Diamonds

It's a ring she'll wear every day. Before you pace back and forth outside the jewlelry store, working yourself up over such a large purchase, take a deep breath and learn about what to expect when you go in. What choices do you have to make when buying an engagement ring? Do you know enough about her style to make them? Let's find out.

1. Make sure she likes diamonds. Yes, they're typically a girl's best friend, but make sure they're hers, and that she wouldn't prefer rubies or sapphires.

2. What kind of jewelry does she wear now? Is it classic, very clean, without a lot of "stuff" on it? Or does she tend to wear things that are more ornate?

3. Speaking of jewelry she already has, what kind of metal does she usually wear? If it's not yellow gold, you'll want to choose a platinum or white gold setting.

4. Do you know her ring size? (Very important, but sometimes overlooked in the excitement of the purchase!) If not, sneak one from her jewelry box that she doesn't wear often and give it to the jeweler so they can determine her finger size.

5. Has she hinted about what she'd like? Any passing comments, any "Ew, that ring looks awful" kind of remarks?

The best indication of her overall taste for an engagement ring is going to be reflected by what she wears in a typical day. It reflects what she's comfortable in, and therefore what her ring will most often match.

When you go into the jeweler, there will be a few basic decisions that will help you narrow down the vast selection, and the above questions will help you once you get to that point.

Initially, the jeweler will want to ask you a few things. First, the size of the diamond you want is probably what they'll want to know. Diamonds are measured in carats, and to get a feel for what that means, ask to see a half carat and a full carat setting. This will give you a sense of proportion if you're not familiar with it. Once you know the ballpark figure for weight, the type of metal and the kind of shape will be the other big choices. Again, if she never wears yellow gold, now is not the time to purchase it! The ring needs to match what she generally wears because she'll have it on every day.

Shape is a matter of personal taste. The classic cut is the solitaire, which also happens to be the most popular because it never goes out of style. Ask the jeweler to show you a few different kinds of cuts. Odds are good that there will be one you've seen in her other jewelry, or that you instinctively know matches her taste. Go with your gut feeling-you know your girl well, and you are totally capable of picking out the perfect ring for her!

Once you decide on the weight, metal setting, and diamond shape, you may also have to figure out if you want a single-set diamond, or one that's an arrangement. Again, that's a combination of personal taste and what she feels comfortable in. Does she have delicate hands, where too much might look too heavy on her? Does her other jewelry tend to be a simple, single setting?

These questions should get you well on your way to purchasing her engagement ring. And remember that the jeweler should be there to help you. Ask around for a good one, and they can help walk you through every step to be sure you pick the diamond that will last forever.