[legion]

I used a small, independent local jeweler.

I avoided the mall jewelers, they just sell overpriced crap IMO.

I did my research and was informed when I shopped. I had one jeweler try to sell me a diamond with a big chunk missing out of the side. I simply got up and walked out of the store while the saleslady was still speaking (spewing B.S.).

It took me going to 5 jewelers before I found one I could work with. I was very careful to avoid talking price, but instead talked about the kind of diamond I was looking for...then had them make an offer.

The particular jeweler I ended up buying from was very straightforward, ended up ordering several diamonds until I found just the right one, and quoted me a price that was so much better than everyone else I couldn't say no...let alone pick my jaw up off the floor to negotiate. How do I know they didn't sell me a cubic zirconium? Well, this particular jeweler reviews all diamonds with you using a microscope/HDTV setup, and then there's the deBeers laser engraving on the girdle...