Since you're looking simple, get the talk at Spence, then head out, armed with that info.
Of all places, Costco.
Usually they have simple rings, in a few different price ranges. Most of the time they come in many hundreds cheaper then the same diamond at any jewellery store (Spence or the the likes of Peoples, Birks etc). If you go and get them appriased and they're not worth 120% (or something like that) you can get a full refund. Usually, from what I remember, they deal in higher quality diamonds rather then larger carat.
Birks too had nice stuff, and also usually leaned toward quality vs size of diamonds...but are a tad high $$ wise. in comparing similar rings to paces like Peoples.
Places like Peoples and Spence, try and get the older folks that are either the managers or at least have been there a while, to show you what you want to specifically see as far as cut, size, clarity. Those places can always come down 5-10% on the tag price and, 7% (GST off) too.
Find the ring you want, then ask to put it on hold for day. Think about it, and make sure you're using your head. Its easy to settle on something after you've been looking for a few hours, and b) Its easy to get talked into spending 20-30% more then you wanted pretty easily too.
Weigh that against the alternatives for spending that extra $1000 or whatever (as spending some of that for an extra special proposal (No Jumbotron, please)
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