Having worked in retail for the biggest brands in the jewelry industry, I understand the appeal of owning a piece of luxury. Let’s be honest; it feels really good to waltz into a high end store and throw down your credit card while they offer you champagne and tell you how great you smell. If you can afford to do it, and it makes her happy, then go for it. But many successful men I know have found another route that includes getting the biggest and best ring without paying the exorbitant name brand markup.

I must say, and I speak for most women out there, that diamonds have a funny way of shrinking over time. The longer you look at them, the smaller they get. Cheeky, but true! If your budget is lower, it would behoove you to find a credible jeweler that can give you the most for your money.

• Look for a jeweler who has been in business for at least 10 years.
• Look for someone who will listen to what you are looking for and what your budget is, not someone who immediately tries to make you spend more than your budget.
• You should be provided with options at, above, and slightly below your budget. This way you will have more choices!
• Make sure the diamonds are conflict free and opt for GIA Certified diamonds; they will be slightly more expensive, but worth it.

Once you find the right jeweler, a bespoke ring custom made to her taste is a desirable way to go. Despite what most people think, a custom setting is not that much more expensive than a pre-cast ring, which are those settings without the stone in the middle – bad news. If you are buying an item this high in value, don’t you think the setting should be tailor made and built around the diamond to hold and secure that beautiful rock properly?

MANY ARE UNAWARE THAT YOU CAN GET A CUSTOM RING FOR A FRACTION OF THE PRICE OF A RODEO DRIVE PIECE!

Trust me when I say that getting her a custom-made hand-forged engagement ring is the best option for a quality ring! This makes all the difference in the strength and integrity of her engagement ring. Popping a stone into a pre-cast mounting (online sellers and most downtown jewelers will do this) is a disaster waiting to happen. Sometimes all it takes is a high five for that beautiful rock to go flying out of its setting, across the room (true story). That is, of course, where insurance comes in.

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