We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.

Q&A: $4000 Max Budget for Woman with Large Fingers

By Mike Fried,

Clarity: SI1

Q&A: $4000 Max Budget for Woman with Large Fingers

Would appreciate your thoughts on getting a surprise engagement ring for Valentine’s Day. My max is $4,000 and my girlfriend has big hands–8 1/2 ring size. She likes round stones. Should I look for a setting with stones rather than a solitare. I was impressed with James Allan site–What do you think about their setting …


Q&A: Three-Stone Ring Style Engagement Ring for $5000. Blue Nile or James Allen?

Dear Ira, My friend told me about your site and am very glad he did. I was hoping to glean some wisdom from you regarding topping this ring off with a real fireball: https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/ring/item_58-2115_design.asp?module=setting It’s a beautiful ring, but has taken a good chunk out of my $5,000 budget ($2,280 for 18k white gold). So, my …



Cert of 2.52ct Stone

Q&A: Looking for Eye Clean Round Brilliant Over 2 carats for Under $20,000

great website! i know enough to be thoroughly confused…love the shape of the princess and its refracted sizzle, but also think the round is a cleaner, classic cut with better fire and light/brilliance. looked at both in 2C size and didnt notice too much of size difference as long as 4c’ were high range. so, …


Magnified Image of Diamond

Q&A: Largest Eye-Clean Round Brilliant Diamond for $1800

Hi Ira, I’m planning to propose in a week and I need your help to find the largest eye clear round cut diamond for $1800 or less. I’ve looked at a few on jamesallen.com but haven’t been able to determine if they are eye clear from the virtual loop images. Your recommendations would be greatly appreciated. …


Q&A: $3200 Budget. Thinks she wants Round Brilliant Diamond, Finds out she Really Wants Princess Cut Diamond.

Hi Ira, I have been following your site for a few months now. Your advice has been so helpful. I had some more specific questions as I get closer to actually making a purchase. I think I have found the band I like the most on James Allen’s site.https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/ring/item_58-285_design.asp?module=setting So that leaves me with $3200 …




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.

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

Here is your coupon code: GFDSF3GF

Diamond Pro

Diamond Pro

  • Unfortunately, the AI chat we worked so hard training is not helping our readers the way we would like. You deserve the best advice you can get.

    Would you like to contact a human diamond pro? Just fill out this email form and we will answer you ASAP (usually within one day).

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.