Zales Diamond Engagement Ring, Best Place To Buy Diamond Engagement Ring?

Q: Before anyone attempts to dissuade me from buying a diamond, I must tell you that I am intent on doing so, for my girlfriend's sake. I'd like to purchase about a 1 carat diamond, for about $2,000. What type of specifications should I expect the diamond to have in this price range? Color, clarity, etc. I guess I'm referring to the rating system. Also, where's the best place to purchase one? I'm somewhat skeptical of jewelers.

A:I don't know the answers to your questions, but that last statement intrigues me. Wouldn't you normally go to a pharmacy to fill a prescription, a shoe store for a pair of shoes, a men's clothing store for a new suit? If you're getting engaged, presumably you'll be getting married - are you going to rent your suit at a golf course or at an establishment that rents formal wear? If you don't trust jewelers, who would you trust to sell you diamond ring? A grocer maybe, or some guy wearing a trenchcoat with a hat pulled low on his face who speaks in a low voice and deals only in cash? Tell us what you're looking for, and we can help. I know where a few trenchcoat guys hang out, for instance. Also a few jewelers. I was recently 'in the market' for a sapphire ring for my wife's birthday. They're not cheap, I found. I looked for days for the 'right' ring, but was turned off by the price. I looked through the yellow pages and found a "store" that been around for 25 yrs that specialized in jewelry. It turned out to be a Pawn Shop. I got a beautiful ring (could Not be told from new) it was put in a nice box, and a 'gift' bag, c/w a little gift card, and my wife is/was very pleased with it. All for just under $100. A pawn shop, with a good reputation is my advise. I'm told that some pawn shops will issue full (or almost full) credit if a ring is returned/traded for a ring of greater value at some future date.

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