I'm planning a trip to Jewelers Row Chicago to start looking for an engagement ring and wanted to hear about other people's experiences. Are the prices generally better than chain jewelry stores? Any jewelers you would recommend or ones to avoid? I'm especially interested in lab grown diamonds but would love any tips for a first time buyer before I go.
I never used to pay attention to marquise diamonds but now I feel like I’m seeing them everywhere and honestly they’re growing on me so much. They look really elegant and unique compared to the usual oval or round rings, especially in vintage-style settings. I’m curious if they’re as practical for everyday wear as they are pretty.
asking because my partner and I are trying to be smart about this and every jeweler we talk to says something different. one told us princess is budget friendly, another said it depends on the market. I just want a straight answer from people who have actually bought recently. we're not trying to be cheap about it, we just don't see the point in overpaying when the stone is going to look beautiful either way. it's a little frustrating honestly because the information online is all over the place.