Anyone notice the price of gold?  Wow, I bet it cost's more to mount a diamond, than the stone to be mounted.
Seems to me that back in the '80's there was a spike in the price of gold, and a number of people gathered their old and broken pieces, or pieces they would never wear, and took them to their jeweler to get weighed and get paid for the gold.

Most times they were surprised at the amount they were to be paid.

I've noticed also that many jewelers are having really great sales on their pieces.  I find that confusing, if the price of gold has esculated so much, how can they have sales.  Oh, I remember, they reduce the mark-up.

In any case if you are in the market for diamonds, now might be a good time.  I have seen advertisements for as much as 70% off.

If your engagement is awhile off, why not put the engagement ring on layaway for when you need it.  I guess you can still do that.