Vintage Jewelry Ring

Q: I am recently in the market to buy an engagement ring, and I'm not sure where to go to buy it. I know there are a LOT of jewelry stores around, but I don't really know where to start. I don't have a lot of time to do a lot of shopping around. Is there somewhere that I can go where I can be assured of a good price and good quality. Anything else to look for in particular?

A:After shopping many "mall" type stores and doing diamond research, so to speak, I ended up going to the Derco jewelers at the Jewelry Mart in San Francisco. (Call for an appointment.) They seemed to make money by moving a LOT of merchandise, as the place was always crowded with customers. (Somewhat like Miyake and sushi.) After the standard idiotic harassment that most mall-type jewelers give you, it was a pleasant surprise when I went to Derco, asked for 5 different types of loose diamonds, and after receiving them, was left completely alone until I had made my decision. No pressure. The prices were quite good as well. (And if you don't like them, there are dozens of other shops in the same jewelry mart.)