Did you get the ring yet? Gentlemen, I will not kid you: purchasing an engagement ring is a daunting task, never mind the emotion that comes from the actual proposal.  Finding the right ring for your bride to be can be overwhelming.  But armed with a little knowledge and the right resources, you’ll be an expert in no time!

• Before you launch in to the hunt for the perfect ring, make sure you have an idea of what she may like. What is the style of the jewelery she already wears?  Does she wear a lot of gold, or does she stay on the silver or platinum side of the fence? (Not sure?  Make not of her watch band or her bracelets and necklace chains.)   Is she a modern girl, into classic or traditional design, or can she claim to have one foot firmly placed into a different era?  This might give you a hint of the design of the ring: clean lines in a platinum setting, a solitaire stone in a white gold, or perhaps an art deco etched ring with side stone settings.  When in doubt, ask a trusted friend or family member (and swear them to secrecy if you must!)

• As with any big purchase or endeavor, know your budget.  Typically, you can expect to spend one to two months salary on an engagement ring.  Of course, that means planning and saving, so do your research during this time.  Ultimately, you have to be comfortable with the amount you are spending.  In this economy especially, it doesn’t make sense to start the road to marriage with debt.
• Because there are many factors and nuances to purchasing the engagement ring, make sure you trust the jeweler or salesperson.  Ask family and friends or engaged couples for recommendations.  Find a store that has staff that will take the time to help you and inform you; there is no rushing this purchase.  The staff should have the experience of handling and grading stones (and not simply read the information on the tag.)
• Make sure the stone is certified by GIA (Gemological Institute of America.)  GIA sets the standard for diamond ratings, so a certification from GIA should come with the diamond that you buy.
• Ask your jeweler to show you loose diamonds as well as those mounted in settings.  This is an opportunity to study a stone under a 10x microscope or loupe – you’ll be amazed at the view and the jeweler can talk you through what you are seeing.

In the second part of this two part post, I’ll share details on the Four Cs of a Diamond.  In the meantime, my husband swears by this book, How To Buy A Diamond: Insider Secrets For Getting Your Money’s Worth by Fred Cuellar. He read it thoroughly and took it with him to every jewelry store he visited.  The jewelers who recognized his efforts to be informed and helped him with his diamond education stood out from those just interested in the sale.