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Q&A: $7.5-10K Budget…Not sure of Shape…

By Mike Fried,

Color: F

Q&A: $7.5-10K Budget…Not sure of Shape…

A friend recommended your site and I’ve just spent 2 hours reading most pages. Your advice is great and really helpful. Before coming across your site I knew nothing about diamonds and my knowledge is still tiny. I am going to propose in the next few months and would like a beautiful engagement ring. I …


Q&A: 1 Ct. Princess Cut for Solitaire Setting

I am new to your site but from what I have seen so far your answers have been very helpful. My question is what price should I pay or stay around for a 1 ct ideal cut Princess cut diamond G/H color SI1/SI2 clarity with an GIA/AGS cert and 1 with EGL/IGI cert? Also what …


Q&A: Need 2nd Opinion on 1.22 Ct. Cushion Cut

I’m interested in a cushion cut halo ring, like this one, http://www.hamiltonjewelers.com/blog/2011/06/15/molly-sims’-engagement-ring-looks-familiar/ I would like to stay under $6,500 for the diamond. I’ve found this stone and really like that it has a different look. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.22-carat-f-color-si2-clarity-sku-119077?a_aid=dmnd1357 The inclusions are noticeable on screen, so I’m wondering if they would be glaringly obvious in person/take away from …


Q&A: Looking for Oval Cut without “Bowtie Effect”

Hello! I love your website, it’s taught me a gajillion things I never would have known. So thank you thank you! My boyfriend recently started asking me for hints about diamond shapes I liked, and I said I loved ovals set east-west. He proposed to me yesterday (!) with a 1.5 carat G SI1 oval …


Q&A: Looking for Round Cut for Simple Solitaire Setting

Me and my partner are looking to buy an engagement online, pretty scary. Wonder if you can help us out a bit on the selection. We both like a simple platinum setting (eg: Tiffany classic 6 prong knife edge setting). We have a budget of $4 – 4.5k. Cut/polish/symetric: excellent Color: the near colourless range …


Q&A: Looking for 1.2+Ct. Radiant Cut

Q&A: Looking for 1.2+Ct. Radiant Cut

I’m a huge fan of your site and was hoping you could give me your thoughts on a couple of rings I’m looking at. Please see them below. Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.30-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-203643?a_aid=dmnd1357 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.35-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-131773?a_aid=dmnd1357 James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the …


Q&A: Looking for 1 Ct. Chunky Cushion Cut

I was reading about cushion cut diamonds on your website, as I am on the hunt for one… Was wondering if you could help me in my search? Looking for: F color, 1 carat, VVS1/VVS2 clarity, chunky cushion cut (NOT crushed ice), excellent cut and symmetry. L/W ratio as close to 1/1 as possible. Went …


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 …


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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