Originally Posted by
Joe S
Overwhelmingly, your best bet will be someone highly recommended from others you trust. If you don't know anyone in the jewelry field that can be your native guide, see if any female friends or family members can help you out. If the person in question has a BFF, they can be a good resource.
Otherwise, I would want an individual with a good rep that has access to the wholesale side.
Another way to go is see if there is a good place that deals with vintage or estate jewelry. If they deal with with higher end they will have a keen eye for stuff, and are more likely to be fair and honest (check reputations), because they want you to think of them later, for other jewelry, housewares, etc. They want a customer, not just a sale, like many diamond dealers who know they'll never see you again. You can find many classic style rings this way, or maybe do something a little different, if you know her tastes well enough.
That's if you want a pretty standard princess cut solitaire prong set on gold or platinum. If you want something more unique, let me know; I have two different ladies that I know and have worked with personally that do amazing work that I would recommend in a heartbeat.