<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 33XXXXXXXX) and related Prospectus of
Friedman's Inc. for the registration of 300,000 shares of its common stock and
to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated November 18, 1999,
with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of
Friedman's Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
September 30, 1999, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
June 5, 2000
Atlanta, Georgia
