How to Choose a Diamond Engagement Ring

There are many aspects to consider when purchasing diamonds – particularly diamond engagement rings! The tradition of presenting a diamond engagement ring when proposing to a woman began in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian presented Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring. Traditionally the woman you plan to propose to will expect a diamond engagement ring to accompany a proposal.

Initially determine how much you can afford to pay for a diamond ring. A rule of thumb is the ‘two months salary’ rule, meaning the ring should cost the equivalent of two months of your current salary. You may consider financing. Tell the jeweller of your choice that you are planning to buy an diamond engagement ring, and that financing will be necessary. Get your credit check out of the way, and discover what your payments will be, and how much deposit will be needed.

Next ask your mother, sister, or your girlfriends best friend to take your girlfriend shopping, and make sure that they look at engagement rings to get an idea of what she likes.

The most popular diamond shapes are the round brilliant cut and the princess cut, because of their high brilliance. Emerald, heart, marquise, pear and oval are other diamond cuts used in the jewellery trade are .

The bezal or half-bezal setting is a diamond setting that is gaining in popularity, where there is a strip or frame of gold or platinum around the diamond. This is an important point to consider if the woman is an active person because the bezel ring setting would protect the diamond from fallin out.

Engagement rings and wedding rings are also available in sets . They consist of engagement rings and wedding bands or rings which match perfectly and can be worn together or separately.

Make sure that the jewellery store you buy the ring from will allow you to return or exchange the ring, if she isn’t happy with it! You could also consider changing the setting