Deciding to pop the question can be nerve-wracking enough but finding the perfect engagement ring often makes things much more difficult. How do you know you are choosing the right ring among the millions of different styles that are available? Does an engagement ring need to be expensive and what materials should you choose? Here are some tips on how to find the right engagement ring for that special moment you ask the love of your life to marry you.

How to choose the stone and band

With millions of combinations out there it can be difficult to know where to start. Try to think of what color jewelry your partner wears most as this will ensure the band matches their other items. Diamonds are a popular choice for the stone, and a good option if you like traditional choices but don’t rule out colored stones! Birthstones can add an extra personal touch, or opt for one they’ve said they like. Many people wear their engagement rings together with their wedding rings, so choosing the right materials is a good idea. Yellow gold, white gold or rose gold is a great choice and silver or platinum can be great for someone who prefers silver to gold jewelry. Sterling silver rings can last for decades if they are well maintained and are a low-cost option if you would like to stick to a smaller budget.

Consider their lifestyle

If your partner works in an industry that’s heavy in manual labor or regularly gets their hands dirty, a ring with a large diamond might not be the best bet. Taking their job into consideration will ensure you chose a ring that is suitable for their lifestyle and will help minimize any damages or loses that may otherwise occur.

The 4 C’s

Cut, color, clarity and carat. A combination of all these 4 can help you choose the perfect ring by ensuring not only does it look beautiful, but it’s high quality. Start your search early to choose an engagement ring that scores high in all areas and fits the personality of your future bride/groom to a T.

Ensure the quality

As a large investment, you want to ensure you take all precautions to protect your engagement ring so make sure to choose a ring with a diamond guarantee or certification. This will ensure your ring is correctly priced and quality assured, as well as helping to cover you in the future should anything happen to it. Choosing ethically sourced diamonds can also help ensure your ring is that much more special to your loved one and the planet.