You're ready to pop the question, now you just need the ring. With the vast array of options, how's a guy supposed to choose? Don't panic, we’ll step you through the process (and nudge you whenever you start to hyperventilate). In the end, we want to make sure you get the most for your money--a ring that will leave her breathless, while leaving your budget intact. We’ll run through the steps first, and then introduce you to Create Your Own Ring tool to take you the rest of the way.Set your budget
How much should you spend? The old "three months’ salary" advice may be a useful starting point, but it’s not a hard-and-fast rule. You can spend less and still find a terrific ring, or you can spend more and splurge on size or quality. The only "correct" amount to spend is the amount that fits your budget. With our enormous inventory, Amazon can help you find a beautiful ring at any price point. Create your own ring or shop pre-set engagement rings.
Know her style
The best way to find out what she likes is to ask her. Better yet, look at rings together. If you want the ring to be a total surprise, though, you’ll need to do a little sleuthing. Pay close attention to her style. Check out the jewelry she wears. Is it traditional? Romantic? Modern? Practical? Does she like showier pieces, or more subtle styles? What color of metal does she usually wear—white or yellow?
Don’t be afraid to enlist her friends and relatives to help. Ask her mom, her sister, or her best friend for advice (but first, make sure they can keep a secret).
Choose the setting
The diamond you choose will be mounted in a ring, which is called the setting. That setting can be simple, or elaborate. It can hold the diamond flush with the band, or raise it high above it. It can highlight the diamond in a simple way, or it can shimmer with accent stones or fancy metalwork. Again, knowing her style will help you choose the right setting. Looking for something tried-and-true? Some of the most popular and classic diamond settings are the solitaire, the cathedral, the three-stone, and the channel setting.
Consider her hand size when you choose the setting. A broader band will balance long, slender fingers, while something more petite will complement a smaller hand. For a flattering result, look for a diamond and setting that are proportionate to her ring size.
When you choose the setting, you’ll also need to choose the metal: White gold or yellow? Fourteen karat? Eighteen karat? Or platinum? See the Precious Metals Guide for help.
Choose a diamond shape
We're talking overall geometry of the diamond here. By far, the most preferred diamond shape is round-brilliant. With its 360 degree symmetry, it gives off the most sparkle. Princess shapes are the second most popular choice, with their clean square lines, modern look, and beautiful sparkle. Other choices include the regal-looking marquise (which has the advantage of lengthening the finger), the classic emerald cut, and the radiant cut (a blend of emerald and round-brilliant). The oval diamond is an elongated variation of the popular round brilliant, while the asscher diamond resembles an emerald cut, but with a squared shape and unique blocked corners. Other fancy shapes, such as pear, heart, and cushion, round out the list of possibilities.
How do you know you’re getting the best quality diamond for your money? Use the 4C’s as your guide.
Diamond weight is measured in carats. Each carat is divided into 100 points. So, a 50-point diamond is the equivalent of a half-carat diamond. In general, more carats means a larger looking and more expensive diamond. But keep in mind that quality, not just size, determines a diamond’s value. A large diamond that’s poorly cut will lack brilliance, making it far less appealing and valuable than a smaller diamond with a very good cut. Look for a good balance between carat weight and quality. Learn more about carat.
Cut refers not to a diamond’s shape, but also how expertly it’s fashioned. Precise angles, proportions, symmetry, and polish optimize the play of light within a diamond, in turn maximizing its brilliance and sparkle. A good cut brings out the beauty and fire of a diamond, while a poor cut leaves it dull and lifeless. This is why some say that cut is the most important of the four Cs. A good cut can also make a diamond look bigger.
Diamonds range in color from colorless (or clear) to yellowish-brown. The more colorless the diamond, the more valuable it is. One exception: fancy colored diamonds (in blue or pink for instance) are even more expensive than colorless diamonds.Clarity refers to blemishes and flaws (also called inclusions) in the diamond. The better the clarity, the brighter the diamond. A VVS diamond (very, very slightly included) will have minute inclusions that would be difficult for even an experienced jeweler, using 10x magnification, to detect. Toward the other end of the spectrum, an I diamond (included) may contain inclusions that are visible to the naked eye.
You can start by just asking her. If she doesn’t know, download and print ring size chart, and use that to find out.
Keeping the ring a secret? Then you’ll have to get crafty. Secretly "borrow" one of her rings (making sure it’s one that fits the intended finger) and compare it to the size chart, or you can have a jeweler size it. Slip it back before she notices!
If you can’t sneak her ring away, try this: slip it on your own finger, as far down as it will comfortably go, and mark the line with a pen. A jeweler can then use that mark to measure and determine her ring size.
When in doubt, err on the slightly bigger side. It’s easier to have a ring sized down than up.
Order your ring
Our job is to make this part easy for you—because really, who needs the added stress? We’ll put your mind at ease with over-the-phone help whenever you need it, plus on-time shipping, secure delivery, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Your ring will arrive in a luxury wood box, accompanied by a diamond grading certificate. So when it comes time to propose, you’re good to go.
Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time—ideally at least a couple of months—to make your purchase. That gives you time to learn about diamond engagement rings, consider your choices, and make an informed decision. That said, if you happen to be one of those last-minute guys, we can expedite the delivery—putting that ring in your hands within a week if need be. Create your own ring or shop pre-set engagement rings.
See also Men's Jewelry, Children's Jewelry, Religious Jewelry
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