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Q&A: Looking for Oval Diamond & Engraved Band — JA or BN?

By Mike Fried,

Color: G

Q&A: Looking for Oval Diamond & Engraved Band — JA or BN?

First off, thank you for the website. It goes without saying that I truly appreciate the time you have put into this site – it has been a huge help for me. To be honest, I’m slightly nervous/apprehensive about contacting you but you seem very open, and I could certainly use your advice! I am …


Q&A: “Diamond Noob” Looking for Cushion Cut Diamond

I’d consider myself a “diamond noob,” so your website is extremely extremely helpful (I especially appreciate your full disclosure policy re: your relationship with diamond dealers). In short, I’m looking for a cushion-cut stone in the 1.25 to 1.75 carat range. My price range is around $8 to $10 thousand. A hobby gemologist friend recommended …


Q&A: Student in Switzerland on Tight Budget of $2K

Thank you for your great website. I have been following your articles since a year now, and it’s time that I ask for your help as many other did before me 🙂 I must admit that you are the best source of good and unbiased diamond counseling on the web. First, I will tell you …


Q&A: “The most important thing is that it sparkles…”

I stumbled across your site and I’m hoping you can help me. I will be spending a lot of money on the ring purchase and am a bit overwhelmed on trying to figure out what is a good deal. I am looking for approx. 2.2-2.5 carat diamond with a round shape. The most important thing …


Q&A: Looking for 0.85-0.9 Cts. Excellent Cut Diamond for $4200 Budget

I’ve read with interest the Q&A section and love the diamonds you help people find. I would love some help/advice, as I want to order a ring in the next few days from jamesallen.com. Here is the ring: https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/-Platinum-Pave-Set-Diam-Engagement-Ring.html I am wanting (hopefully) to be somewhere around .85-.9 carats, but with an excellent cut diamond …


Q&A: Searching for 1 Ct. Round Diamond on $6K Budget, JA or BN?

Q&A: Searching for 1 Ct. Round Diamond on $6K Budget, JA or BN?

I’m searching for a round diamond of about 1ct at a budget of $6000. Based on the information in your site, I’ve mostly been looking at excellent or better cut, I color, and SI1/VS2 clarity stones, which are eye-clean. I’ve browsed James Allen & Blue Nile and came up with some possibilities: https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1468671.asp https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1471701.asp Blue …


Q&A: Need Help with 3 Stone Oval Cut Diamond Ring

Q: We know exactly what we want and are about to purchase from blue nile,but since reading your site–are confused and fearful.. where can we go to get same diamond ring for good cost..? James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with …



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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