You’ve captured her heart. Now tell the world with the perfect
diamond engagement ring. Purchasing a diamond engagement
ring is an exhilarating experience, but it is important to be informed
before you decide on which ring best expresses your love.

To understand exactly what you are buying be sure to consult with a quality diamond jeweler. Their expertise will go a long way towards guiding you in the world of diamond buying. And, above all, don’t let the dizzying array of choices confuse you. Simply take a good look at the jewelry she wears on a daily basis. Is it mostly gold or silver? Contemporary or traditional? If you buy something similar to what you already know she likes, you can’t go wrong.

Your budget also plays a large role in determining which ring you’ll end up choosing. The standard rule is two months salary but this is only a place to start. While jewelers will sell you a preset ring, you can often get a more exquisite piece of jewelry for your money if you choose the diamond first and then decide on the setting.

Depending on what you order, it could take a couple weeks or more to have the stone set, do any engraving, or custom design your ring. So if you want to propose on a certain date, make sure you start working on the diamond engagement ring early.

Below are a few popular setting styles:

Solitaire Setting Solitaire Setting is a popular diamond engagement
ring setting. The head secures the diamond. The prongs allow the
diamond to catch the most light.

A four-prong setting shows more of the diamond, but a six-prong
setting is often more secure. Settings with Sidestones Settings with
Sidestones, such as diamonds or gemstones, add additional sparkle
or color. Popular sidestone settings are Channel, which protects
stones by keeping them flush, and bar-channel, which allows more
light to enter the sidestones.

Three-Stone Settings Three-Stone Settings have one diamond for
the past, one for the present, and one for the future. Typically
the center diamond is larger than the two side stones.

Source: Gemological Institute of America