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Q&A: Choosing Between a Local B&M, James Allen and Blue Nile

By Mike Fried,

Color: H

Q&A: Choosing Between a Local B&M, James Allen and Blue Nile

Hello! My fiancé and I have a solid solitaire platinum setting (6-prong) we are looking to purchase and are looking for a diamond around $3,500 or less. We were interested in one at a jewelry store (Leo), but found out it was GSI certified rather than GIA or AGS as you would recommend. Can you …


Q&A: Help Choosing a Cushion Cut Diamond for Around $5,000 Budget

Your site is amazing! Thanks for all the help. I’ve been doing some searching for a while both online and in person and I’m looking for the best bang for my buck. I don’t have a strict budget, but would like to come in around $5,000. I would like a diamond between 1 and 1.5 …


Q&A: Looking for the Best Oval-Shaped Diamond With a $2000 Budget

I’d like a suggestion for for the “prettiest” diamond I can buy for $2000. Also, how much should I expect to pay for a titanium mount, 14 carat gold ring and mounting? What shape diamond are you interested in? And what style setting (solitaire, pave/side stones/halo)? As for the titanium mountings, you will have to …


Q&A: Looking for a Cushion Cut Diamond for a Tacori Setting at Since1910

Thank you for a very informative and interesting website. What is your opinion on the website www.since1910.com? I have been on their website several times and the reviews seem to be very good regarding it. My fiancee would like a Tacori engagement ring and the prices seem competitive and cheaper than retail. What is your …


Q&A: Looking for a Cushion Shaped Diamond Ring With Around $12k Budget

Q&A: Looking for a Cushion Shaped Diamond Ring With Around $12k Budget

Hi, my fiance just put a deposit on a ring with a EGL cert and I was just wondering would it be reliable I can give pictures to show you? It’s a G colour with SI1 clarity. I wouldn’t recommend buying an EGL diamond at all: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/egl/. If he can get his deposit back, tell …


Q&A: Help Finding a .8 ct. Princess Cut Diamond for a Pave Setting

I’m looking for an engagement ring (one that I can also readily buy a matching band to 6 months down the road). Want a solitaire princess cut stone with diamonds in the band – can’t really decide between a pave vs channel set style, or something in between. Here’s a handful of potentials: www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/channel-set/18k-white-gold-channel-set-princess-cut-diamond-enagement-ring-item-58676?a_aid=dmnd1357 http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/benchmark-small-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-2810.htm …


Q&A: Choosing a 1 Ct. Asscher Cut Diamond for a White Gold Pavé Setting

Hi Diamond Pro, I love the insights on your site! I’m on the hunt for an Asscher cut diamond around one carat in the $4500-5000 price range. I found a couple on James Allen that I think look nice but am not too confident in one or the other: www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.04-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-1028159?a_aid=dmnd1357 www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-1006147?a_aid=dmnd1357 Any advice on those …


Q&A: Looking for a Floating Diamond Necklace

Q&A: Looking for a Floating Diamond Necklace

Looking for floating diamond necklace with a budget of $1000 to $1200. Is it best to find a diamond and then have it put in a setting of that necklace? Should I call Blue Nile? You are leaning towards the right direction. It’s a good idea to cherry-pick the best diamond and then have it …


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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