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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: Getting a Brian Gavin Diamond on a $20k Budget: Extreme Brilliance

Hi, I’ve found your articles very useful and am about ready to buy an engagement ring. I think this one is a good value based on the “numbers”. But I don’t know how to judge the “sparkle” or whatever from the images. I was just hoping to have you look and make sure there is …



Q&A: Looking for an Oval-Shaped Diamond for a White Gold Halo Setting With Up to $4,000 Budget

Hi there, I am considering buying a ring from James Allen. Ideally an oval cut, H, SI1, 1- 1.2 carat, excellent cut. I can see some with a L:W ratio 1.30. Is lower than this possible at all? This is the particular diamond I am looking at: www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.20-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-8324931?a_aid=dmnd1357 Choosing a shape and size is a …


Q&A: Help Choosing a Cushion Cut Diamond With a $4,000 Budget

Hello, I’ve been looking around at various sites for a while now to find a good ring for my fiance-to-be. I’m currently narrowed down to James Allen. I’m looking at getting a 14k yellow gold band, and am trying to narrow down what kind of center diamond I want. I’m not interested in getting a …


Q&A: Looking for an Oval-Shaped Diamond for a White Gold Setting Within a $4k-$5k Budget

Hello! I have read a lot of your reviews on oval diamonds and I think what I am looking at to buy is an ideal diamond. However, I would like a second opinion, here is the link to the diamond: www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.90-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-8624237?a_aid=dmnd1357 This is the setting I want if that helps: 14K White Gold Common Prong …


Q&A: Help Finding a Round Diamond for Around £2,000 Budget

Hi there! I am looking to purchase an engagement ring, and my girlfriend and I have set a cap of £2,000. I have looked at Blue Nile primarily, as I mostly prefer their settings and they seem to be better value (based on your reviews). I am looking for a white gold setting (probably 14k, …


Q&A: A Diamond Search Story With a Happy Ending: 1 Carat of Brilliance

Hello, Hope you are well. Firstly, thank you in advance, your website is extremely helpful as I am searching for my first ever diamond for my fiancé’s engagement ring. However, being a bloke that likes to research the hell out of purchases I’m increasingly finding myself in a rat hole of clarity, cut, colour, table, …


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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