my boyfriend of nearly 5 years and i have been talking alot about getting engaged soon and he has suggested looking at rings. i’ve done some online browsing and im really quite fond of the "halo" settings with the pave diamonds surrounding the main stone and going down the shank of the ring.

to me i would really like a 1 carat ring. i guess thats pretty standard. i would like to get the best stone as possible for it. for example, i really dont want a yellowish color. anyway, while doing research i’ve really come to like some of the designer styles like tacori or ritani. these are sold as just semi mount, so we would have to get a diamond for it. at mall stores like harry ritchies or whatever all of their rings come with stones. i have one ring in mind at harry’s that i like, but the reason i shift away from them is because i feel like the majority of people go there for their rings and i try to be unique so these designer styles, although slightly more expensive, are different.

my questions are;
should i settle for a less expensive pretty ring that i liked to begin with, before i came across these more unique brands, but are already set in stones.

should i get a unuque band and settle for a less expensive, less quality stone.

should i get a unique band and get maybe a gemstone instead of a diamond, cutting the costs alot.

and finally, what are some of your opinions on gemstones as engagement rings? they are more unique than a diamond, and less expensive therfore i could have a larger center stone, but for a ring you wear everyday, with the colored stone it probley wouldnt match with everyday clothing like a white diamond.

also, what about getting a unique designer band and possibley getting a diamonique stone to put in it? would a jeweler be willing to do this?

i just really feel like its time to move forward with our relationship, but i want to be as economical as well. we are both in college so the budget is limited and i would like the best look for the money.