Help picking engagement ring brand!!

My personal recommendations are for Blue Nile and James Allen. They're both online and very reputable. They won't overcharge and have exceptional quality diamonds. They also have a fair return policy excellent customer service. My FH ended up going through Blue Nile but we were both hung up on several rings from both sites. Take some time and educate yourself on the quality of the ring and the stone first and then see if the big name brands (especially Cartier, damn) are really still worth it.

Piggybacking off @Carol, another suggestion is Diamonds Direct if there's one near you. We didn't look there when ring shopping and I wish we had.

OliviaP is spot on with diamond prices. Find yourself a good quality ring, rather than a name brand -- because really, no one asks what brand it is. No one has ever asked me or FH where we got it or anything (it was at Sears, by the way). I have a 1/4 carat princess cut solitaire on yellow gold and I adore it. Who cares what brand it is? I couldn't even tell you.

A 1 carat Tiffany solitaire starts at $12500, and that will be a lower quality diamond. I'd say go to a local jeweler and get something you love. Then put the extra $7000 towards the wedding. But FWIW, my ring is "designer", Henri Daussi, and I love it, but he has rings with a very high tcw for like 10k.

I also agree with James Allen recommendation. My FH purchased my engagement ring through them. I also have been to the Blue Nike store in DC. The experience was wonderful.

I have a solitaire diamond

I don't believe it's boring contrary to what other people feel. I wanted sometime that is timeless in style and shows off the beauty of the diamond. I am right there with you @BoudreauToBe I love my solitaire!

I couldn't agree more with @Blair. Your "name brand" jewelry designer overpriced their diamonds. Your significant other will spend a fortune for a diamond whereas they could go to another jewelry location and get better cut, clarity, and a larger carat weight for a way better price.

Go to a "ma & pa" shop. You'll get more bang for your buck. These big brands mark up the prices so incredibly high.

I agree with everyone else! Mine is custom made by a local jeweler who just so happened to have made jewelry for Elvis, Chuck Norris, Robert Dinero, etc. (we live in Vegas). He's no one famous and I don't have anything name brand and I love it!

Agree with PP. FH got mine from a family owned smaller jewelry store. We got incredible customer service. Definitely focus on your 4 Cs instead of name brand.

Diamonds are expensive but personally think a high clarity and color is better than size.

We went to the Shane Company and had a wonderful experience with them. We were able to look at all the settings in person and try out different gems until we both found rings we love and at an affordable price. If you have a store within driving distance, I highly recommend it. Their warranty is great as well.