NotMVH

I used to work in a small gold-smiths shop who did some very nice (expensive) work. I think that with 1,500 you can get a nice ring. It all depends on what your and her are expecting. Do you know what you want? Do you want to buy a Karat diamond 1.00ct? Around 1,500 I would say you are looking at a modest setting with a good diamond in the range of .25ct to .40ct.

I don't know if you have done much jewellery shopping in the past or want any advice but I would recomend getting a diamond with excellent color and cut and to save money compromise on the clarity, a good jeweller should be able to show you several diamonds in your price range and minor inclusions can be cleverly hidden in settings. No two diamonds are alike so do shop around before making a final decision.

If you are going to have a custom ring made consider purchasing your diamond elsewhere, perhaps a whole-saler if you have a connection, then take your diamond to a goldsmith to be set. Another excellent source of stones is antique stores (although be cautious and have an independant appraisals done if possible before purchasing) Used Jewellery is bought by antique dealers at .10 to .30 cents on the dollar for appraised value and diamonds are difficult to damage (other then chipping) If you do buy a diamond directly from a jeweller the markup will be aprox. 2/3 of its cost so their is usualy room to negotiate, more so if they will be producing a ring or setting the stone.