Choosing the perfect diamond engagement ring is something every engaged couple puts a lot of thought into. They go through the process of looking at different settings to find the one that's "just right". If you are lucky enough to have inherited an antique engagement ring or setting - you can always upgrade the diamond if you wish. One might think that this quest for the best would be an expensive undertaking and one that requires a lot of knowledge about designing and making jewellery. However, this is not the case when you start with these three easy steps.

• Choosing the design of the band
• Choosing the carat weight & cut of the diamond
• Choosing the setting for the diamond

Let's look at each in detail:

Choosing the design of the band

Perhaps you've always wanted to design your own engagement ring! This may seem a bit overwhelming at first so start with something simple. Begin by decided from one or even a combination of the following metals:

• Yellow gold
• White gold
• Rose gold
• Silver
• Platinum
• Titanium

Any of the above will beautifully accommodate diamonds in a wedding band. Buy what you love!

Choosing the carat weight & cut of the diamond

Set a budget and try very hard to stick with it! Buying a ring is an emotional time and some couples spend way more than they can afford. Keep in mind that you can always upgrade your diamond later if you wish. The qualities of the diamond range from flawless to those with small inclusions. The stones that do have some slight flaws are not so imperfect that you can see them with the naked eye.

Another option for choosing diamond wedding rings for either a man or a woman, you can look at having a row of diamonds set in the band. The size and number of diamonds will affect both the setting and the price of the ring. The type of diamond cut that you have also affects the look and the price of the ring. Some of the most popular cuts include:

• Round
• Square
• Emerald
• Marquis
• Princess

Choosing the setting of the diamond

The setting of the diamond depends on the number of stones you desire and their size. A popular style diamond ring with several diamonds uses a channel setting. This means that the stones are set in a row in a channel in the metal of the ring so that they look as if they are in a continuous row.

Other things you need to know

In past times, the focus was on the ring for the bride, but modern couples want both the bride and the groom to have an exquisite looking ring. When choosing a diamond ring, you have to look at the 4C’s of diamonds: color, clarity, cut and carat (which refers to the weight of the diamond). Colored diamonds are by far the most expensive, but you can choose a wedding ring that contains one diamond and several colored gemstones and get the same effect.

Published with permission (FCDMInc)