You should definitely get what you love and don't settle! If someone does question you the ladies have already given you fantastic advice - "of course it is real!" "it's an antique and we got a great deal on it!" "it's a heirloom stone!" "it's a diamond ring" etc. but I would have to tack on "I can't believe you would ask that" because questioning someone else's ring is rude.

I plan on getting an engagement ring that fits my future lifestyle and I don't think there's anything wrong with that either. I wan't something appropriate for the rest of my life, not the few more years I need to get there.

I wear big stones. We can afford them also. You do what makes you happy!!

I say get what you'll be happy with. Who cares what they think!

Tough one.

My BF and I are in college and I'm waiting on my e-ring which is a 3ct Amora OEC. Will some people think it's just a cheap fake ring? Yes. Will they have worse looking "real" rings than me? Yep. Do I care about their opinion either way? Definitely not.

I agree with the others ladies in that I wanted a ring that would make me happy forever, & not just suit me while I'm getting to my desired lifestyle. I didn't want to "upgrade" down the road. Granted, I'll have more bling as time goes by, but I wanted this ring to be with me from the start, and til the end.

I just got out of college and nothing is stopping me from getting a 2.5 carat....well except my fiance.

Personally, I have different wedding sets and stackers that I bling up and down with, after all, we're married in our hearts, not our fingers, IMHO. If you think you might attract unwanted (criminal) attention on the bus or walking to class, you would be safer leaving the big ring at home. How does future hubby feel? Would he be upset if you didn't leave your e-ring 24/7? The thing about tongues is that they will wag either way, so do what makes you both happy, but keeps you safe as well.

Your post made me laugh, KittyClark! I'm the same. My spouse has always been pretty conservative about those things, too. However, I have gently worked him upward over the years. I just bought a 2 carat moissy solitaire in a bezel that gives 10mm of coverage (looks very 3 carat!) on a size 6 finger and he actually told me he doesn't think it looks big at all! HAHAHAHA! (This is my loud, evil laugh). So take heart: it can be done. Only took me 20 years.

If your FH makes $11k per month-with a $30k bonus AND is up for a raise then 3.5 carat stone is not an issue. IMO.

If you are gonna pass this off as diamond, then you need to think if you/FI would be willing/capable of spending around $50,000 for a diamond with similar stats to moissy. Even if he makes 11k a month...which is almost half his annual salary... and more than half is annual salary if it's gross salary we are talking about. (my calculations could be wrong... I am tired!)

I don't dislike big stones but unless you are living in Beverly Hills or whatever, a 3.5ct stone is pretty mahoossive!!!

Saying this, get what makes you happy. If you wan't a big stone and don't mind that ppl may judge you, then go for it!!

I know that I am going get booed, but I think that many of your fears might come true. People are so judgemental these days and in this economy. If you honestly don't care what people think than I say go for it...but the fact that you posted this maked me think you do care to an extent.

I vote you go the upgrade route later. a LOT of women upgrade later down the road. I think when you start working would be a great time to do it. Just my honest opinion.