To preface, I haven't bought a ring from Costco, but I have purchased and helped to purchase a few rings in the past.

Costco has an excellent return policy:

http://www.costco.com/Service/FeaturePageLeftNav.aspx?ProductNo=11204333

Buy the ring, take it to an independent jewelry appraiser and have it valued. You'll be able to ask the appraiser about the cut, clarity, etc of the diamond.

You can find out more about the "4 c's" of evaluating a diamond here: http://www.canadadiamonds.com/diamond_tutorials.htm

I've found that the last "c", the "carat" isn't as important as the others. A diamond that is well placed and that has the other "c's" in place will look good no matter how big it is. Carat weight is mostly a bragging right that girls use or is used by a jewlery dealer to hide major flaws.

Bigger isn't better... don't listen to the retail folks. Truly good diamonds are a big tough to come by. They don't usually show up in malls unless special ordered.

Compare those facts along with the cost between the Costco and Jewlery store brands and you'll have an answer.

The only other variable really is how your girlfriend will like a Costco ring. Some girls would be put off by the "wholesale" aspect of Costco. Personally, I wouldn't marry a girl like that, but if you happen to think even for a second that she'd frown on a Costco ring, it might be worth the few extra hundred bucks to go to a jewelry store.

Good Luck!!!!

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