A little background then a couple of questions...
The 2 rings I have fallen in love with and shown to my boyfriend are both at big chain stores in the mall. I have looked around everywhere and these are the only two I know that I would want. (SN: My boyfriend is fine with me picking and him buying.) Quite a few people have discouraged us from getting a ring at a big chain store due to price markups. But I don't mind big chains for a few reasons...
1. I don't think the price markup is that huge when I compare it to other places. I understand that stores adjust the price based on region, so the ring may be one price in one city or state, and another price in a different city or state. However, they sometimes will match the online price anyway, which is often cheaper!
2. They have great warranties, which usually include cleaning, damage, and replacement of missing stones..probably not lost rings though. (Although it's a pain that you have to bring it in every 6 months for a check up to qualify.)
3. Financing (usually interest free for at least a year)
The downside of buying from a big chain store is that many other people have your ring, since these stores sell the same merchandise everywhere.
As far as buying online, me and my boyfriend have both said we would never do this because we prefer to see the ring in real life, touch it, and try it on before buying since it is such a big purchase!
Ma & pop stores make me nervous. They don't have very good warranties, they could go out of business at any time, and ususally there's no financing option.
How did you (or your fiances) decide where to buy the ring?? Anyone else have these same concerns?