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:
Hi, I’m looking for an oval diamond. My budget is around $3,000. My maximum budget for the ring is $4,000 including the oval diamond and a pave setting. I’ve been searching in Blue Nile, and I’ve found some around .9 carats. But I don’t know how to choose the best for the money. I didn’t …
Hi. I’m living in the UK and have been looking on Blue Nile for an engagement ring. I’ve settled on a solitaire setting in white gold. I’m having trouble deciding on the diamond. I have a budget of about £2,000 and if it’s possible, would like a round .70 carat diamond. I have searched myself …
Hello, I am looking to buy diamond stud earrings for a push present. I am looking at either 1 ct tw or 1.5ct tw studs. I’ve read your article on purchasing studs and I regularly read the Q&A. At this size your article says I should buy their preset studs however I’ve seen several Q&As …
Hi, I’m very new to this. I’ve read all I can but to be honest I’m lost. I only have $3,000-$4,000 CAD budgeted for a ring, and the below link is the best I can come up with. Am I wasting money on things that I ultimately won’t be able to discern? Preference: round diamond, …
Hi. What would be the best 1-1.2 carat diamond with a classic 6 prong setting which will still look excellent to the naked eye? What shape diamond are you looking for? It would be a round shape. A well cut J-color diamond would look fantastic in a solitaire setting. Look at these options: Blue Nile …
Hello. Help, help, help :). I’m proposing to my GF of 19 years in 2 months. Looking for a round diamond on Blue Nile (preferred vendor) for no more than $7,000. Would like to have a diamond that has fire and is brilliant, but would like the imperfections not to be so visible. But in …
Hi. Could you please find a beautiful ring for my wife? Three stone ring, white gold. The budget is $6,500. Here’s my recommendation: Three-Stone Petite Trellis Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold Classic Three-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold Blue Nile LD11525056 Blue Nile LD11906992 Side stones Blue Nile LD11691263 Center stone …
Good afternoon. Firstly, thank you for your interesting articles. I would truly love some advice on purchasing an engagement ring. My budget is between $7-12k for a round diamond, G-D in colour with a VS1 and up clarity. I looked around and I like these diamonds for you: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.11-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2420261?a_aid=dmnd1357 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2765837?a_aid=dmnd1357 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.30-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2617744?a_aid=dmnd1357 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.50-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3435627?a_aid=dmnd1357 They are well …