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Q&A: Princess Cut Diamond for $12K Budget

By Mike Fried,

Color: D

Q&A: Princess Cut Diamond for $12K Budget

I am looking to purchase a loose princess cut diamond for my partners engagement ring. I’m looking for an ideal cut, above 1.5 carats, between a d-f and VS2 and above. My budget is probably around the $12K mark. Your website has been great for narrowing down what is quality and what isn’t but I’m …


Q&A: The Tricky Business of Buying the Best Oval Cut Diamond

Ira, Thanks so much for your informative site. I have read your Blue Nile page, but the nicest ring/diamond combo I have found is on Blue Nile, so I would really appreciate any further advice you have. The diamond is on hold for me, so you can’t access it, but I downloaded the page so …


Q&A: How to Buy the Cleanest Radiant-Cut Diamond

Is this a decent diamond? https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS1-Premium-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1085232.asp Can you make any other recommendations in that price range? I like the radiant because it is a little different than the traditional round. James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler’s loupe. …


Q&A: Looking for Round, Cushion, or Oval-Shaped Diamond for $2K Budget

I am looking for a round, cushion, or oval shape diamond under $2000. As far as clarity is concerned, anything ”eye-clean” is fine. Of course, I would like the biggest diamond, I don’t like the faint yellow tint. I read on your website that a medium fluorescent can help a lower color diamond look better, …



Q&A: “Am I on the right track to get the shiniest diamond?”

First off, your website has been tremondously helpful for me-a first time diamond buyer. I hugely value cut and I have been looking at Blue Nile and their signature cut. Obviously, I am paying more for the signature brand. So, I used the more stringent table (60.1 to 61.9) and depth% (55 to 57) values …


Q&A: “The diamond world is definitely overwhelming!”

I am currently looking for a loose 1 Carat (or slightly larger) Princess Cut Diamond with the following criteria: Ideal Cut (I realize GIA doesn’t rate this for princess cuts) D-F Colour VVS1-VS2 65-70% Table 65-73% Depth Excellent-Very Good Symmetry/Polish Budget $6000-$8000 I have been reading the information on your site and have taken your …


Q&A: Should I Buy a Beautiful Loose Diamond in Bahrain, Ira?

Thanks so much for taking the time to help me out. I’m currently in Bahrain with the Navy and am planning on proposing to my girlfriend a few months after I get home (need to have the ring made). She likes a modern-looking ring and is particularly enamored with a platinum half-bezel solitaire setting (I …


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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