A little knowledge can go a long way in purchasing the ideal engagement ring at the best possible price. See, you’ve finally decided: you’re going to pop the question. You’re going to buy that engagement ring, make reservations for that dream dinner, buy flowers, get on one knee and propose. But wait a second – have you thought this out? Have you done your research? The first step is often the most crucial one, and in this case, you should definitely pay attention to the words of the more knowledgeable.

Many engagement rings are made of diamond. What kind of diamond do you think you can afford? All the engagement ring buying tips online say that a diamond is forever, but even with a limited budget, forever need not be beyond your reach! Shop around for good bargains, don’t settle with the first shop that catches your eye.

When buying diamonds, you should first and foremost be aware of the 4 c’s: carat, clarity, color and cut. Any gemstone expert worth his or her salt can tell you more about these c’s. It doesn’t follow that the largest diamond is the best or the most expensive: the cost of a diamond depends on its value, which in turn depends on how well the requirements of the 4 c’s are fulfilled.

The most popular choice for engagement ring style is the solitaire diamond in white gold, and depending on the cut, small solitaire diamonds could look rather classy. Avoid the standard, often cheaper yellow gold metal base – it doesn’t speak of “class” at all! First-time gem buyers often find themselves lost in all the strange gemstone-related terminologies; should this happen, consider securing the assistance of a person with a trained eye for selecting gemstones.

You also need to think about the kind of metal that will be used for the ring. Of course it’s not just the jewel that needs attention. Does she prefer white gold or platinum? Pay close attention to the kind of jewelry she is already wearing. The ring you will buy, as all the engagement ring buying tips will tell you, need to be made of a metal that will look good on your bride-to-be and at the same time not be bad for her sensitive skin.

But above all, consider buying a loose diamond to show her when you propose. Then you and your bride-to-be can shop around for the right ring shape together. This might well be the wisest decision you’ll ever make in this matter.

Which is the coveted engagement ring finger? For many, it is the fourth finger of the left hand, conveniently located between the middle and pinkie fingers.

Why? In Western culture, this is the finger which traditionally bears the engagement ring and wedding band, thus signifying a woman’s commitment to her partner and her subsequent unavailability to other men. The tradition of placing the ring on this particular finger dates back to ancient times. The fourth finger of the left hand was considered to be the veina amoris, meaning it was thought to have veins that directly connected to the heart. Since then, etiquette and tradition dictate this as the ring finger of choice for modern times in countries such as the U.S. and England.

However, other countries vary in their choice of hand for the engagement ring. For instance, in Germany and Spain, the engagement ring typically goes on the right hand. A traditional reason to showcase the wedding ring on the right hand dates also dates back to ancient custom. The Latin word for left is “sinistra”, a word that evolved into the English “sinister”. The Latin word for right is “dexter”, a word that evolved into “dexterity”. Hence, the left hand had a negative connotation and the right a good one. Too add to the mix, in some countries, the choice of hand depends on what region of the country you are from.

Sometimes hand preference is a matter of religion. Jewish couples often place the wedding ring on the right hand during the marriage ceremony and wear it on the left hand post-ceremony. Some Greek Orthodox Christians wear the wedding band on the right hand in keeping with religious tradition.

So now that you know which finger wears the engagement ring and why, how about figuring out how to size the ring to fit the engagement ring finger.

Most jewelers have ring size charts and tools to help determine ring size. If the engagement is a surprise, there are ring size charts available online to help evaluate size using one of the rings your woman already owns. Other charts help you to measure the circumference of the finger, by for instance, wrapping a string around the finger, and stretching it out, to formulate a size.

When choosing between sizes, go with the larger size, so you know the ring will fit. You can always get it resized and it is easier to make a ring smaller vs. bigger. Be forewarned that certain rings are hard to resize such as engagement ring sets and enscripted bands, so be extra careful with your measurements for these rings. Know that fingers can change in size depending on the time of day, temperature, vigorous exercise and other variables. In order to get the most accurate fit, take the ring measurements at the end of the day and at room temperature, when the finger tends to be largest.

Engagement is one of the most important ceremonies of life and a perfect engagement ring make the ceremony worth remembering and memorable. Nowadays variety of engagement rings is available in the market but diamond rings are the best to make your ceremony attractive and unique.

From many centuries diamond rings are considered as symbol of romance and true love. It represents a future and new beginning which is filled with new dreams and hopes. And the best part is that you can buy engagement rings online. These rings are the fantasy of every woman.

And if we think of the history of diamond engagement rings then it is as special as diamond itself. The first diamond engagement ring was presented by Maximillan of Austria to Mary of Burgundy in 1477. And that engagement ring symbolized union of two countries and union of two souls also.

So you have decided to take the plunge and buy that special girl a ring. Only one problem, you have know idea what to buy or what to look for. Many men have faced this problem. Thankfully its not as hard as it may seem, here are some tips.

Pay Attention To What She Likes

Pay attention to the type of jewelry she likes and dislikes is a huge step towards picking out that perfect ring that she will want to wear every day for the rest of her life.

What Color Jewelry Does She Wear Now?

Most women have a preference. If she prefers white gold or platinum, then you know not to look at a diamond or anything mounted in a yellow gold ring setting.

What Type of Jewelry Does She Wear Now?

Is it contemporary and bold or does she prefer a more vintage look? Would you say that she likes jewelry that is classic the kind that never goes out of style? The best way to tell her taste is by observing the jewelry that she wears everyday, not the pieces she wears just for special occasions. The type she wears most often will be the kind she is most comfortable with in an engagement ring.

Has She Thrown You Any Hints?

Has she mentioned a favorite style of jewelry or pointed out engagement rings when you two were out shopping? If she has not then take her shopping. It won’t be difficult to get her in to the jewelry store. If you are trying to be subtle just say that you are looking for a new watch and be sure to pause at the engagement ring counter.

She might also have a friend who recently became engaged. Has she made any comments about her ring? Does she like diamonds? Believe or not some women prefer other gem stones like sapphires or rubies or even emeralds. This would be good information to know about her!

Choose The Right Shape And Setting

Round diamonds are the most popular but she may prefer something different. She might like a marquise, oval or a princess cut ring. There are also heart shaped engagement rings.

You’ve found “The One” and you are ready to tie the knot. It’s time to get an engagement ring, a purchase that the jewelry companies make fraught with tension. Some of their ads say you are supposed to spend two months’ salary on a ring. So, should you?
The answer is: not necessarily. While two months’ salary can get you a nice ring, in today’s economy it is not always practical. Relax, you can still get a lovely engagement ring and not have to break the budget.

Make sure you go to a reputable jeweler. They can be found in local shopping centers, on line or in the phone book. Looking online first can help you get an idea what rings are available and give you an idea of prices so you don’t waste time.

Of course, the bulk of the price of an engagement ring is in the diamond. You may have heard of the four Cs of diamond appraisals. These 4 Cs determine how expensive your ring will be.

Cut is the first C. The better the cut, the higher the diamond is rated. A good cut will give the diamond its sparkle.

Clarity is the second C. The clearer a diamond is, the higher the diamond is rated. Clarity comes from the amount that carbon is pressurized within the stone. The less carbon, the clearer the diamond will be.

Color is the third C. You may be surprised to know that all diamonds have color, usually a yellowish tint. Some diamond color may not be seen by the naked eye. The more purely white a diamond is, the higher it is rated.

Carat is the fourth C. Carat is the measure of a diamond’s weight. Of course, the more carats, the more highly a diamond is rated.

To get a more affordable ring, decide which of these Cs are less important to you. For example, a smaller diamond that is more perfect in other respects may be acceptable to you, while another couple wants a big stone and not care how yellow it may be. Another option is to go for a smaller, simpler setting to enhance the beauty of the diamond.

If you have something specifically in mind, many jewelers have designers on staff that may be able to help you create a perfect ring within your budget. For example, if you have Grandma’s engagement ring but just do not care for the setting, a jewelry design may be able to incorporate the stone into a ring that suits you.

It is also possible to not have a diamond engagement ring at all. After all, it is your relationship. You and your intended are unique. Your ring can be unique too. Whatever you choose, make sure it is a ring that celebrates your love for each other.

When shopping for engagement rings, the main concern is the costs. Everyone searches the market for a less expensive ring but only those are successful who have followed the basics well and have done their home-work regarding the ring.

If budget is the concern, then all types of rings are available in a jeweler’s shop. However, try to purchase a good quality ring at affordable costs. First of all, make a budget for the ring so that you know the price range before entering a shop. Go to the websites of the jewelers on internet in order to have an estimate of the current prices. Then, be prepared to set aside salary of two or three months especially for the purpose.

Once you have planned the budget, know that still the costs may be cut further as you follow some steps. Designing of engagement rings is always cheaper than purchasing them in ready made form. The couples have the options of purchasing loose diamonds as per their budgets. They can also select a setting that costs them less. So, opt for custom made rings for making them more affordable.

A diamond is expensive when it is colorless, flawless and is cut in many facets. Such stone also is of higher carat weight. But a less expensive and yet glittering diamond is the one that is little yellowish in color with its brightness still great on the eyes. Such a stone for the engagement rings is affordable. The couples can buy diamond with invisible flaws at low costs. If there are some blemishes or scratches on its side, the price will be cheaper and the diamond still can be bought to hide its scratches with a metal cover around it on the ring.

Carat weight alone can be a deciding factor in chopping down the overall costs of the engagement rings. Purchase a diamond that is little less than one or two carat for its lower prices. Few smaller diamonds of a total weight of one carat will still cost you less than a single stone of the same carat weight.

Marriages are made in heaven and so are engagements. Engagements ring is a popular tradition, in numerous religions, all over the world. Engagement ring is a symbol of unconditional love for each other. It gives a natural feel good factor to exchange ring at auspicious occasion of your engagement. And it is one treasured item for which every person is willing to spend without being calculative and cunning. Recently, many celebrities have been flaunting their highly expensive diamond engagement rings.

As it is a very important investment in fact it is once in a lifetime investment one must consider many important things like trends in the market, size of the finger, goodwill of the seller and most importantly cost of the ring. The diamond of the engagement ring should also be given momentous importance before you zero in on a particular ring. There are four areas to look for in a good diamond these include the cut, clarity, color and carat.

Cuts in the diamond simply refer to number of angels on it. It is these cuts only which are responsible for shine and luster of your diamond engagement ring. More the number of cuts in the diamond, more expensive your diamond is. When we talk about the color of diamond, it is inherently yellow in color.

Carat is the term used to express the weight of a diamond, with one carat equaling 200 milligrams of actual weight. The weight of smaller diamonds is often expressed as points, not carats; there are 100 points in a carat. Larger diamonds are rare and in more demand as compared to smaller ones of the same quality, so they can be sold at a higher price. A one carat diamond engagement ring is nearly always more expensive than a diamond ring made up of multiple diamonds that are similar, but smaller, even though they total one carat or more.

Diamonds that weight just under the next full carat are typically less expensive than diamonds passing the full-carat hurdle. When it comes to true and pure relationship, irrespective of the cost of engagement ring one must fully commit to the relationship once engagement ring is offered to the girl.

Couples go about getting engaged in many different ways. Some couples go shopping for engagement rings together, giving the woman the opportunity to select every detail of her engagement ring, while others skip the tradition of the engagement ring altogether. Still, many men want the thrill of a surprise proposal, complete with giving that special someone the perfect engagement ring. At the same time, the average man has not purchased a ring for his girlfriend until that monumental time comes, leaving him to wonder how to determine what size ring will slide perfectly onto her finger at that magic moment.

Sneakily figuring out a woman’s ring size may be simpler than you think. If she has a friend or sister who may know her ring size, you may simply ask. If you take this route, make sure the person you ask is trustworthy enough to keep the secret! But if asking someone is not an option, you can still determine her ring size without spoiling the surprise. First, take note that ring sizes are different for each finger, so be observant of which rings she currently wears on her ring finger. With a little crafty ingenuity, you can use a ring that she wears on her ring finger to determine her ring size without cluing her in on your plan. With these tips, you can surprise that special woman with the most magical moment of her life, paired with a perfectly fitting engagement ring.

Once you have scoped out the ring you will use to determine the size of the engagement ring, it is time to take action. What you do at this stage takes choosing the best course of action based on knowing your future fiancé. If she is absent minded and loses things often, you can likely slip that ring in your pocket, take it to the jeweler for measurement and return it unnoticed. But if she is emotionally attached to the ring or knows where it is at all times, you will have to determine her ring size in a more clever way. One option is to make an impression of the ring and take it to a jeweler who can determine its size. You may press the ring onto a block of clay, a bar of soap or any pliable substance that will hold the shape and size of the ring. Just make sure to remove any evidence left behind on the ring! Another option is to try the ring on yourself, and mark the place it reaches on your finger. Then, go to the jeweler and try to determine which size is the exact match.

Whatever approach you take, your future fiancé will certainly notice the effort and ingenuity that reminds her of why she wants to make the journey of life with you in the first place.

Diamond engagement rings are proudly and traditionally worn by a bride-to-be as a powerful symbol that she is “taken” and will soon be married to her true love. The ring is viewed as an indication of love, faith, fidelity, celebration, and the wealth of the groom. By placing the ring on his soon-to-be-wife, the groom gives the world an outward demonstration that he not only loves his bride, but also can afford to marry her and take her from her father’s care. Diamond engagement rings, with their perfect clarity and indestructible nature, have come to symbolize the purity and eternal commitment between a man and his wife.

Diamonds are relatively new as gemstones for engagement rings, the result of some very clever marketing by the diamond trade industry about 150 years ago. Other precious gemstones like sapphires, rubies, pearls and emeralds served as symbols of an engagement to be married in many countries, especially among royalty. Today, diamond engagement rings dominate the bridal jewelry industry.

Variations among Diamond Engagement Rings

Current bridal fashion favors a solitaire diamond engagement ring set in a band of yellow or white gold, sterling silver, or platinum. However, there are limitless rings for you to choose from, or have custom-designed. The cut of the diamond may catch your eye; Princess cut, Tiffany cut, Cartier cut, Square cut, Pear cut, Teardrop cut, Bezel cut, or Round cut – all are stunning and irresistible. The gorgeous Trilogy ring with its three equal-sized diamonds is said to represent the past, the present, and the future.

The clarity of the diamond engagement ring is important to many brides. Clear white diamonds of SI-1 or SI-2 have no carbon specks or flaws. Most diamond engagement rings must pass rigorous tests by the Gemologist International Association to be declared IF-VS2 clarity, and are considered to be either Ideal or Premium cut. Alternatively, some buyers actually prefer to have a carbon speck deeply imbedded in their diamond as a reminder that the diamond is a creation of nature, formed from the blackest carbon into a thing of timeless beauty.

While we generally consider diamonds as being clear, in fact diamonds come in many colors such as yellow, blue, or pink. Gemologists say that some of the most exquisite natural diamond colors are found in canary yellow diamond engagement rings. Colored diamonds are always the subject of delighted comments from buyers and friends of the bride who see these rings as unique and very meaningful.

An increasing trend among diamond engagement rings are cubic zirconium and moissanite stones. Among diamond traditionalists, these are “fake diamonds” of little or no worth. In reality, these clear white stones are diamonds, as “real” as those mined in Australia or Africa. The only difference is that these diamonds are man-made in laboratories rather than by nature over hundreds of years. Both are made from carbon, both have a pure white color. In fact, the CZ and moissanite diamonds are more refractive than natural diamonds, giving them a blinding brilliance than never dims. These diamond engagement rings cost only a fraction of what a highest-quality natural diamond would cost. Most buyers find that the band in which the diamond is set costs more than the diamond itself! For couples with a limited budget but who also want a large, impressive diamond, the CZ and moissanite diamonds may be the answer.

Couples go about getting engaged in many different ways. Some couples go shopping for engagement rings together, giving the woman the opportunity to select every detail of her engagement ring, while others skip the tradition of the engagement ring altogether. Still, many men want the thrill of a surprise proposal, complete with giving that special someone the perfect engagement ring. At the same time, the average man has not purchased a ring for his girlfriend until that monumental time comes, leaving him to wonder how to determine what size ring will slide perfectly onto her finger at that magic moment.

Sneakily figuring out a woman’s ring size may be simpler than you think. If she has a friend or sister who may know her ring size, you may simply ask. If you take this route, make sure the person you ask is trustworthy enough to keep the secret! But if asking someone is not an option, you can still determine her ring size without spoiling the surprise. First, take note that ring sizes are different for each finger, so be observant of which rings she currently wears on her ring finger. With a little crafty ingenuity, you can use a ring that she wears on her ring finger to determine her ring size without cluing her in on your plan. With these tips, you can surprise that special woman with the most magical moment of her life, paired with a perfectly fitting engagement ring.

Once you have scoped out the ring you will use to determine the size of the engagement ring, it is time to take action. What you do at this stage takes choosing the best course of action based on knowing your future fiancé. If she is absent minded and loses things often, you can likely slip that ring in your pocket, take it to the jeweler for measurement and return it unnoticed. But if she is emotionally attached to the ring or knows where it is at all times, you will have to determine her ring size in a more clever way. One option is to make an impression of the ring and take it to a jeweler who can determine its size. You may press the ring onto a block of clay, a bar of soap or any pliable substance that will hold the shape and size of the ring. Just make sure to remove any evidence left behind on the ring! Another option is to try the ring on yourself, and mark the place it reaches on your finger. Then, go to the jeweler and try to determine which size is the exact match.

Whatever approach you take, your future fiancé will certainly notice the effort and ingenuity that reminds her of why she wants to make the journey of life with you in the first place.

Diamonds are a woman’s best gift and are the perfect gift for a wedding or an engagement, one of the most precious and valuable stones of today. Diamonds are a symbol of love, romance and power. However the groom-to-be finds it very difficult to choose the perfect diamond ring for his bride. Knowing the four famous Cs, which are cut, color, clarity and carats of a diamond is not enough to choose the ideal ring. So, one should know exactly how to choose the precious stone.

The style most popular today is the polished round one. It was one of the first cuts and carves that was developed and it depends totally on mathematical equations to create a stone with fire. It is one of the most brilliant creations of the early lapidates.
Brides always want the best and most unique ring for their special day. These days diamonds are available in many shapes and sizes. For instance, they are pear shaped; heart shaped, diamonds shaped like a tear drop, oval shaped, emerald and so on. We have so many choices today, that it has become very difficult for us to choose our diamonds. We even have the choice of getting our diamonds cut according to the shape we choose. There is unique faceting of the stone also available, like the square princess cut diamond.

There are a few patented authentic cuts that are available too, such as the long Ashoka diamond, Arprey and Garrad Eternal cut diamond, Elara which is a square cut diamond, whose corners are rounded, Asscher diamonds which are square with rounded facets, Couples diamond which are diamonds that form the shape of the circle of hearts, or arrows, a symbol of love and romance.

Though diamonds are not a very rare precious stone, its distribution has been controlled by the market, thus making it a very valuable and high priced gem. Diamonds are ranked according to their clarity. It should have a mirror like effect. The clearer the diamond, the more expensive it is. Diamonds are priced according to their carat weight. The prices keep fluctuating in the market; however the purest form of the diamond is very high priced. A one carat diamond costs more than 10point diamonds and two carat diamonds cost double the price of one carat diamonds.

A diamond is the ultimate gem stone. It is a polymorph of the element carbon. It is one of the most powerful gems and is a pure symbol of love, romance and power. It absorbs the negative energy that comes to the body. It calms the brain, making us very relaxed. It is known to take away nightmares. It is a sign of prosperity. A diamond can be enhanced with accompaniments such as baguettes and trillions.