Don't buy at some of the high street shops, have a look at Gemporia (Gems TV on freeview), most of my jewellery collection is from there. They have their own manufacturing places where they pay a proper wage with health care and benefits, they go directly to the mines and cut out all the middle men.
I recently got a 1/2ct black diamond solitaire from them for £50, set in silver. I am allergic to gold, horribly so.
They sell stunning gemstones set in gold, silver, platinum. All at much better prices than high street jewellery.
My collection is insured for a hell of a lot more than I paid for it.
My engagement ring, by the way, is 1/3ct blue diamonds set in a 1/2 eternity band of silver. I know exactly how much it cost, graded diamonds too, and it didn't break the bank. Saw something similar on the high street, but only 1/4ct of blue diamonds for the best part of £750
