Solitaire Platinum
I want to spend around $5k on an engagement ring: Tiffany's or somewhere else? She likes the classic designs.

I know she'd be happy with almost anything, but I want to give her a ring that she'll be thrilled with.
I think for a lot of girls, that means the little blue Tiffany's box or a larger stone from somewhere else.
So, given the choice, I think she'd rather have the Tiffany stone.

Can $5k (or so) buy a nice diamond ring at Tiffany's? Even if it were ~ 3/4 ct.? If so, what's the lowest I should accept for the cut and color?
Given what she's mentioned before, I'm fairly certain she'd like a round solitaire diamond with a platinum band.

I know once I go into these stores I'm going to be too overwhelmed and emotional to think she's worth anything but a million dollar stone, so I'd like to be prepared.

The other two options I keep reading about are bluenile.com and Shane Co.
I'd be willing to buy from them, but my thought is that it would have to be > 1 ct. for her to not consider "upgrading" 5 years from now.

Thanks for your help everyone! I really appreciate it.

Try Michael C Fina - michaelcfina.com. They have some really beautiful rings.

Also - at Tiffany's you will be paying for the name. Now if you know that she really want a Tiffany's ring, that is fine. If she is more interested in the color, cut and clarity of the stone (the "fire" as I call it) then you can get more for your money elsewhere.

Congratulations!

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President Solitaire - Platinum Suite.mp4