Since Gates, whose RingDesigner.com headquarters are in Oregon, has advantage of not maintaining costly inventory, he has eliminated some major overhead expenses and is able to undercut (pun intended) most other diamond sellers by as much as sixty percent. And it is not by compromising quality. Gates has complete access to a Tel Aviv diamond market’s database--over 9,000 independently certified diamonds with a strong emphasis on Four C's: cut, clarity, color and carat. His rings arrive ready to wear or present, complete with all their diamond certification and a money-back guarantee.

As a finishing touch, each ring is placed in a beautiful black leatherette box equipped with a light. "When my wife opened box and light turned on, shining directly on diamonds inside, she was completely overjoyed," explains Dr. Lewis, a Florida resident. "Tears filled her eyes and she nearly fell over." Although it was a gift for their 50th wedding anniversary, this was first diamond ring Dr. Lewis bought for his wife. Six kids and household expenses had always gotten in way. But he promised her a diamond, and now she received a dazzling ring with eight inlaid diamonds across a slick gold band.

Since, like Lewises, not everyone can afford ring they want at time of engagement, Gates is quick to accommodate with a simple stone and setting that can be expanded upon as their marriage -- and savings--grow. Tracy and her husband, Chris, began their marriage with a small diamond ring and were looking to elaborate ten years later when Chris was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany. Tracy, after many international conversations with Greg, chose a marquise-shaped stone with a wider band--and that's exactly what she received. "I really liked that I could design my own ring," says Tracy, who also built up a dialogue with Gates before ordering. "Greg is a real professional. He never pressures you."

That's probably because he doesn't need to. The quality gems from RingDesigner.com seem to speak for themselves--or let satisfied customers do talking. In fact, perhaps another category can be added to elaborate on quality of diamond rings and service provided by owner Greg Gates. In addition to "Four C's", he excels in providing "Four P's": price, precision, personality-- and most of all perfect engagement, anniversary or wedding ring!"

• Home Accessories: Traditional Cambridge mantle clock with roman numerals $129 at Crate&Barrel www.crateandbarrel.com. The Earthwise Clock, a John Duke design, displays movement of earth in relation to passage of time showing both solar time and clock (universal) time. $95 at www.earthwiseclock.com. Garden Clock, rust and weather resistant, verdigris finish, gives time, temperature and humidity, $50 at Lillian Vernon www.lillianvernon.com.

• Everyday Dining: Hand-painted earthenware with creamy, ivory finish, fully glazed for durability, and easy care, microwave and dishwasher safe. 32-piece service for eight $110 at Lillian Vernon, www.lillianvernon.com. Reed & Barton Crescendo pattern stainless flatware––66-piece service for twelve at $140 Ross-Simons www.ross-simons.com.