I'd like to consider negotiations my forte and I'd say there is no way to truly bargain for a diamond since it is a totally inflated and false market. I agree that maybe a pawned ring or antique would be nice, but as a woman, I understand how that would kinda freak me out that the ring was "used."
I say you go to a metalworking, jewelry-making artisan. They can get the stones and materials and make what you want the ring to look like; it'll be unique and mean more than some store bought bobble. You'll also, probably get more ring for your buck that way too. Let me know if you want help finding some jewelry makers. I had my husband's ring made by this one guy and it was gorgeous - until hubby lost it.
