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Q&A: “Clueless about buying an engagement ring and don’t want to break the bank”

By Mike Fried,

Tag: eye-clean


Q&A: Best Round Brilliant Diamond for $20K Budget

Ira, first… I really enjoyed reading your web site and all the straight, sensible advice and experience you share. It is a fantastic resource! I also went to Penn/Wharton and of course have a soft spot for fellow graduates, esp. OPIM guys (they called it DSCI in my days… I did DSCI/FNCE). Anyways, I think …


Q&A: Marquise Diamond for $3500 Budget

Q&A: Marquise Diamond for $3500 Budget

Ive been researching and shopping for diamonds for a few weeks, and have found your site very helpful and informative. Im looking for a marquise cut diamond for my fiance-to-be. Id like to stick to a budget for the stone and setting combined around $4500-5000. Im looking for a stone 1 carat or better if at all possible …


Q&A: Best Round Diamond for $4K Budget

Your website is incredible. This is full of amazing information and myth buster for many like me. I would love if you can help me figure out what would be best for my budget. I am looking for a ring in 4000-5000 (Max) budget for my wife. 1. The goal is to get the best …


Q&A: Looking for Round 1 Carat Diamond; What is a Realistic Budget?

I’m so glad I found your site. I was hoping you could give me some advice on buying a loose stone. I’m looking for a Round 1.0 to 1.2 carat stone, H-I color, preferrably no worse than SI2 clarity (and ”eye clean”). I was looking to spend between $3500 and $4000. Is that realistic? Any help …


Q&A: Ideal Princess Cut Diamond for $17-20K Budget

Hi, I found a nice diamond on James Allen, but wanted to show it to you first. https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1383491.asp I’ve found your website to be very helpful. My budget is 17-20k. James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler’s loupe. …


Q&A: “Best Budget Diamond” for $6K Budget

Hello, Ira. Thanks for your site, it’s very good. I’m a huge web surfer and I think you’ve got great info. I have settled on the setting: https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/channelset-rings/ring/item_57-171_design.asp?module=setting I am looking for the best budget diamond. In the past I’ve always (I was married before) been told to buy a D or an E, VVS2, …


Q&A: Help Finding Round Brilliant Diamond for $10K Budget

It probably goes without saying but I am looking to purchase the best diamond I can. I’m looking for a round cut that is at least 1.5 carats, color H maybe I (or better), and the best clarity I can get (maybe VS2 or SI1). I am very grateful for the site and would be …


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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