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

By Mike Fried,

Color: J

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: Looking for Round Brilliant 0.8 Ct. Diamond for Solitaire Setting

Q&A: Looking for Round Brilliant 0.8 Ct. Diamond for Solitaire Setting

Thank you for all the great information you’ve put together on your site, it’s been a great resource for me. I’m looking for a great stone for my girlfriend’s engagement ring and am looking for some advice. My criteria Cut: Excellent/Ideal (or better) Color: J (or better) Clarity: SI2 (this is where I need help …



Q&A: Looking for a Diamond with “a lot of sparkle” for 3 Stone Setting

Thank you for putting together this site. It has been very helpful. I am currently looking for an engagement ring in the $10,000 – $11,000 range and like this setting: https://www.jamesallen.com/design-your-three-stone-ring/ring/item_260-4145.asp For the diamond, I am interested in one with a lot of sparkle, so I found this Hearts and Arrows diamond: https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1418798.asp Is this …


Q&A: $2500 Budget for Round 3/4 Carat Diamond

The first thing I would like to do is thank you for what is a truly excellent website. I’ve been apprehensive over this whole process, but your website has been so informative and helpful. You do a great service for all of us guys (and gals!) who are pretty clueless about all this stuff. Thank …


Q&A: Looking for Best 0.5 Ct. Round Diamond for $1500 Budget

My fiancé and I are planning to purchase my engagement ring from James Allen in the next few days and we would like your help in choosing the best diamond for our budget. We are looking to get at least 0.5 carats. Here is the setting we have chosen: https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/-18k-White-Gold-Pave-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring.html We are hoping to spend …


Q&A: “With the money you saved me, I was able to rent a Limo…”

Thank you for providing such a comprehensive and objective resource! I am looking for a diamond for an engagement ring. My budget for the ring is $3500. Assuming about $750 for a setting, this leaves $2750 or so for the diamond. I read your ‘diamond education’ articles to get an idea of what to look …


Q&A: BG Hearts & Arrows 1.5+ Cts for $12K Budget

So, I’m in the market for a round diamond. I’m currently looking at Brian Gavin Signature Hearts and Arrows diamonds. I’m looking to spend in the neighborhood of $12K for the diamond. Ideally, I’d like a size of 1.5 carats or more. What would you recommend for size, color, clarity for such a diamond from …


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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