The pictures say it all.  The restaurant, Volare in Lombard, was excellent and my "fake" gift really threw her for a loop.  She didn't have the faintest idea it was coming so soon and as well as being happy, I don't think she could have been anymore surprised.  As she said, I really blew her out of the water!  Perfect!

A word about the engagement ring... I started the search at the local stores, namely Robbins Bros and Jared, but ended the search on the internet.  Once I knew exactly what I wanted it, it was easy to just make calls and ask for exact prices.  Gideon's Fine Jewelry, located in California, gave me the best price on the ring I wanted ($900 less than Jared!).  I bought the stone separately from Douglas Jewelers, our local guy, who got me a better stone for the same price as one I was about to order on BlueNile.  They did a great job setting it, shipping it out to me, and they even included an appraisal.  I was pretty nervous having spent all this money without having set foot in either store or seen either person face to face, but each kept their word and delivered exactly what was promised and on time to the day!  I'll be doing all my business with both in the future.

*I'll put full size images of the above, and others, in a private gallery for friends & family who want to login and take a look.