Buying Guide to Engagement Rings

Many cultures, including the United States, it is customary for a man to give a ring when he asks his girl for marriage. The engagement ring is a promise ring. A promise to be married. When someone sees an engagement ring on a woman, they know her thoughts are engaged on her beloved.

Truthfully, most women now expect a ring upon engagement. If you decide to not present one, you may have some explaining to do! Because of this importance, buying an engagement ring is one of the most important acts you as a future husband can do.

During the 1900's, the diamond company DeBeers did a major push on using diamonds in engagement rings. As a result, the most common, (and guys it is the most expected) ring is indeed a diamond ring. Remember, diamonds are a girl's best friend. If you do not choose a diamond, you had better have a very good reason. Girls expect it. They want it. They crave that diamond engagement ring to show off.

However, it is perfectly fine to get another stone--ruby, emerald, even her birth stone. But if your girl is a traditional girl, only diamonds will do! Many couples may choose what type to get together and choose something else. But if you are going to plan a surprise, romantic proposal, get a diamond engagement ring. If you blow this, you are going to have to do some fast talking.

Play it safe. Get a diamond.

Okay guys, now that you have decided to pop the question, how can you find her ring size? You don't want to spoil the surprise, right?

Well, you could just ask. That's the simple method. But that would spoil things, right?

Here are some tips to get her ring size in 'secret.'
Steal one of her rings and find out!
Ask her friends.
Casually stop at a jewelry counter and get her to try on rings. This is just a casual window shopping kind of thing and she will never know. Then make a note of the size.
You could guess, but that's an iffy proposition.
If you guess, be sure and get one that you know is a little too large. If it is too small, she can't wear it. If it's large, she can wear before you both go get it resized. Nothing wrong with getting a ring resized.

Engagement rings go on the finger next to the pinky, left hand. The same finger as the wedding band will go. Knowing this will keep you from the embarrassment of having to ask her, or -gasp- putting it on the wrong finger. When people (guys especially!) see a ring in this location, it is indeed a sign that the chick's chosen!

This finger is called the finger of love, as people thought that a vein went from here straight to the heart.

You can go to many discount jewelers and get a decent looking diamond engagement ring for about $100. Will it be dazzling? No. But it will be a diamond and look fairly good. It may take a magnifying glass to see the diamond, so sometimes that put it in a setting that makes it look bigger. Just beware that if your girl likes bling, this may get a nasty look. Know your girl before buying this ring. If she knows you have very limited money, you may get away with this. Just don't expect a big hug and kiss. Do not spend less than $100. You will get a very cheap ring that will please nobody.

Diamond rings between $200 and $500 will look so much better than the cheap ones. $300 is about the lowest you can go for an engagement ring with some sparkle.

For around $500, you can add a fancier setting and larger diamond. Now we are talking a little sparkle at a somewhat low price. $500 may be the lowest you should actually go.

Between $750 and $1000 you can start to get an eye-popping diamond ring. She will notice this baby. If you want your proposal to end with a huge "I LOVE YOU" hug, you better pony up the cash at least to this price range.

Now, even though we are talking bling, there really is no need to go much past $1,000. For most guys, you'll go broke even at this level. Unless you are filthy rich, you really don't need to go further. $1,000 will buy a gorgeous ring that your woman will be proud to flash around to her envious girl friends.

If you see CZ next to a ring's description, it is cubic zirconia, not diamond. Many will try and fool you by saying it is diamond CZ or something similar. Look for the carat weight. This is sure way of avoiding CZ scams and cons. How will you fell if your woman finds out it is a fake diamond? Brutal!

BEWARE!
There are many, many fake diamonds. Some will even claim to have the clarity and even give you a carat weight! These ads are quite deceptive. Nothing is even close to a diamond. Even a small diamond beats these hands down. These are fancy costume jewelry pieces. They look good while wearing costumes.

BEWARE! #2
These fake diamonds have all sorts of names: diamonique, diamondaura, even faux diamond. Faux is a fancy way of saying fake. These terms are there for legal reasons, but mostly to get you to think they are some type of a diamond. If you want costume jewelry, these will do. But not for engagement rings.

It used to be a woman kept the ring. But then courts realized this could lead to many men being taken just for some ring bling. Now, it looks as if the man gets the ring back.

It is now custom for all parties to return items purchased in regards to an engagement. And it really does not matter who calls it off. If the guy has to sue, chances are, he will win a return of the ring. Remember, it was given in contemplation of marriage. If that's over, the promise is over.

Of course, this does not mean the problem is solved. This can lead to a long court case, complete with all dirty laundry airing. Some guys may be better off letting go of the ring. Better to lose a ring, than a lot of friends and family. This is one more reason to not go broke on an engagement ring.

Oops, one more thing. If you get married, the ring is hers forever! It will not be property to split during a divorce.

Silver for engagement rings is okay and traditional. But it tarnishes and needs cleaning often. Gold is a good option, especially white gold as it is not as dark as other gold and is easier kept clean. Platinum is also a good choice, but will be more expensive. In fact, platinum is rising in popularity, but the price is rising as well. If you like being on the cutting-edge, platinum is the only choice. However, you better have some serious coin in your wallet if you are thinking about purchasing a platinum engagement ring.

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