I'm crafty but I don't have a big budget

Are you for or against the "ceremony" whereby the man or woman presents a diamond ring to their partner before proposing? Is it true that De Beers creates a worldwide "Supply Ceiling", to restrict the supply of diamonds to the everyday consumer to inflate the notion that diamonds are incredibly valuable and thus the price of a diamond itself? Why not buy a new car or something *useful* for your significant other instead? :) Just wondering :)

My boyfriend wants to propose. We are researching and trying to find sites or companies that offer beautiful saphire rings. So far the most promising and legitimate seems to be Blue Nile however I've read positive as well as negative reviews. Are there any online companies which have what we are looking for that are not considered to be overpriced or a 'rip off?' Canadian or USA. Financing would be a nice option as well. Any feedback or suggesrions would be helpful. Any thoughts or experiences with Blue Nile?

they obviously see each other all the time so why can't they see each other until the wedding starts?

So the wedding is in December, 2 weeks before Christmas, and the groom thought it would be a good idea to have the vicar (a family friend) dressed as Santa when officiating the wedding. The vicar is alright with this, as it's something different, but is this a good idea, or would it be too distracting?

I am looking a a unique engagement ring that involves a blue diamond and some regular diamonds. I think it is very beautiful and unique with a fun touch. I just do not want it to be mistaken as cheap or costume jewelry. What are your thoughts on a blue diamond engagement ring?

These days, everything is expensive and a wedding is sometimes a huge expense for a new couple. If your friend and you were both in serious relationships, and he/she were to ask you to get married and "share" a wedding, would you consider? Would your family think this is no good?