CZ engagement ring from emitations.com.

But, after all, you're dedicated to each other, and the practical side of you knows that the primary importance of your engagement ring is what it symbolizes, not what it's made of. Right?

If this describes you, or partially describes you (or if you really want it to describe you, even if you're not quite there yet), consider the CZ, or cubic zirconia ring. Don't worry - everyone's doing it, but no one has to know. Many brides-to-be are opting for a "fake" rather than the real thing. Especially those who want a bigger stone but don't want to put their honeys over the edge.

Face it girls - his love for you is not measured in carats, so give the guy a break, particularly if he's paying for the ring. But even if you're going in on the rings together, this may be the perfect opportunity to practice sound financial management together (while simultaneously practicing high fashion and good taste).

If SFM (sound financial management) sounds boring, try changing your thinking. It's actually SMF (so much fun.) Going the CZ route is a tremendous amount of fun because it immediately opens many more possibilities. That 1 1/2 carat diamond is now affordable, AND you can have it prominently placed in your favorite setting. Or, if you're not so concerned about the rock but want a solid foundation, using a CZ ring gives you other options like a platinum setting. Platinum is difficult for jewelers to work with, but oh-so-pretty, and as such, costs a whole lot more.

If you can't quite yet squeeze having your cake and eating it too, go for the high-quality setting. You can always replace the rock later with the real thing, but you'll have the setting for life. So set the mood right and choose a design you can really live with.

Speaking of design...with so many options to choose from, particularly at online CZ specialists like emitations.com, the CZ route also lets you "go for broke" without actually going broke in other areas as well, such as going for a gorgeous set of sapphires inlaid around the star of the show or showcasing the rock with a couple of rubies. Your imagination is the limit, and with the money you'll save, that limit can take you a long way, from a multi-rock ring to a specialty hand-crafted setting.

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