How To Buy An Engagement Ring

You are certain she is the one.

Before you propose marriage, you need that engagement ring.

Women like it when the guys are romantic. You know, go down on one knee, take out that precious ring and propose to her. Don't forget the flowers as well. Roses are the most romantic flowers, then again, it would mean even more if you take the trouble to get her a bouquet of her favorite flowers. Some women prefer lilies. Others might prefer daisies. A handful may have hay fever, so a golden rose, crystal rose or a box of chocolates would be a better bet.

Back to the ring. So how are you going about getting that all essential ring?

First, be practical.

1. How much are you able to afford?

For a real diamond ring, the rule of the thumb is to get a ring worth two months salary. Then again, some women would want a diamond ring of at least 0.5 carats, to be respectable. A 1 carat ring would be preferred while a 3 carat ring would make her the envy of her friends.

Are you willing and able to pay so much for a ring?
Or would she rather you spend the money on a honeymoond?
Or for your new life together?

Would you get in debt over that ring?
Or would you rather save up for it and propose a year later?
What if she gives up waiting for you and someone else sweeps her off her feet?

2. The next question to ask yourself. Do you want to get her a genuine diamond engagement ring? Or would a look alike with a huge gemstone do?

One way to go about this is to get a gorgeous ring with a diamond look alike, They cost a fraction of the price of a diamond and the two of you could spend the money you save on the honeymoon instead. Or for your new life together.

But would she mind?

If you can't afford the diamond ring right now, costume jewelry might be a good compromise. You could get a ring with a huge rock if you go for cubic zirconia like the rings you'll find in the resource box below. Get her to marry you first. When you can finally afford it, you could swap the cz ring for one set with a stunning diamond.

Eventually, you might want to get the real diamond.

3. How to buy a diamond ring.

Diamonds are graded based on the 4 Cs. Carat, color, clarity and cut.

Carat: A larger diamond would cost much more than a smaller diamond, all other things being equal.

Clarity: Likewise, a flawless diamond is worth far more than one with barely visible inclusions.

Color: Imagine a spectrum of color. From absolutely colorless white diamonds (D color) to the brilliantly colored pink, yellow or even blue diamonds (Z color). Mind you, the color has to be natural to count. The diamonds at either end of the spectrum, the colorless ones and the most brilliantly colored diamonds are the most valuable.

Cut: This is about the diamond cutter's skill. The more perfect the cut, meaning, the more light is reflected back by the diamond, the more valuable it is.

Set your budget.

Decide which is most important to her. A larger diamond with flaws or a smaller diamond that is flawless. Play around with the 4 Cs to get the best value for your money, in accordance with what you know about her.

Then make your purchase.