Engagement Ring Part 1

Tomorrow we are going to look at rings for the first time!  I found an independent jeweler nearby who seems very reputable and helpful.  I'm a little worried that our small budget may be too small for his time...  But I've been to the cheaper brand name stores and things just look cheap (even when they aren't).  I'm looking for something simple and elegant, but of obvious quality, I guess we'll see how it goes.  One of the reasons that I chose to start with this jeweler is that he does a lot of custom work and writes a great informational blog about diamonds and jewelry shopping.  From the blog he sounds like someone who is out to help you get the very best you can afford and isn't out to price-gouge you, reading his blog just gives me a good feeling.  If he is as nice and helpful as I think he is I'll post his website.