I looked around at the local jewelry stores as well as online.
I went with MyJewelryBox.com and have no regrets. I talked to them online first, they answered all my questions, if they didn't know an answer they found out (such as how does Aeroplan work, can I order over the phone and still get my points).
I got exactly what I was looking for, in a greater carat than I could find locally, and only marginally more expensive then the chain stores.
That said, I didn't spend a fortune on the ring. I didn't want to spend $10K on a ring, and frankly I think my fiancé would have sent the ring back if I did.
What I did do was look at the carat, cut, colour and clarity online, then compare in the store. I realized for my price range I'd have to make sacrifices as if you get a flawless colourless diamond that's 5 carats you'll pay through the nose.
I decided I wanted colourless to the naked eye (no one will sit around a table and bring out a microscope to determine the colour, if it's colourless to the naked eye that's good enough).
I also figure that unless you're up close examining it, the inclusions aren't that important. I tried to go with as few as possible but this is where I was the most lenient, this was my category that I said I'd sacrifice the most as, again, unless you're looking at it up real close you can't tell anyway.
The cut I don't think makes a big difference in cost, go with what you like.
As for carat, I found the setting I wanted, with the parameters that suited me, and then I bought the biggest carat in my price range. When the girls are comparing this is what they look at (they say size doesn't matter, but we all know it does
)
One thing I did, that was what I wanted, and she loves, is that I didn't go with a solitaire but a trinity with side stones. The stones themselves are smaller but there's more of them, and is more unique, as the solitaire is the standard engagement ring.
At the end of the day go with something you like and she'll like. Once you have that down then compare places, prices, and costs.
If you have any questions, or are curious about the particular ring I purchased send me a PM I'm more than happy to help.