Personally, I wasn't impressed with the value offered at Spence. You can find a lot higer quality (or failing that, larger size at the same quality) of diamond than what Spence is offering.
My wife has a friend that had her Spence-made setting fail twice. The repair took a long time and she didn't have her engagement ring for her wedding, which was upsetting obviously.
I bought from Calgary Jewellery (
http://www.calgaryjewellery.com/) on 17th Ave. I dealt with the store owner, Bernard, and he gave me a great deal on very high quality diamonds.
Not only was the price great, but the service was phenomenal. I built a completely custom ring and they were able to do a great job on very short notice. My only advice is to give yourself a little time if you are going this way so you can get some wax models built before commissioning the final construction. Otherwise, they have some interesting designs and can guarantee that they do not sell conflict diamonds (if that is important to you). The only way you're getting that guarantee from Spence is if you pay the big dollars for the Canadian gems.
Fleetwood Jewellery in Heritage Square has good deals from time to time.
I never did check out the goldsmiths, brinkhaus or Breslaur and Warren, which I sort of regret.
The Diamond Exchange on 17th is probably suitable for those who already know a thing or two about what they are looking for.
http://www.BlueNile.ca is a decent online shop if you are brave enough to buy a big ticket item like that online (I wasn't).
A few tips for those who are diamond hunting...
Do your shopping! The boutiques will absolutely have better deals available and will negotiate with you, as opposed to the mall stores and big stores like Spence. Do not be intimidated, and do not agree to the first ring you discuss, ever! Be as specific as possible when talking with the sales person so you can get to your price point right away. If you ever feel like you are being upsold as opposed to being served, walk away.
One place to really stay away from in my opinion, is Jewels by Maximes. Don't even get me started on that place.
As for diamonds in general, the one parameter you do not want to sacrifice on is the
cut. That is what will give it's sparkle (or "fire"), which at the end of the day, is the only thing that anyone notices anyways.
Colour and clarity are arbitrary, and you
can get away with going lower on these two parameters - which will get you a bigger diamond for your money. For example, if you go for an ideal cut diamond with SI1 clarity and around G-H colour, you can probably get a decent sized gem for your budget.
When you start demanding high clarity or colour, you will have to pay big dollars for it, and will not necessarily enjoy the benefits of the upgrade. That is, of course, unless you are going really BIG - clarity and colour are noticable then, but if you are going big you can probably afford to pay for the upgrades required for a nice looking diamond.
But like I said... focus on CUT.
Furthermore... make sure you get your certificates and independent appraisals for insurance purposes.