Purchasing engagement rings has long been considered a test of just how much someone can afford. While it is always important to get the best possible ring, staying within a budget is important as well. Engagement rings that are beautiful, dazzling and brilliant don't have to cost a fortune if you maximize your understanding of diamonds.

Diamonds and gems in engagement rings are the most costly component. The settings in which the diamond is placed or grouped can help to maximize the visual impact of the diamond and make it look larger or smaller. A larger central diamond is often set off by a smaller setting and band, making it possible to spend more money on the diamond and less on settings.

Rather than a really large solitaire diamond a group or design of smaller diamonds or even diamond chips can add beauty to engagement rings at a much lower price. This doesn't mean you have to cut total carat weight for the same money as smaller diamonds are more common and less expensive. Pave rings are very popular as both engagement or wedding band options.

Using semi-precious or other precious stones within groupings on engagement rings may add to the unique quality of the ring while keeping costs within your budget. Often rubies, emeralds and sapphires are combined in engagement ring settings to add color and depth to the ring without adding a lot of extra cost.

The shape or cut of the diamond can also add visual dimensions that make a ring look larger. Engagement rings featuring the elongated shapes such as oval, pear, marquis or emerald cut are going to draw the eye down the length of the diamond, adding size and dimension.

Color, or lack of color to be more precise, along with cut and clarity are going also work to make engagement rings look beautiful, regardless of the actual carat weight of the diamond. It is better to buy a smaller diamond that is clear, colorless and well cut rather than a huge diamond that is substandard in quality. Some diamonds such as Ascher cut engagement rings or round solitaires are particularly beautiful just because of their color, not the carat weight.

Talking with your jeweler and being realistic about what you can afford to look for in engagement rings is important. Maximizing both the diamond quality and cut as well as getting the best possible setting to showcase the diamond doesn't have to be expensive.

Mixing and matching settings with loose diamonds is a wonderful option when looking at engagement rings. With this type of purchase you select the diamond separate from the setting, allowing maximum flexibility in designing many kinds of engagement rings