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Q&A: Trying to Buy Designer-style Diamond in NYC

By Mike Fried,

Color: H

Q&A: Trying to Buy Designer-style Diamond in NYC

First, thank you for this web site which is hugely informative. I am looking to buy an engagement ring. I’ve been to Tiffany’s whose “quality” and service I respect but whose prices I don’t like. I do like the Lucida and classic Tiffany settings. Why buy Tiffany vs. another vendor is an age-old question. But …


Q&A: Looking for Best Cushion Cut Under $5K

This site has been such an incredible resource, hoping you can provide some much needed help. My target budget for the ring is approximately $6000 total and am looking for the best available 1-1.25ct cushion in the $5000 range. Using the search parameters G-H and VS1-VS2, what do you think of these stones: 1.04 G …


Q&A: Cushion Cut for $4600 Budget

Looking for a 1 carat cushion in the $4600 and under price range. L/W doesn’t really matter to me or her, I hope. These are two that I picked out this morning: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-201873?a_aid=dmnd1357 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-207091?a_aid=dmnd1357 One better than the other or are the differences negligible? Any thoughts or links to other stones are much appreciated. James …


Q&A: In Search of 1.5-1.6 Ct. Round Cut

Thanks for putting this site together, I learned about James Allen through you and I’m really pleased with how they run their site. I’m hoping to put together an engagement ring in the new week or so with a 1.5-1.6 carat diamond. We’ve gone to a few jewelers to look at diamonds and settled on …


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: Looking for One Carat Princess Cut

I’m looking for a Princess Cut Diamond that is at least 1CT or larger that will be mounted on a solitaire Platinum Ring. My budget is between $5-6K. I’m planning on proposing sometime in early summer but wanted to start looking now to see what is out there. Please let me know if you have …


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? …


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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