Where do you live? In the Chicago area you have the Jewelry Exchange and Helzberg Diamonds, which I think are both good places. If I were you, I would also go to the mall and check out the ring prices at the different jewelry stores that they have there. I got my husband’s wedding band at Lundstrom Jewelers (at the mall), and the ring was very nice and at a good price. I would shop around first, don’t just go to one place and by something right away…go see what’s out there first, and then get the ring you think your girlfriend would like.
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I’d highly recommend checking out places like Blue Nile, Mondera, and Diamond.com. I run a free diamond search and free marriage proposal site at marriage-proposal-ideas.com/di… so I deal with dozens of diamond jewelry sites.
In almost all cases, you’ll find a better deal there than any local jewelry store, BUT in all fairness, you do have to know what you’re looking for (which is why I run a free diamond search service).
Most of the large diamond jewelry sites have very small profit margins, so it’s hard to beat those deals.
If you want, I’d be happy to do a free diamond search for you (I don’t sell any diamonds myself — this is a free service) to give you an idea of the quality and size that you could get on any budget.
Just go to my website and e-mail me.
a jewelry store
In the Chicago area go to Chicago Watch and Jewelry at 29 East Madison Street Suite #1203. The phone number is 312-236-1756. Ask for Lucy. I am 100% serious about this. I do not work there but I am a happy customer. My wife likes jewelry and I have purchased a few pieces here. Lucy knows what she is talking about and will help you find what you are looking for.