Trust me, I won't be getting in over my head on this at all. I will be paying cash for whatever I get.
I have started doing some research on the subject, so I am at least somewhat familiar with the four c's. Cut is out of my hands. We talked about it a little and she let me know roughly what she wanted as far as cut and setting.
She said she'd be happy with a ring out of a gumball machine, so I'll probably get that too... But I want to get her something that I know she will love.
I wanted to go peruse at shops so I could see for myself, in person, what the difference in color and clarity really means in a set stone. How different the stones are to the naked eye.
And yes, this will be an engagement ring, but don't congradulate me until she's actually wearing the thing
That will probably be a few months. I'm just planning ahead.