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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:
Hi Ira — Great website and postings on best values. I’m in the market for an engagement ring, and my budget is about $6000 (or less if I can) for a center diamond. Looking at at least a carat (6.5mm+ in diameter), eye clean, near colorless (G, H, I), and as sparkly as possible. I …
Hi, First of all, I appreciate you offering a free service to all of us guys who are at the mercy of the diamond industry. I have been doing a lot of research, trying my best to get a grasp of all the different parameters and trade-offs of a diamond. I stumbled across your site …
Thanks for the great resource you have hear. The information you provide is truly a great value. Its funny how society expects men to purchase diamond engagement rings, yet there is no real resource for true information, and everyone you talk to (family, friends, etc.) seem to have their own opinions. Anyways, I have a …
Are you willing to help a Canadian buyer? I am looking to buy a diamond for an engagement ring (solitaire). My price range is about $3500 (Canadian) for the stone. If you have any leads on one, that would be great. Thanks for writing! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to write …
I am looking at engagement rings and have budgeted $5000 for the diamond (round shape). I am planning on placing the diamond on a setting with sidestones similar to this link: https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/ring/item_58-1908.asp The sidestones are color G-H. Is it necessary for the main stone to be better or equal color to the sidestones? For example, …
As an extension of your post from June 24 titled, “What Makes a Fancy Shape have a nice Cut?”…. Does a cushion cut fall under the same rule (70/70) as the radiant does? Also, you say the rule is 60/60 for rounds, but I saw one website that recommended 63 table/69 depth, which falls into …
Dear Ira: I am searching for a new center stone for an heirloom setting with three small round stones on either side of the center. A friend of a friend of the family has shown me two round stones. The first weighs 1.02 carats and is GIA-certified triple excellent, H color, and SI2. I can …
Hello Ira, I’ve been reading your site to get educated in this complicated market. Like any purchase, it is best to be informed as much as possible. Recently I have been looking to move to the next step in my relationship and propose. Trying to pick an engagement ring in the “mall stores” proved frustrating …
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