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Q&A: Looking for Round Cut for $5.5K Budget

By Mike Fried,

Shape: Round Brilliant

Q&A: Looking for Round Cut for $5.5K Budget

I’m trying to figure out what would be the best/most beautiful diamond for a loose round diamond, GIA certified with a 5.5K budget. Does it make more sense to go F-D color and Very Good cut, or something like Excellent cut and G-H range? Also, what else do I need to consider? I don’t mind …


Q&A: Looking for Sparkly Bigger Diamond to Upgrade

Hello – I am looking to upgrade the small diamond on my wedding ring. I want 1+ carat, eye clean and mega watt sparkle. Looking for a round diamond. My budget is $3,500 – $5,000. I have looked at diamonds on www.jamesallen.com, but not sure what constitutes eye clean with the magnified pictures. I want …


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: Looking for 1 Ct. Round Cut on JA

I’m looking on James Allen for a round 1 carat, H-I color, SI1, ideal cut, and price range $3,500.00-$4,500.00. I was recommended these two choices item#207017 and 207009. Both are 1.00 carat, SI1, Ideal or excellent cut. I have a white gold pave style setting. Do you think this is a good choice? James Allen …


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: Round or Princess Cut for Solitaire Setting

I am in the market for a 1 ct Round or Princess Cut Solitaire Diamond for a platinum 4 prong engagement ring (simple Tiffany look). Based on the reading I have done online, it looks like Ideal cut, H color, 1 carat, SI1 clarity would be best. Also I am looking around the high $5000 …


Q&A: Looking for Round Cut for $6-7K

I really like your website after reading through it. I’m looking to propose next month and was wondering if you could help me find a diamond. My budget is 6 to 7k and I was hoping to find a 1Ct round brilliant diamond for my fiance to be. Based on your website, I was looking …


Q&A: In Need of Sparkly 0.75 Ct. Round Cut

Hoping for some assistance! My girlfriend has only 1 ring design that she wants, and its from a mall store (ugh). We’ve looked at dozens of “similar” settings, but it always comes back to the mall one. The center stones there are terrible, and not remotely eye clean or sparkly (her words). But, the setting …


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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