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

By Mike Fried,

Color: G

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: Synthetic Diamonds and Oval Cuts

Firstly, thanks for all the great information on your site. I’m currently in the market for an engagement ring. I want to buy a man-made diamond to avoid any potential conflict and environment related issues. I’ve been shopping at gemesis, but am concerned because all of their diamonds are IGI certified. I’d like to go …


Q&A: Round or Princess Cut for Solitaire Setting

I am in the market for a 1 ct Round or Princess Cut Solitaire Diamond for a platinum 4 prong engagement ring (simple Tiffany look). Based on the reading I have done online, it looks like Ideal cut, H color, 1 carat, SI1 clarity would be best. Also I am looking around the high $5000 …


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: Round Cut for $2500 Budget

Many thanks for all the information, it’s been really helpful. I am looking for an engagement ring. My budget for the diamond is $2500. I’ve zeroed in on the two below because they are within my price range, vs1 (most likely to be eye clean), “decent” size and clarity. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-205798?a_aid=dmnd1357 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.61-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-155249?a_aid=dmnd1357 What do you think? …


Q&A: Looking for Princess Cut for Solitaire Setting

I feel blessed to have come across your website, and have tried to educate myself a bit based on the great information you have listed. Nonetheless, I am a complete novice in this area and would appreciate a bit of guidance–and perhaps you could suggest 3-4 possibilities for me. I hope this gives you enough …


Q&A: Looking for 1.2 Ct. Round Cut for $7500

Hello, I first would like to say your website is very, very informative and I’ve spent many hours on it educating myself for the past few months. I have a budget of max $7,500 (taxes in – I live in Canada) and I’m looking for a 1..20 +/- carat round cut diamond. I am only …


Q&A: Round Cut for WG Pave Setting

I’m looking to purchase a loose diamond (round). My girlfriend thinks she has big hands (size 6.5) so I’m thinking I should go for something between 0.8 and 1.1 carats. I’m trying to get bang for my buck and I’d be pleased if I could get something for under $5000. Any suggestions you could offer …


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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