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Q&A: “Best Bang for the Buck” for a Princess Cut

By Mike Fried,

Color: H

Q&A: “Best Bang for the Buck” for a Princess Cut

I am looking for a Princess cut for a platinum setting under $2000 (not including setting). The most important feature is the fire and clarity. I can’t handle any tint of yellow either, pet peeve. Thanks for any advice you can give me. P.S. I have been looking on JA and BN Blue Nile Blue …


Q&A: Looking for 1.5 Carat Round “Very Eye Clean” Diamond

I am looking for a 1.5 carat round, Very eye clean, good color and excellent cut. My budget is 11k. What do you think of Brillance.com as online vendor? Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well-known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high-quality images are catching …


Q&A: Looking for Round Diamond for Setting with Sapphire Side Stones

Thanks for the great website. There is a lot of useful information here. I guess I’ll get to the point: I’m looking to purchase an egagement ring within 2 to 4 weeks. My budget is $3,000 to $4,000 total, and I’m thinking about this setting in yellow gold (or the six-prong version): https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-White-Gold-2-2mm-Wire-Basket-Solitaire.html Given what …


Q&A: Ira, “You totally changed my mind” about buying a diamond!

I was literally just about to head to the jewelers down the street today but decided to do some last-minute research. After finding your site and reading what you have to say, you totally changed my mind! My budget is $10k including a platinum band, so I think that means about $9k for the rock. …


Q&A: Need Help Buying Round Diamond for $3K Budget

I see where you have given suggestions about finding a diamond… I am looking to purchase a stone in the following ranges: close to 1 carat as possible, color I-G, cut good-very good, clarity S1 at a minimum. I have looked through the James Allen site but I am overwhelmed. I am a school counselor …


Q&A: Need “Expert Opinion” on Round 1 Carat Diamond for $5.5K Budget

As many have mentioned, your site is incredibly helpful and informative. I would like to request your assistance in purchasing an engagement ring. I have picked out a setting on jamesallen.com. The link for the setting is: https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/channelset-rings/ring/item_58-3776.asp For the diamond, my maximum budget is $5,400. I would like at least 1 carat, with an …


Q&A: Buying Princess Cut Diamond; James Allen vs. Blue Nile

Cut-good or above Color-J-H Clarity-SI2-VS1 Carat- >1 Princess I am looking to spend around 4-4.5K on the complete ring so about 3-3.5K on the diamond. I am looking for a diamond that is good quality and also at least 1 carat. 1.2 would be best but i could be asking for to much. What do …


Q&A: Best Round Diamond for $35-60K Budget

Q. Thank you for your very informative site! tried to take your advice into consideration when surfing james allen… i’d like you to take a look at 5 round stones in the 35K range #1432782 = 2.60/I/VS1 $33930 #1423181 = 2.40/H/VS2 $34460 #1397864 = 2.24/H/VS1 $35720 #1422760 = 2.38/H/VS1 $37920 i also took a look …


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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