For numerous folks, shopping for an engagement ring is a daunting experience. They are shopping for a diamond for the first time and they are wondering what to look for. I'm here to help! As odd as it may sound, shopping for an engagement ring should be enjoyable. We will explore the first 3 things you need to decide on. Once you know these 3 things you will be able to focus on the most important area of the ring - the diamond!

Decide on a Budget

My clients are always recommended to do this first. You want to decide what price you can pay and stick to it. There is no "set in stone" rule about how much you need to spend, although many people recommend spending the equivalent of 2 months salary for the ring.

Please be wise and don't overspend - stay within your budget. I know friends who got too big of loans to purchase a ring and they are still paying for it years after the fact. It is ridiculous to put yourself into financial difficulties. You can always upgrade her ring later after your finances are more stable if you are unable to get the right stone size now. A number of factors go into figuring your budget but you do need to be prepared to pay a good chunk. The smile that the ring will put on her face will make the expense of the diamond well worth it and remember - she will wear it forever.

Choose the Preference of Metal for the Band

White gold, yellow gold, and platinum are the 3 main choices for bands. Pay attention to what type of jewelry she owns now. If she owns or wears mostly yellow gold the choice is easy. If she wears white gold or silver than you need to choose either platinum or white gold. The cost of platinum is 3 times that of gold. Platinum is the most durable of the metals. That makes it an attractive choice for people who think about passing it down through the years to family. There is not much maintenance to platinum other than having it polished once in awhile to keep it from having a matte look.

White gold is cheaper and a bit more shiny than platinum. It will damage a bit easier but not enough to worry about. You may have to have it replated once every year or so. White gold is not actually white; it is actually gold combined with different metals that give it a look of white. Rhodium is used to plate it with to take the yellow tinge away. If this plating comes off you will start seeing the yellow tinge return. Replating is not very expensive just remember this will need to be done.

It's not a bad idea to go and have a look at how both white gold and platinum look. Some don't like the way platinum looks and vice versa. It will help you out as you make this decision.

3) Choose the setting

The setting is the basic style of the ring itself. Does it have one diamond? Are there several diamonds on the ring? This is determined by the setting you choose for your engagement ring. You have three main choices to chose from. A solitaire engagement ring is the simplest but also the most popular. It is one single diamond mounted on a band. This is the perfect way to show off a diamond. A three stone engagement ring has one center diamond, and two smaller diamonds beside it - one on each side. These side diamonds are usually about 30-60% of the size of the center diamond.

A diamond engagement ring with side stones has one main center diamond and then several small diamond on both sides. These diamonds are usually very small so they don't cost an arm and a leg. If you aren't sure what she would prefer, try to find out. The best way is to have one of her friends (that you trust!) ask her and then let you know. Girls talk about jewelry so she won't automatically suspect anything. You will feel a lot better knowing you got her the right one.

When you have done these 3 steps, you can then have some fun picking out the diamond! She will be wearing the diamond for life so be sure you concentrate on picking out a diamond that is stunning! I love watching my wife receive compliments on hers. Shows me that I did my job right!

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