Buying an Engagement Ring

Did you know the first engagement ring was given in 1477 by Archduke Maximilian of Austria? That means men have been buying the special women in their lives engagement rings for more than 500 years.

So why use diamonds? Thousands of years ago, diamonds were thought to hold magical powers. Diamonds were thought to represent wealth, power, love, spirituality and magic. The Greeks even believed that diamonds were the teardrops of God and that the fire seen reflected in the precious stones was a symbol of a constant flame of love. The Romans were of the belief that diamonds were fragments of stars that had fallen from the sky.

With that kind of romantic historical significance, it's easy to understand why diamonds are still used to represent eternal love and the sacred relationship of marriage.

When you start shopping for the perfect diamond engagement ring, it can seem like an impossible undertaking. From setting your budget to navigating through the thousands of choice available, it's not hard to get overwhelmed.

By understanding the basics of the four C's of buying a diamond engagement ring, you can shop for with the knowledge you need to be confident.

Cut - Cut refers to the specific angles and proportions created by a skilled craftsman when turning a natural diamond into a finished and polished stone.


Color - Color refers to the absence or presence of a particular color in a diamond. The presence of color in a diamond can cause it to look dull and cloudy. A colorless diamond refracts more light and gives a diamond its brilliance.


Clarity - A diamond's clarity is mainly categorized by the presence of absence of minute inclusions. Diamonds with fewer "birthmarks" or blemishes are considered more valuable.


Carat - A diamond's carat refers to a stone's weight. The larger the carat, the more valuable a diamond is. Larger diamonds are much rarer than small stones.

After mastering the four C's you may understand how to find the best ring for your budget, but you may not know which diamond engagement ring is the right one for your bride-to-be.

You know your girlfriend's tastes better than anyone else, so shopping for perfect diamond engagement rings should be a simple task.

Some of the major choices you will have to make include:

Precious metals

Diamond shapes

Engagement ring sizes

Setting your budget

By understanding the precious metals and different ring shapes that are available, you will be able to create the perfect diamond engagement ring for your special someone.


Common diamond shapes:



Start creating your dream engagement ring with the help of the engagement ring experts at Danforth Diamond. Not only can you be certain you will be getting the best deal, you can also rest assured knowing you are getting only quality diamonds and settings. Use our convenient engagement ring buying guide to help you navigate through the process.

With more than 50 years of jewelry expertise, Danforth Diamond is one of the Internet's leading sellers of diamond engagement rings. Their collection of quality diamond engagement rings and solitaires offers diverse options to fit every style and budget. Their commitment goes beyond simply offering the best values on diamond rings; it also extends to include educating and guiding clients through the diamond-buying experience.