I went to a whole sales broker off of 5th Ave in downtown Chicago and got a square deal, but like others have said I got divorced but I sure as hell got it back!
I think it should really come down to saying "Okay, I can afford x amount, and I am willing to pay 100% of that x amount" So example, say your financial situation allows you to pay $5k for a ring. If you buy a $5k ring, then that's all you can do. If she doesn't accept it, you got the wrong one. Some can only afford a $500 dollar ring, other can afford a $50,000 ring. It should really come down to what you can afford, and if you're willing to pay what you can afford. I'll be buying my first one soon. We recently purchased a house and had a newborn, so money is a littler tight right now. I'll be spending a few K on a ring because realistically that's what's in the cards for us right now. She knows that I'll get the best ring I can afford.