Back on topic, you could buy the diamond on its own (assuming you know what you're after), then have a specialist jewellery maker make a ring to your specifications. It can work out cheaper than buying one from a store but thats on the assumption you know what you want and can get the best price for the diamond itself. When I got my wife her ring I bought the diamond myself from a diamond supplier (with GIA certificate) and had the ring designed by a specialist maker in the city. To buy a similar spec ring from a store would have cost me $7500 but I had it done my way and it cost me just under $6K. Just one option you can explore.