Most couples look for diamonds in whole carat weights, but what you may not realize is that jewelers charge a premium for such stones. If you opt instead for a gem just under a carat (or under 2 or 3 carats, for that matter), the savings can add up to 30 percent. And the difference in size is so insignificant, you won't be able to tell. Of the rings shown here, the top one features a 1.03-carat solitaire and costs $14,000; the solitaire at the bottom weighs .93 carats and will run you $11,000.

Brilliant-cut round diamonds with pavé diamond accents in platinum, Kwiat; 800-927-4367 or kwiat.com.