For many people shopping for an engagement ring is a confusing experience at the start. They haven't ever shopped for a diamond - how can they know what to look for? Hopefully I can help you get started. Shopping for an engagement ring should be a fun thing. It's such an exciting time of your life so try not to get stressed about this purchase. Let's look at the first three things you should do. Once you get these out of the way, you can focus on the most important part of the ring - the diamond.

Make a Budget

My clients are always recommended to do this first. You want to decide what price you can pay and stick to it. There is no "set in stone" rule about how much you need to spend, although many people recommend spending the equivalent of 2 months salary for the ring.

Please never spend more than your budget is. Some of my friends actually took out large loans for the express purpose of buying a larger ring and they wind up paying on the loan for years. You do not want to wind up with financial problems. Remember that if you can't get her the size stone she wants now you can upgrade it for her later on in life when you have more money. You will figure your budget depending on a few factors, but be ready to put out a large chunk of cash. Diamonds are not inexpensive, but she will wear them forever and I promise the smile it puts on her face will be worth it.

2) Choose the type of metal for the band

There are three choices for the metal used in the setting for the ring: yellow gold, platinum, and white gold. Look at the kind of jewelry she now has. If her preference is yellow gold that's an easy choice and the decision is made. On the other hand if her favorite jewelry is white gold or silver then your choice is between platinum and the white gold. Platinum is a whopping 3 times the price of white or yellow gold, so if you're on a budget white gold becomes an easy choice. However, platinum is the most durable of the 3 metals and numerous folks love it as they believe it's durability makes it possible for the ring to become a family heirloom. Keep in mind that the platinum will get a matte look unless you polish from time to time. This is really the only maintenance with this metal.

White gold is cheaper and a bit more shiny than platinum. It will damage a bit easier but not enough to worry about. You may have to have it replated once every year or so. White gold is not actually white; it is actually gold combined with different metals that give it a look of white. Rhodium is used to plate it with to take the yellow tinge away. If this plating comes off you will start seeing the yellow tinge return. Replating is not very expensive just remember this will need to be done.

It is a good idea to compare how the white gold and platinum look. Some people like one and not the other. This will assist you in making a decision.

Select the Setting

The basic style of a ring is called the setting. Does the ring have one diamond? Does the ring have numerous diamonds? This is what decides what the setting will be on your engagement ring. You can make your decision from 3 varied choices. The simplest setting is that of the solitaire engagement ring and it is the #1 choice. On the band a singular diamond is mounted. This is absolutely fantastic for showing the diamond off. A 3 stone configuration includes one diamond in the middle and then two of lesser size with one on each side. These smaller diamonds are normally 30-60% of the size of the diamond in the center.

A diamond engagement ring with side stones has one main center diamond and then several small diamond on both sides. These diamonds are usually very small so they don't cost an arm and a leg. If you aren't sure what she would prefer, try to find out. The best way is to have one of her friends (that you trust!) ask her and then let you know. Girls talk about jewelry so she won't automatically suspect anything. You will feel a lot better knowing you got her the right one.

When you have done these 3 steps, you can then have some fun picking out the diamond! She will be wearing the diamond for life so be sure you concentrate on picking out a diamond that is stunning! I love watching my wife receive compliments on hers. Shows me that I did my job right!