... in response to Re: Why?, posted by Pete on Jan 31, 2002Pete and Barry raise an important point - what type of ring should you get. I agree that the Russian custom is to exchange gold rings - not a big expense when compared to a diamond - and I believe most RW will be very happy with that. On the other hand, the look and reaction on my wife's face when she saw her engagement ring for the first time was, as they say in the Mastercard commercial, Priceless. Either way is acceptable in my view, but the simulated diamond route is a cheap way out, and will likely be perceived as such.