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Q&A: “I am a diamond neophyte and would love some advice.”

By Mike Fried,

Color: F

Q&A: “I am a diamond neophyte and would love some advice.”

Hi. I am a diamond neophyte and would love some advice. I’m looking for an engagement ring on jamesallen.com. I have decided on the princess cut with this ring: https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/18k-white-gold-three-stone-step-cut-emerald-engagement-ring-item-16308?a_aid=dmnd1357 I was thinking about getting this diamond: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.00-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-159267?a_aid=dmnd1357 But after reading your article on princess cut diamonds I’m thinking I could get a better bang for my …


Q&A: In Need of Sparkly 0.75 Ct. Round Cut

Hoping for some assistance! My girlfriend has only 1 ring design that she wants, and its from a mall store (ugh). We’ve looked at dozens of “similar” settings, but it always comes back to the mall one. The center stones there are terrible, and not remotely eye clean or sparkly (her words). But, the setting …


Q&A: Cushion Cut for $3500 Budget

Thank you for taking the time to review my question. I’ve read quite a few of your articles and others online to get myself somewhat educated, but would love your help! To give you the breakdown of my preferences, here they are: -online (heard most/best about James Allen) -cushion cut -cut: the best possible (but …


Q&A: Looking for 1.25 Ct. Oval Cut Diamond

Thanks for a great site. I’ve learned much and will hopefully save a lot of money by not paying for more than I can see. I’m looking for a GIA or AGS oval diamond with the following qualifications: – Color: H or better – Clarity: VVS2 or better – Carat: 1.25 or larger – Cut …


Q&A: Shipping & Duty from JA to Singapore?

I have been reading your diamond info to help educate myself so that i can point my partner towards the best possible diamond for him to purchase. We like settings from either James Allen https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-white-gold-thin-french-cut-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-289?a_aid=dmnd1357 or Blue Nile Blue Nile Petite Cathedral Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring Blue Nile Petite Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring Based on …


Q&A: Looking for 2nd Opinion on 1 Ct. Princess Cut

Hello! I am new to buying any sort of diamond and came across your extremely useful website, which in turn directed me to the James Allen site (I had been perusing Blue Nile up until now.) I was wondering what you thought about this particular diamond: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.03-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-202483?a_aid=dmnd1357 I am very thankful for your help! James …


Q&A: Advice on Wedding Band to Match Engagement Ring

I asked for advice from you a little over a year ago for an engagement ring and it was valuable info. I have another and last question for you. Looking for a wedding band and I’m torn between these two. The James Allen band is a direct match to the band on my fiances ring …


Q&A: Looking for Oval Cut for Pt Setting

I have really learned a lot in the past few weeks from your site. I have been looking at jamesallen a great deal as well and have been trying to decide what the best diamond to get is. I was hoping to keep the total price below 11K for a oval or round diamond on …


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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