Buying an Engagement Ring

Short of seeing his first child born or signing the title to his first house, nothing can set off a man's nerves more than when it's time to buy an engagement ring for his future Mrs. The words "engagement ring" conjure up fear and excitement all at the same time, but they don't have to.

Twenty-five years ago, if a man wanted to propose, he went down to the local jeweler to get a ring that was the best his money could buy, and then he nervously got down on one knee and popped the question. Now, women have more input, and sometimes couples will go together to pick out a ring.

Do You Know Her Style?

Before buying an engagement ring, spend a little time studying your prospective fiancée and what she likes. This can work to your advantage in two ways: She will be thrilled with the increased attention, and you will learn about the kind of jewelry she would most likely wear. Pay attention to the kinds of jewelry she wears now. If she keeps it simple and wears nothing more than a watch and small earrings, she would probably be the type of person who would enjoy a simple setting and diamond. Go shopping with her, observe her while she shops and listen closely to what she says about the things she sees.

How Much Do You Want to Spend?

Once you've determined her style, figure out your budget before you head to the jeweler's. Have an idea in mind about what you would like to spend. You may discover that, in order to best estimate what you need, some comparison shopping is in order. Other questions you should ask yourself when setting a budget are:

How much are you really able to spend? Jewelers advise that you spend around two months' salary in order to buy a ring of high quality. However, that doesn't work if the money isn't there. The top priority is to buy a ring you think your future fiancée will love.

Are you willing to finance? If so, then you have more styles, settings and ring cuts to choose from.

How long will it take you to pay it off? Engagement ring financing can be a great option, but only if you have the money to pay it off in a short period of time. You want to avoid starting off your marriage in debt.

If you can decide on a budget and be sure that it's going to work for you, then you've eliminated much of the worry and anxiety.

Choosing the Ring

When start looking at rings, be prepared to be hit with a barrage of options. To sort them out, you'll need to consider the shape of the stone and the setting it will be in. Here are some of the shapes you will encounter:

• Marquis: This stone shape has the deceptive ability of appearing larger than it actually is. The marquis is a basic oval with points at each end of it, and the left and right sides are rounded off to accentuate the points.
• Oval: An oval stone is perfect shape for someone who wants to be a little different. The oval is beginning to make a comeback because of its difference from the round-cut stone.
• Pear: Cut as it is named, a pear-shaped stone has a round bottom and narrows into a point at the top.
• Princess: One of the newer cuts, it appears to be a simple square cut, but further examination reveals that it can offer superb sparkle because of the complex cut of the stone itself.
• Radiant: This stone has a bit more twinkle than other rectangular stones, and the cut is named for its brilliance and sparkle.
• Round: A traditional and highly regarded stone cut, this option is for the traditionalist and perfect for someone looking to keep the ring cut simple. This shape is the most popular and, when cut properly, can be the most brilliant.

In addition to the shape of the ring, how it is set will vary as well. You could go with a basic and simple setting like a prong, or something fancy and elaborate, such as a baguette. A reputable jeweler will have a variety of settings and stones for you to choose from.