Engagement Rings

Thank you for your thoughts. I think the problem with our families is the fact that the alexandrite costs more than a diamond would.

I remember being a teenager and telling my mom about my dream engagement ring. She told me, "why would you want that?" (Because it wasn't a traditional diamond ring, and didn't come with it's own little man climbing the side of it with window cleaner and a rag.) I explained to her, "What difference does it make, if it's what I want? At least it would be something I like." She responded with, "Well, hon, I just don't want you to cheat yourself." Cheat myself?! I was livid! I've been through two engagements; the 1st didn't even get me a ring. (He had proposed - poorly - with his grandmother's ring, but his mom took it back from me three days later - that's a whole other story.) The second guy had a ring (a promise ring, which was inapropriate) but didn't propose properly. Neither one of these guys got it right. Now I am with someone (third time is a charm) who is romantic, sweet, kind, thoughtful, generous, and he knew how to propose. His proposal was the sweetest, most endeering thing - he actually took the time to plan it, and had flowers, got on one knee, the whole 9 yards. I must say, I wasn't expecting the kind of ring I got, though. I'm not the materialistic type, and this ring - WOW! (He knows I've admired Princess Di, and have always dreamed of having a wedding ring like hers.) NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS would I actually EXPECT one, though. ...But I got it. (On a smaller scale, but I got it..lol) I would have been totally happy with a simple solitaire and plain band. But this ring - is the epitome of his thoughtfulness. i almost didn't accept it. I didn't want him going broke just to please me. But he insisted, and he is a doctor, so... Here's a link to my ring: http://www.fileden.com/files/2006/8/24/184165/DianaRing.jpg The sapphire is 7 carats, and the diamond total is 1 carat, for a total of 8 carats, all together.

thank you