How to Choose the Perfect Engagement Ring

Difficult choices abound for those who choose to purchase an engagement ring before proposing. Cut, clarity, colour and cost are just some of the elements to consider.

There are many factors to think of when choosing an engagement ring. The cut of the ring, clarity and how much it costs are just a few of the considerations that need to be addressed when carrying out this important step. Therefore, it is best to be prepared, and know how to choose an engagement ring – it could bear a huge influence on the answer when a man pops the question!

Work Within Your Budget

The first rule when purchasing a ring is to only spend as much as a man can afford. It has been said that one to two months' salary should be spent on an engagement ring, but this is simply not the case.
In the majority of cases, the betrothed couple would much prefer a financially stable marriage than beginning their lives together in debt. Perfectly suitable and beautiful rings are available to suit any budget.

Knowing the Different Diamond Cuts

The cut of a diamond dictates how well it reflects light (known as its "fire"). A poorly cut diamond can seem dull, whereas a well cut gem can be dazzling.
As well as defining the sparkle of a diamond, the cut also dictates the shape. The majority of diamonds are shaped into a "round cut", but there are several styles available. It is advised that the person purchasing the ring considers all cuts before making a choice.

Read more at Suite101: How to Choose the Perfect Engagement Ring: Advice on Picking the Best Ring When Planning to Propose

Choosing the Right Colour of a Diamond Ring

Diamond colours range from D to Z, with D being white (that is, colourless) and Z displaying strong and distinct colours.
Diamonds with these colours are known as "fancies", and are extremely rare, with the most valuable being colourless.

Assessing the Clarity of a Diamond

There is much importance placed on the clarity of a diamond, but this should not dissuade the buyer, or cause them to spend more than they initially budgeted for. Any imperfections in a diamond are usually invisible without the aid of a loupe, or magnifying lens.
There are a number of grades of clarity. When purchasing an engagement ring, ideally the diamond should have a grade which is equal to or better than SI1 (Slightly Included 1), with the highest being IF (Internally Flawless).

Know the Weight, or Carat, of a Diamond

The weight of a diamond is known as a carat, which is equal to about 200 micrograms. This is different to a karat, which determines the purity of gold. Each carat is divided into 100 smaller units, known as points. For example, a three-quarters carat is 75 points.
When buying an engagement ring, the buyer should aim for a diamond weight of between half a carat and one carat.

Buying the Right Style of Ring

It's important for a man to purchase the right style of ring as his partner will be wearing it for the rest of her life. If the proposal is to be a surprise and the ring purchased beforehand, it can be very difficult to determine which style is perfect.
To begin, the buyer should consider the style of jewellery that his partner currently owns. From this, various preferences can be ascertained, such as her preference of gem or precious stone, whether she prefers gold, silver or platinum, and so on.
If one of her close friends can be trusted with a secret, it may be beneficial to allow her to assist in choosing a suitable ring.

Buying a Ring From a Jeweller

It is best to visit a number of jewellers to ascertain the latest range of styles and prices. Jewellers are at their busiest in the period approaching Christmas and Valentine's Day, and so a good deal may be achieved outside these times.
Other factors when considering purchasing from a jeweller is:

• Experience of store staff;
• Knowledge of store staff;
• The range on offer;
• Whether they offer insurance.

Buying a Ring From the Internet

It is not recommended that a ring is bought from the internet, as it does not give the buyer a chance to inspect the diamond or meet the sellers. However, it does allow the buyer a chance to browse a large selection of styles and ranges at their own pace.
Special attention should be made to the following when purchasing a ring online:

• Location of the company;
• Delivery terms and conditions.

Choosing an engagement ring is not an easy task, and requires a lot of thought and preparation. Knowing the four 'C's of ring buying is essential:

• Cut
• Clarity
• Colour
• Carat

The engagement ring is something that will be worn by the bride for the rest of her life; however, by building up your knowledge of her preferred styles and the options available when buying a ring, you can make sure that it is perfect.