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Q&A: What’s More Important — Clarity or Cut?

By Mike Fried,

Clarity: SI2

Q&A: What’s More Important — Clarity or Cut?

I’m looking for a diamond for my wife to be and would welcome your advice. I’m thinking: Size: 1 carat and upwards Shape: Round Colour: F-H Clarity: IF-VVS2 Cut: Ideal, with favourable table and depth percentages and favourable crown and pavillion angles. I want it to really sparkle!! Girdle: Thin to sliglty thick Cutlet: None …


Q&A: Upgrading from .36 Carat to .75 Carat Round Diamond

Hello! I am currently looking to upgrade from a .36 carat round to at least a .75 carat but prefer it be the biggest size for my budget. My budget is 3 K to 3.5 K but less is always better. This is what I have found so far: https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-Yellow-Gold-French-Cut-Pave-Ring.html https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1363618.asp Now my questions for …


Q&A: “I want a round diamond, and I want it to sparkle :)”

Thanks for a wonderful site! I have really enjoyed reading through all your information, but still feel a bit unsure as to what diamond to choose. I’m guessing that in contrast to most of the people that ask you for advice I’m a woman and will therefor be buying the diamond for myself (being a …


Q&A: Eye-clean 1 Carat Diamond – James Allen or Blue Nile?

Q&A: Eye-clean 1 Carat Diamond – James Allen or Blue Nile?

Firstly, thank you for a great website! I’m searching for a 1ct loose diamond for use in an engagement ring. My budget is max USD 8 000. Looking at Blue Nile and James Allen a notice a huge difference in price for a 1.01ct, E, IF, Ideal, GIA. The price at Blue Nile is USD …


Q&A: 1.2 Carat Round Diamond with Complementary Side-Stones

Thanks for taking the time to put all this great information on your website. I have learned a huge amount reading this. I’m hoping to get your opinion. I’m looking to buy a diamond around 1.2carat, round, G, S1 or S2. Budget for the stone is $7000. I came across this S2 and would be …


Q&A: Looking for Loose Diamonds for 3 Stone-Setting, $3K Budget

Q&A: Looking for Loose Diamonds for 3 Stone-Setting, $3K Budget

My goal is the best diamond for the budget parameters. I would like a setting with one larger diamond in the middle and 2 side stones * Shape- Round (? i think?) * Desired Color Range: Best for the budget * Desired Clarity:Best for the budget * Budget up to $3000 This will be my …


Q&A: Round Diamond Solitaire for $4-5K Budget

First off, I would like to say thank you for putting together this website. The information here is awesome and I feel like I have learned a great deal about diamonds, specifically what characteristics are important and which ones add to the price. I am looking for an engagement ring on a $4k budget. I …


Q&A: Looking for Advice on Round Diamond for $8-9K AUD Budget

I have made the big call to buy an engagement ring! My budget is around $8-9,000 AUD. I really like 6 prong rings and round diamonds. What do you think of: This ring (18k White Gold Six Prong Knife-Edged Diamond Ring): https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/diamond-solitaire-rings.html This diamond: https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1345902.asp I can see some imperfections using the virtual loupe – …


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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