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Q&A: $2K Budget for Round Diamond: Blue Nile or James Allen?

By Mike Fried,

Shape: Round Brilliant

Q&A: $2K Budget for Round Diamond: Blue Nile or James Allen?

I am looking for a ring in around 2000$ budget, platinum setting. I have find few that I like on bluenile and would like to know ur opinion. I am looking for a 0.48 to 0.50 carat, G color, GIA ideal cut, depth 58% to 62% and table 53% to 58%. Here is what I …


Q&A: Inclusion Right in the Center of the Diamond; What to do?

I am hoping to purchase an engagement ring in the $3,500-$4,000 range. I read all your handy articles about how to really pick out something good and this one seems to fit all my criteria. The only thing is that inclusion is right in the center! What do you think? https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1346302.asp James Allen James Allen …


Q&A: Buy from James Allen in Ireland?

hi, I am looking to buy an engagement ring from James Allen having looked at all online options.I’m based in Ireland so buying in store not an option with prices here! I have decided on a setting but am unsure what diamond to go for.Budget remaining for diamond alone is $2000,the one I am looking …


Q&A: Clueless about Diamond Shopping for Engagement Ring

I was wondering if you could kindly help/advise me on an engagement ring for my girlfriend. She’s 3 years older than me and she’s always felt a little sensitive about it so I’m not sure on whether Princess or Round or the setting. I’m looking for a 1.5-2ct and my budget is around 10-15k USD. …


Q&A: Best “True Hearts” Diamond for $8200 Budget

If you had to choose between these two diamonds – which would you choose? https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1317097.asp https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1344952.asp My budget is $8,200 max and I would like a diamond that shines and sparkles the most (hence why I am only looking at TH diamonds). I am open to Ideal cut diamonds but I have seen the TH …


Q&A: Seeking 1 Carat Round Diamond for Tension Setting

Hi Ira, You have a great site and all the information has been very educational. However, I still find myself confused and having a difficult time making a decision with so many choices. I have picked out the setting and like one of the previous readers the diamond will be set in a tension setting …


Q&A: Round 0.75 Carat Diamond that Really Sparkles

I’m going to purchase a diamond from James Allen. I want a diamond in the 3/4 carat range. Cut: Ideal cut,I want to make sure it really sparkles. Color: Near colorless. Clarity: Eye clean. I want to spend around $2000 for the stone. Could go a little higher if there was a good deal. I …



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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