of America. Also bigger, more distinguished chains are dependable, have more inventory, and offer sales. A good, reputable jeweler will steer clear of rings you cannot afford and help you cut costs while remaining true to your vision. Make sure you know the return policy in case the ring is not quite what your sweetheart wanted.

Shape & Setting – The shape of

Choosing a bridal engagement ring set can be a daunting task for any future groom-to-be, Most men (no insult intended, gents) are not well versed in the area of women’s jewelry; in fact, the majority are rather clueless. So if you happen to be one of the latter, let’s just start with the basics. An engagement set consists of the central engagement ring and a coordinating wedding band. Once you have got that down, know the following guidelines before you begin your search for the perfect engagement set.

Style – Whether custom made or chosen from the stock of a jeweler, the style of the ring should emulate the style and personality of your fiance. The popular trend today is couples going ring shopping together, but if you are more of a conventionalist and want to surprise her, you may have to do some checking up for a couple of weeks. Pay attention to what type of jewelry she wears. Does she prefer silver and platinum or gold? Vintage, trendy jewelry to classic, understated pieces? You can even enlist the help of a family member or close friend of hers, just make sure you swear them to secrecy!

Picking a Jeweler – Your search for the best jeweler should begin with endorsements from friends and family; suggestions by word of mouth are often the most reliable and accurate recommendations. If that does not net you any leads, you can inquire about industry organization affiliates. Try jewelers that are accredited by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the Jewelers of America. Also bigger, more distinguished chains are dependable, have more inventory, and offer sales. A good, reputable jeweler will steer clear of rings you cannot afford and help you cut costs while remaining true to your vision. Make sure you know the return policy in case the ring is not quite what your sweetheart wanted.

Shape & Setting – The shape of

d. Once you have got that down, know the following guidelines before you begin your search for the perfect engagement set.

Style – Whether custom made or chosen from the stock of a jeweler, the style of the ring should emulate the style and personality of your fiance. The popular trend today is couples going ring shopping together, but if you are more of a conventionalist and want to surprise her, you may have to do some checking up for a couple of weeks. Pay attention to what type of jewelry she wears. Does she prefer silver and platinum or gold? Vintage, trendy jewelry to classic, understated pieces? You can even enlist the help of a family member or close friend of hers, just make sure you swear them to secrecy!

Picking a Jeweler – Your search for the best jeweler should begin with endorsements from friends and family; suggestions by word of mouth are often the most reliable and accurate recommendations. If that does not net you any leads, you can inquire about industry organization affiliates. Try jewelers that are accredited by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the Jewelers of America. Also bigger, more distinguished chains are dependable, have more inventory, and offer sales. A good, reputable jeweler will steer clear of rings you cannot afford and help you cut costs while remaining true to your vision. Make sure you know the return policy in case the ring is not quite what your sweetheart wanted.

Shape & Setting – The shape of

ventionalist and want to surprise her, you may have to do some checking up for a couple of weeks. Pay attention to what type of jewelry she wears. Does she prefer silver and platinum or gold? Vintage, trendy jewelry to classic, understated pieces? You can even enlist the help of a family member or close friend of hers, just make sure you swear them to secrecy!

Picking a Jeweler – Your search for the best jeweler should begin with endorsements from friends and family; suggestions by word of mouth are often the most reliable and accurate recommendations. If that does not net you any leads, you can inquire about industry organization affiliates. Try jewelers that are accredited by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the Jewelers of America. Also bigger, more distinguished chains are dependable, have more inventory, and offer sales. A good, reputable jeweler will steer clear of rings you cannot afford and help you cut costs while remaining true to your vision. Make sure you know the return policy in case the ring is not quite what your sweetheart wanted.

Shape & Setting – The shape of

a Jeweler – Your search for the best jeweler should begin with endorsements from friends and family; suggestions by word of mouth are often the most reliable and accurate recommendations. If that does not net you any leads, you can inquire about industry organization affiliates. Try jewelers that are accredited by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the Jewelers of America. Also bigger, more distinguished chains are dependable, have more inventory, and offer sales. A good, reputable jeweler will steer clear of rings you cannot afford and help you cut costs while remaining true to your vision. Make sure you know the return policy in case the ring is not quite what your sweetheart wanted.

Shape & Setting – The shape of

of America. Also bigger, more distinguished chains are dependable, have more inventory, and offer sales. A good, reputable jeweler will steer clear of rings you cannot afford and help you cut costs while remaining true to your vision. Make sure you know the return policy in case the ring is not quite what your sweetheart wanted.

Shape & Setting – The shape of the diamond refers to the actual form of the diamond, not the cut which indicates the facets of the stone. The setting is the metal structure in which the diamond is placed. With countless of designs to choose from, the shape of the stone and the setting should complement one another. A high caliber setting completely sets the tone for a ring; certain settings can even enhance the shape of a diamond.

Budget –Forget what you have heard about the myth that a ring should cost you roughly two months of your salary. The only thing you need to remember is you should buy the best ring that fits within your budget without going into any major debt. You can cut costs a number of ways including buying a diamond just under a carat (0.8 instead of 1) or choosing a setting that has a little larger surface, or table; the ring will look much larger than it really is if the stone is not set very deep. And when it comes to clarity, blemishes are often not noticeable to the naked eye, so buy just shy of flawless.

Before you purchase a diamond, ask the jeweler for a diamond-grading certificate issued by an independent association such as the American Gem Society or the GIA. Anything that could affect the value of the diamond (the 4C’s, cosmetic enhancements, custom designed, etc.) should be noted on the certificate.