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Q&A: Certified vs. Non-certified Diamonds

By Mike Fried,

Color: I

Q&A: Certified vs. Non-certified Diamonds

My fiance & I spent 2.5 hours at a local jeweler and while I thought he had nosebleed prices on loose stones I liked the idea of being able to see the setting in person and make sure it looks good on her finger. That said all of his settings were probably a few hundred …


Q&A: Looking for 1.5 Ct. Round Cut for WG Pave Setting

I am looking to purchase a ring including setting for between 9-10k. I’d like it to be brilliant and clean to the eye, I’d prefer something of at least 1.5 carat. Let me know our thoughts. Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well-known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive …


Q&A: Round Diamond on a Budget

Q&A: Round Diamond on a Budget

Is it possible to get a good .5 – .7 carat between $800 – $1000 or do I have to up my budget more? Thanks! 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 up to James Allens’ …


Q&A: Need Help Finding Eye-clean 1.5+Ct. Round Cut

I would like to buy a loose diamond to set in a platinum solitaire ring. I am thinking about purchasing a 1.71 C round brilliant from Brian Gavin for a price of $8000. The GIA report is 2127392258. Do you think this is a good diamond and will it look clean to the naked eye? …


Q&A: Looking for Round Cut for $13K Budget

Firstly, great job on the website and congratulation on helping so many men choose the right diamond for their partner. I have to also agree with you on an article I read about ‘7 reasons not to buy a diamond ring‘… However society and family has got the better of me and now I’m in …


Q&A: Looking for Best Princess Cut for $5K or Less

I have been reading your site for a while now and have mostly made up my mind on what I want to get. I am looking for a Princess Cut, Ideal cut quality, VS1 clarity, H color, and 1.00 carats. I have a budget of $5000 for the loose diamond. Is this too lofty a …


Q&A: Second Opinion for Sidestone Pave Setting

I am looking at several diamonds to choose from. The setting I have includes side stones and pave’ set diamonds on the sides. Here are a few diamonds I am considering. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.81-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-178339?a_aid=dmnd1357 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.82-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-179802?a_aid=dmnd1357 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.76-carat-j-color-vvs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-178819?a_aid=dmnd1357 Thanks for your help with this. Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well-known internet jewelry seller. They have …


Q&A: Cushion Cut Help… Make that Round Cut

I have been working hard to save money with a plan to propose to my girlfriend by around August of this year (8 months from now) – I still have a good amount of saving to do, but when do you think I should begin to get really serious about my search for a ring? …


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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