1357 Its bright, eye-clean and a great value. What do you think?  I …


Q&A: Looking for a Round Diamond for a Yellow Gold Engagement Ring with Around $3,500-$4,000 Budget

I am looking for a round cut stone for a yellow gold pave band, possibly halo. My budget for the stone is 3,500-4,000. Thanks.  www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-262871?a_aid=dmnd1357 Here is the diamond I’d recommend for you. Its bright, eye-clean and it will look good in those style settings. What do you think?  It looks perfect, I don’t particularly …


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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