Originally Posted By: The_Eric
Stay away from big chains and mall jewelers! There's a reason it's so cheap- you get what you pay for.
Trusted local jeweler only.
Agree 100%. When I bought my wife an engagement ring, I went to a small mom & pop (literally: husband & wife team who are both jewelers). They didn't have a ring with the stone I wanted, so they ordered in a stone, and set it in a ring that I liked. The price was very competitive, as well. That was in '02, and they still gladly check the setting for problems, clean it, etc anytime my wife stops in. Ask your friends & co-workers for recommendations in your area. If you find the right one, you can't beat the service.