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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: Should I buy at Kay’s or James Allen?

Hi! This is Andrew from New Hampshire. I have found your website to be very insightful, helpful, and honest- so thank you for the education! I’m looking for a princess cut solitaire diamond engagement ring in a fairly traditional setting for $1,250 or less. Obviously I would like the best quality possible. Today I just …


Q&A: Round or Oval Cut for $1200-1500 Budget

I could use your expertise! My boyfriend told me to pick out a ring and it’s harder than I thought! The total budget is about $1200-$1500 and I really like this halo setting in yellow gold (not sure why it says white): https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/18k-white-gold-pave-halo-cabled-diamond-engagement-ring-item-9380?a_aid=dmnd1357 This was pretty much the only diamond I could find to stay …


Q&A: Round Brilliant Cut for $8K Budget

Thanks for your site, I trust it a lot more than my buddies that have a ‘diamond guy’. Any ways, I’m looking to buy a round diamond for a white gold engagement ring. My budget is $8000. James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as …


Q&A: Looking for Big Yellow Diamond for Sister

First of all, thank you for having such a wonderful, informative website. I’m so happy I found it!! My soon to be brother-in-law, Greg, is counting on me to help him pick a yellow diamond engagement ring for my sister. When I watched the video at the top of your page dedicated to yellow diamonds, …


Q&A: Looking for Round Cut for $15K Budget

The site has been very helpful so far and I thank you for your time in advance. 1) I have a budget of about $15k for the diamond, but would definitely spend less if you have better suggestions. 2) It will be placed in a 18k gold setting 3) Similar to the Tiffany Novo, however …


Q&A: Looking for Round Cut for Pt Pave Setting

First off, thank you for putting together such a great website. It’s been a fantastic resource in my search to find the perfect engagement ring. I’ve selected my setting which can be viewed here: https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/platinum-pave-set-four-prong-diamond-engagement-ring-item-3249?a_aid=dmnd1357 Now I’m ready to chose my diamond but need to know I’m getting the best diamond for my money, so …


Q&A: Looking for Asscher Cut for $6K Budget

My boyfriend and I have been dating long enough that we are jointly looking for an engagement ring. I think we have decided on this setting from Danhov (http://www.danhov.com/engagement/danhov-classico-single-shank-engagement-ring-cl138.html), in either the platinum or white gold. Our maximum budget is 8K, so we are looking for a stone that is no more than 6K. Could …


Q&A: Looking for Cushion Cut for $10-12K Budget

I’m looking for a cushion cut diamond 1.6-1.7 Ct for a halo and pave setting in white 18K gold setting. My budget for the stone is 10,000-12,000 and I want to ensure that I get a good value as well as a great stone. I’ve been looking at James Allen and came across these 2 …


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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