MT930 has a good point with Shar music.
They've been around forever, and they always have a number of instruments on hand for demo. I remember one of my instructors having a number of violins shipped in for this purpose when I was getting a "real" one. This may be a good suggestion when she's ready for that second instrument. Their "off the shelf" selections are a really good bet. They carry instruments that are newly built from makers in Eastern Europe as well as Asia. For a student model, these will work well.

Once your girlfriend has decided to commit to a deeper relationship with the cello - then she'll have an idea of how she would like the instrument to sound. I played a number of violins (including some fairly expensive ones from 1800's) before I knew which was going to be "the one". Mine was built in Germany in the 1930's. It doesnt appraise highly, but it works well for me.

Disclaimer - Your milage may vary...

Then get whichever one looks the coolest.