The first step is to decide on how much you are able and prepared to spend on an engagement ring. This is usually an expensive purchase, but remember that it is a lifelong possession. Your proposal will always be a special memory for both of you and the ring plays a major role in the event. Financial advisors usually recommend that you spend up to two months’ salary on this purchase and no more.

Next, try to find out what styles your partner likes. Do a casual walk past a couple of jewellery stores and pay attention to her comments. You may ask for help from a friend or sister who knows her and her tastes well and who can be trusted not to tell her of your plans. If you are not able to get a proper idea from these sly tactics, rather ask her directly than venture into the jewellery store on your own. Women are very particular about the engagement ring, as they plan to show it to friends, family and even milkmen who feign interest. So, it is ultimately better to get her something she will like than to insist she has NO idea of your intentions.

Do some research about diamonds and diamond quality. Make sure that you have a balanced approach. A 0.8 carat ring is just as sparkly and romantic as a 1.5 carat ring, so be flexible. Generally, there are four aspects that make up the overall quality of the ring. These are called the four C’s:

Clarity – the purity of the stone, which is gauged by studying the internal inclusions and external blemishes (clouding) that can be seen. To get a good idea of the quality, you would examine how many blemishes there are, their location and the size of such imperfections. However, almost no man-on-the-street can afford a flawless stone, so look at the diamond with a naked eye and make sure that it is as clear as you will be happy to accept.

Cut – the proportions, symmetry and finish of the diamond. That is, how the diamond reflects light and sparkles. Since the angles within the stone are what bounce light back, these should be symmetrical and clear.

Colour – a perfect diamond is perfectly clear, but most diamonds have some hint of yellow or brown in them.

Carat – the weight (and, therefore, size) of the stone. In addition to just being a larger stone, bigger diamonds are more difficult to find. This means that a two carat diamond will cost more than four half carat stones. So, think about the design and how many stones you need. If your partner has indicated that she prefers a cluster of diamonds, this will likely be cheaper than one big diamond.

Once you have an idea of what you are looking for and how much you have to spend on it, do not settle for the first ring you find. Shop around and explore the possibilities. Even consider looking into second-hand and antique rings. These should be cheaper, but may offer you exactly the design and size that you may have had difficulty in finding elsewhere. This is a purchase that is worth your time, patience and research.

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This means that environmentally aware (or “green”) couples can choose an option that will not require mining. In their more common forms, a one-carat diamond requires that 275 tons of ore be mined. This has major implications in terms of the stability of the land, the natural wealth of any given mined area and the safety of mine workers, who are often taking enormous risks by mining for these valuable nuggets.

The diamonds produced by DNA2Diamonds come in a variety of colours and can range in size from delicate 0.25 carats to an impressive 2 carats. Despite the processes involved in creating these hairy treasures, they are far cheaper than ordinary diamonds too.

Platinum

Symbol: Pt

Platinum is a versatile, pure and rare metal offering a beautiful white lustre. This particular metal is a popular choice among brides for both the engagement and wedding rings.

Qualities and Basic Info on Platinum

• Platinum is hypoallergenic and is therefore suitable for those with sensitive skins.
• Platinum rings and jewellery will not fade or tarnish over time, therefore making it an ideal choice of metal for jewellery to be worn on a daily basis.
• Resistant to wear and tear and durable, Platinum rings will ensure  diamonds or other precious stones are well protected for the years ahead.
• Diamonds will have their beauty and colour enhanced by Platinum rings.
• Platinum is very rare and therefore rings and jewellery made from Platinum will be more costly or expensive.
• Platinum is a dense metal, thus a platinum ring will be heavier than a gold ring.

Gold

Symbol: Au

Gold is certainly the most popular worn metal around the world. This versatile and precious metal has been used for centuries for monetary purposes, ornaments and jewellery.

Qualities and Basic Info on Gold

• Gold is unaffected by most chemicals and does not tarnish.
• There are different varieties of Gold including:

1. • Rose Gold
   • White Gold (see below for more information)
   • Green Gold
   • Blue Gold

• Other metals are alloyed with Gold to give the Gold different colours or tinges as well as to strengthen the Gold.
• Gold is measured in karats which is the measurement that determines the number of Gold to other metals on a scale of 1 to 24 (24 karat = Pure Gold).

White Gold

White gold is a combination of metals including an alloy of Gold and silver metals such as silver or palladium. Some combinations may even include Platinum for weight and durability purposes.

Qualities and Basic Info on White Gold

• White Gold is measured in Karats and is available in various karats. The highest quality of White Gold is usually at least 17 karat, but popular options include the following:

1. • 18 karat
   • 14 karat
   • 9 karat

• White cold rings and jewellery are made “more white” using a technique called Rhodium plating.
• White gold rings and jewellery will require more cleaning or recoating over time. You can find from your jeweller how much this should cost.
• White gold jewellery, if mixed with nickel can result in a skin reaction i.e. skin rash. If you do have sensitive skin, make sure to check with your jeweller / jewellery designer that the jewellery items do NOT include nickel.

Titanium

Titanium has been becoming more popular in the past few years. This durable, silverfish grey metal is the hardest metal in
the world.

Qualities and Basic Info on Titanium

• Titanium jewellery is very light weight
• Pure titanium is also 100% hypoallergenic, therefore it is suitable for those with sensitive skins
• Titanium is three times as strong as steel and stronger than Gold, Silver and Platinum
• Titanium jewellery is not scratch resistant.
• Titanium rings cannot be resized – something important to keep in mind when choosing a titanium wedding or engagement ring.

Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver is most used for jewellery for both its beauty and durability and is one of the three classic precious metals, alongside Gold and Platinum. It is an alloy of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper.

Qualities and Basic Info on Silver

• Sterling Silver is more affordable in comparison to the Gold, Platinum and Titanium.
• Silver has been around forever and therefore is a safe fashion choice and will never go out of fashion.
• Silver tends to scratch easily.
• Silver has been known to cause skin irritations for those with sensitive skins.

Taking the above information into account will allow you to determine the most suitable metal for your rings or bands and allow you to stick within your budget.

Try to be as sure as possible that he or she does want to marry you. You should have at least discussed this with a fair amount of seriousness in the recent past. Your discussion should have included factors such as whether you both want children, any possible relocation, future goals and ideals. This will have prepared him or her for the prospect of marriage so that you are not left standing in front of a wide-eyed, gaping partner, taken completely by surprise and having to consider the prospect afresh. It is easy to confuse the exhilarating feeling that you first feel with someone as undying love, but it is far wiser to make sure that you have been together for long enough to be sure that this is, indeed, the person you want to share life’s little ups and downs with.

Making it a surprise, though, is still very important. Just discussing the fact that you would want to get married does not mean that you have spoilt the surprise or that you do not need to put any effort into the surprise proposal. Unless you know your future fiancé (hopefully) wants a public proposal, opt for something intimate and discreet. The proposal is a very special and private moment, and should be reserved for the two of you, unless there are special circumstances.

Once you have decided where to surprise your partner, practice how you will do it. Include details such as getting down on your knee, presenting the ring, taking it out of the box without fumbling with anything, and so on. This will make you less nervous and clumsy, and will put your partner at ease during this exciting event. Also, visit the area in which you plan to propose to make sure that it is private enough, not prone to bad weather, that there is actually a place for you to drop to one knee, etc… The spot you choose should hold some significance to you as a couple so that he or she can remember it fondly.

The ring that you select for your partner should reflect that you know them and their style well. It may be a good idea to pick up their comments and reactions to rings they have seen other people wearing, or that have been on display in shop windows. Asking someone else to help you pick it may be advisable if you have a good relationship with her mother, sister or friend. If your partner has indicated that he / she would prefer to design their own ring, take this seriously and allow them the freedom to do this. If this is the case, you may present just the diamond, or another piece of jewellery when proposing.

If you are the prospective husband, always speak to her parents before proposing to her. This shows respect, and will almost certainly earn their favour.

When you propose, be creative with what you say, as long as you mean it. Tell your partner why you want to marry them and what you see in your future together. This will not only melt their hearts, it will also leave them in no doubt of your feelings and intentions with them. Being creative also means not churning out the lines made famous in movies, or putting the ring in the bottom of the champagne glass or in the food.

Do not be surprised or disappointed if your beloved asks for some time to think about their response. This shows maturity and likely reflects the same time you put into this decision in preparing for the proposal. It is only fair to allow them the opportunity to digest the offer and come back to you with a sincere and willing reply.