1. Tiffany & Co. Starting our list of the top 10 designer jewelry brands is of course: Tiffany & Co.

Even if the jeweler discovers your exact budget, and then you end up falling in love with a much more affordable ring, you can still ask for a better price. If you put in your request kindly, the jeweler will likely still give you a discount.

Sell to jeweler, pawn, or gold store The easy way to get immediate payment, typically a similar amount to an online reseller. In most cases you'll receive the value of the metal and stones - sometimes a bit more. Small, scratched stones have little value.

Think of them as the “Walmart" of jewelry companies. They offer mass-produced jewelry that is quickly (and not skillfully) made. They have to make thousands of identical rings to supply all their stores. And to cut costs they manufacture in China and India.