Author: Mike Fried

Q&A: Looking for an Oval-Shaped Diamond for a Yellow Gold Pave Setting Within a $25k Budget

Last Updated On: June 29, 2020

I am looking for an oval cut diamond (2+ carat) and would like some advice on sourcing. Can you also tell me what your approximate budget is? Then I’ll be happy to send you my suggestion. I would like to stay below $25,000 for the diamond. I plan on setting the diamond in a 14k …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Choosing a Round Cut Diamond for a Solitaire Setting With Up to $13,000 Budget

Last Updated On: October 14, 2018

Hello. I’m looking for a 2 carat diamond, with the best cut, and best color, for around $12,000. Thanks in advance! Can you also tell me what style of setting (solitaire, halo, pave or other), metal (white or yellow gold) and shape of diamond you’re looking for? Thank you very much for the response. I’m …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Looking for an Emerald-Shaped Diamond for a Side Stone Setting Within a $8k Total Budget

Last Updated On: October 13, 2018

Hi there. This is what I want: I want the engagement ring to have 1 emerald center stone, at roughly 1.5 carats. I’d like 1 little baguette stone on each side of the center stone. The rest of the ring can just be a high polished. I don’t need diamonds going all the way around …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Finding a 2.11 Ct. Round Diamond With a Fantastic Cut for Around $25k Budget

Last Updated On: October 12, 2018

Hello. I am lucky enough to purchase an engagement ring. While I know the arguments against, I do want to make her dream come true with a round solitaire diamond. Carat size of 2.3-2.5 and needs to sparkle like fire. Despite all my reading and research, I still feel like I am an amateur facing …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Finding a 2.00 Ct. Round Diamond for a White Gold Solitaire Setting With Up to $13k Budget

Last Updated On: October 10, 2018

Hello. I am looking to buy the main stone for an engagement ring. I’ve already met with my local jeweler and picked the setting and band but have not yet picked the main diamond. Looking for a good value diamond 1.8-2ish carats and hoping to stay under $10k as my budget. Looking at round diamonds …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Finding a 3.00 Ct. Round Diamond for a White Gold Pave Setting

Last Updated On: October 10, 2018

Hello, How much would a 3 carat diamond run me? I’m looking to upgrade my ring and not spend a mortgage on my diamond ring. I’m hoping for $20-$30k for a very nice diamond ring that is very good quality to the naked eye and jeweler. Also, do you do enhanced clarity? I saw one …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Finding a Round Diamond for Around $13k Budget

Last Updated On: October 9, 2018

Looking for help selecting a diamond from James Allen. I have found the setting (PLATINUM PETITE PAVE CROWN DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING ) now looking to pick the best diamond to fill it and struggling. My budget for the diamond is $12-13k. Looking for at least G, 1.4+ct, excellent cut, GIA, little to no fluorescence, SI1+. …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Looking for a Marquise Cut Diamond Within a $4k Total Budget

Last Updated On: September 27, 2018

Hi. Thanks for the blog/website. Very informative. As anyone, I want to get the best possible ring for my girlfriend. I am very interested in a marquise cut – I love the style and uniqueness and think it will look great on her finger. She is a smaller size, like 5.5 or maybe 6. I …

About the author

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.