Stick to your guns. You can still get an awesome engagement ring for, let's say, $500, with no diamond, just a nice blue aquamarine or some other wonderful gem

Stick to your guns. You can still get an awesome engagement ring for, let's say, $500, with no diamond, just a nice blue aquamarine or some other wonderful gemstone. Something that goes well with her eyes. Lay it on thick. Put in a lot of effort to have it custom made. Involve her in the customizing and decision making. But stick to your guns on the diamond. It's simply not cool. Or find one on Craigslist but please don't buy one from a jewelry store if you can help it. God bless!