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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:

  Returns results


Q&A: Looking for 1 Ct. Fancy Yellow Diamond

I have approximately a 4500 budget. Looking for hopefully a 1 carat yellow princess cut set in vintage style white gold. Also curious as to the buzz I hear about frontjewelers.com. Reputable or scam? Thanks so much James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as …


Q&A: Looking for Best Cushion Cut Under $5K

This site has been such an incredible resource, hoping you can provide some much needed help. My target budget for the ring is approximately $6000 total and am looking for the best available 1-1.25ct cushion in the $5000 range. Using the search parameters G-H and VS1-VS2, what do you think of these stones: 1.04 G …


Q&A: Upgrading to 1.6-1.9 Ct. Round Cut

Hi. What an informative website! My husband is upgrading my current center diamond in celebration of our 25th Anniversary this September. We are looking for a 1.5-2 carat brilliant diamond (color up to and including I, ideal/excellent cut, SI2) . This is a very special day for us and I’m excited to be getting this …


Q&A: Cushion Cut for $4600 Budget

Looking for a 1 carat cushion in the $4600 and under price range. L/W doesn’t really matter to me or her, I hope. These are two that I picked out this morning: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-201873?a_aid=dmnd1357 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-207091?a_aid=dmnd1357 One better than the other or are the differences negligible? Any thoughts or links to other stones are much appreciated. James …


Q&A: In Search of 1.5-1.6 Ct. Round Cut

Thanks for putting this site together, I learned about James Allen through you and I’m really pleased with how they run their site. I’m hoping to put together an engagement ring in the new week or so with a 1.5-1.6 carat diamond. We’ve gone to a few jewelers to look at diamonds and settled on …


Q&A: Looking for Round Cut for $5.5K Budget

I’m trying to figure out what would be the best/most beautiful diamond for a loose round diamond, GIA certified with a 5.5K budget. Does it make more sense to go F-D color and Very Good cut, or something like Excellent cut and G-H range? Also, what else do I need to consider? I don’t mind …


Q&A: Looking for Sparkly Bigger Diamond to Upgrade

Hello – I am looking to upgrade the small diamond on my wedding ring. I want 1+ carat, eye clean and mega watt sparkle. Looking for a round diamond. My budget is $3,500 – $5,000. I have looked at diamonds on www.jamesallen.com, but not sure what constitutes eye clean with the magnified pictures. I want …


Q&A: “I am a diamond neophyte and would love some advice.”

Hi. I am a diamond neophyte and would love some advice. I’m looking for an engagement ring on jamesallen.com. I have decided on the princess cut with this ring: https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/18k-white-gold-three-stone-step-cut-emerald-engagement-ring-item-16308?a_aid=dmnd1357 I was thinking about getting this diamond: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.00-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-159267?a_aid=dmnd1357 But after reading your article on princess cut diamonds I’m thinking I could get a better bang for my …


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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