Personally, I have a love/hate relationship with engagement rings -- I've always sworn I'd never wear one once I got my wedding band (I despise sets) so it always seemed kind of wasteful.
But what girl doesn't want someting icy and flashy and amazing?
I recently found a gorgeous white gold and aquamarine ring at an online antique jewelry store -- I think when the time comes I'm going to point my boy in that direction instead of the diamonds. That way we can save up to get amazing platinum wedding bands and I can put the pretty little sparkler away without feeling guilty that I'm letting all that investment rot in my jewelry box.
But that's just my 2 carats -- I mean cents.
Greekgrrl