[LWJ]

Here is my experience. I bought two nice diamonds - both for the same spouse.

#1 - she wanted a marquise. I bought one. It was ugly although people commented on it. I think my two year old daughter flushed it. Regardless, it is gone.

#2 - I bought a very nice diamond from Blue Nile. Not certain if they are the best but it was a great experience. I focused on cut first. That diamond shines like a laser. I mentioned this to a friend whose father was a diamond dealer. She said this is the way to go. Buy cut first.

Just my experience.
Larry