Author: Mike Fried

Q&A: Help Finding an Eye-Clean Round Diamond For a Rose Gold Hidden Halo Setting With a $8,000 Total Budget

Last Updated On: May 5, 2021

I am having difficulties finding an appropriate diamond for engagement ring. On Blue Nile, I can see the inclusions on so many of the diamonds and don’t know how to determine what would be eye clean. I am looking at the platnium pavé settings with a round diamond. Ideally approximately 1.1- 1.3 carats and under …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Upgrading a Round Diamond in a Yellow Gold Solitaire Setting With a $4k Budget

Last Updated On: May 4, 2021

Hi there. I am looking to upgrade my diamond. I don’t want to spend too much, and was selecting low color but with fluorescence. Would it be a good choice? Blue Nile LD15058361 The diamond is nicely cut but I’m worried about the inclusions on the table. They seem pretty noticeable. What is the style …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Help Finding a 1.40 Ct. Round Diamond for a White Gold Tapered Pave Setting

Last Updated On: May 3, 2021

Hi. I’m a first time buyer and a little over excited to buy my wife a ring. I have a budget of $7,500 for an H color round diamond. Should I buy a GIA diamond? I’d definitely get a GIA stone. I’d go with on of these: www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-10136097?a_aid=dmnd1357 www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.25-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-10455229?a_aid=dmnd1357 Those look great. Is there any …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Choosing a Yellow Gold Ring with an Oval Cut Diamond for Under $17,000 Budget

Last Updated On: May 2, 2021

Hi! I used your service the last time I bought an engagement ring and you guys were extremely helpful, and I am now in the market for another one. I’m looking for a ~2ct. oval diamond, ratio of 1.4-45, slim gold band with gold prongs. Don’t have a specific request on clarity or color but …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Looking for an Pear-Shaped Diamond for a White Gold Twisted Halo Setting Within a $8k Budget

Last Updated On: May 1, 2021

Hello, Thank you for writing such a great guide on how to pick out a diamond. Despite reading through it and the specifics on how to pick pear shaped diamonds, I still find myself struggling to differentiate diamonds by their fire and brilliance (the sparkle) when looking at James Allen. I’m also not sure I …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Upgrading a Round Diamond on a $4k Budget

Last Updated On: April 30, 2021

Hello, I would like to upgrade my 0.5 ct. round diamond that my husband got for me 15 years ago to 0.9-1 ct. My current stone is very nice with a perfect cut. I would like to have a nice one, ideal cut as well. Color H or better. I would prefer to stay with …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Looking for a Round or Princess Cut Diamond for a Yellow Gold Solitaire Setting With a $500 Budget

Last Updated On: April 29, 2021

Hi Team, I have a yellow gold solitaire ring with yellow gold prongs and I’m looking for a diamond to pair it with. Budget of ~$500, round or princess cut. I’m in the UK. Could you take a look for me please? Thank you for your time. Here are two round diamonds and one princess …

Diamond Q&A

Q&A: Looking for a Round Diamond for a White Gold Three-Stone Ring With a C$4,000 Budget

Last Updated On: April 28, 2021

Hi there, I’m looking to buy a diamond ring. It will be mounted on the 14K White Gold Marquise Shape Three Stone Ring. My budget for the diamond alone is around 4,000 CAD. I’m ok with lower ct weight 0.8 or 0.9 for a better stone. I chose this stone that I’m asking you to …

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.