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Diamond Q&A

By Mike Fried,

Diamond Q&A

In this section of the site, I publish some interesting private exchanges I have had with readers of the site who have contacted me via the “Ask a Question” form. I believe you will find that the questions and answers are both interesting and educational. Of course, names have been removed to preserve privacy.

Use the filter below to find Q&As relevant to your diamond search:

  Returns results


Q&A: Looking for 2 Ct. Round Brilliant Diamond

I’m looking to buy a 2ct round brilliant diamond for an engagement ring. I’m currently looking at ideal/excellent cut, F or G color, and SI2 clarity (provided that it is eye-clean). Do you have any recommendations? I ran some searches on James Allen and found these two: https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1396757.asp https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1494714.asp Will those be eye clean? Any other …


Q&A: Looking for Oval Diamond for ~$10K Budget

I am looking for a diamond for my girlfriend. Preferably oval or round since she has to wear latex gloves for work and square shapes are more likely to tear. Leaning to oval due to more stone for the price. I would like to spend 8300 to 9500 for the stone and prefer size and …


Q&A: Looking for Vintage Engagement Ring for $10K Budget

Q&A: Looking for Vintage Engagement Ring for $10K Budget

I really like the Vintage Engagement Rings, but I am not sure if this is the way to go for my engagement ring. My budget is $10000, and I would like a 1.50 to 2.00 center stone, I like the European Cut or Emerald (Step Cut). Could you please advise if it is wise to …


Q&A: Looking for 0.6 Ct. Diamond for $1600 Budget

This search has left me thoroughly confused. It seems like there is a huge gap around this price/size point, and I can’t seem to find the perfect stone. I’m looking to buy both stone and setting online, with about $400 for the ring (18K white gold) and $1600 for the diamond. G-J color, any clarity …


Q&A: “Big Price on Setting, Not Much Left for a Diamond”

Hi there, I’m helping my son look for an engagement ring. After reading your information I have only been looking at James Allen. He really likes this setting (https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/18k-white-gold-tapered-baguette-diamond-engagement-ring.html) Because the setting is so expensive, he wants to stay around $4000 for the entire ring, and get a diamond close to 1 carat, it doesn’t …


Q&A: Looking for Oval Diamond & Engraved Band — JA or BN?

First off, thank you for the website. It goes without saying that I truly appreciate the time you have put into this site – it has been a huge help for me. To be honest, I’m slightly nervous/apprehensive about contacting you but you seem very open, and I could certainly use your advice! I am …


Q&A: “Diamond Noob” Looking for Cushion Cut Diamond

I’d consider myself a “diamond noob,” so your website is extremely extremely helpful (I especially appreciate your full disclosure policy re: your relationship with diamond dealers). In short, I’m looking for a cushion-cut stone in the 1.25 to 1.75 carat range. My price range is around $8 to $10 thousand. A hobby gemologist friend recommended …


Q&A: Student in Switzerland on Tight Budget of $2K

Thank you for your great website. I have been following your articles since a year now, and it’s time that I ask for your help as many other did before me 🙂 I must admit that you are the best source of good and unbiased diamond counseling on the web. First, I will tell you …


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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