Instead of purchasing a ring with a huge diamond, some couples opt for an engagement ring with a strong gold band and setting (10K – 14K) with cubic zirconia for the center stone and accent stones.  Other gems can be used as well, adding color and more meaning to the ring.  For example, rubies, jade, or onyx can be used.  This adds value to the ring, while personalizing it for the couple.  A colorful cluster setting can be used to accent a larger center stone of cubic zirconia or other gemstone for a unique design.

In addition to pure gemstones, polished glass gems are sometimes used.  If the engagement ring is purely for symbolism rather than monetary value, the variety of colors available give a vast choice in color and design that is limited only by the imagination.  Birthstone colors for the couple can be arranged in a circular design symbolizing their never-ending love and the combination of their birth attributes.  Not only will the engagement ring shine with beauty, but the gems and choice of metals for the band and setting will last for many years to come, even with daily wear.

Yet another option is to design and purchase an engagement ring that is made of all metal.  Perhaps a design of platinum woven with gold can be used, sporting a symbol for something that the couple believes in.  The Love Knot is a common symbol used in metal engagement rings.  There are many others, including Yin and Yang and Linked Circles.  Other designs, such as family insignias and designs that show meaning such as clouds, trees, and initials are also popular.  Ultimately, it is the couple’s choice and common interests that will find the perfect engagement ring, combining their love for each other with the things that bring meaning to their lives.

The woman that is a connoisseur of contemporary art, craves all the new music, and loves to see unusual architecture she may prefer a modern style for her engagement ring.  She loves the unusual things, like the silly looking (but intelligent) mutt puppy at the dog shelter.  At times, the same is said about the scruffy and rugged choice of her husband-to-be, according to her mother!  But she loves things to be different, and perhaps a diamond in a wide platinum band with diamond chip accents gives her that above-the-ordinary look she will love for her engagement ring.

Classic is a word that describes the tried and true, original and well-loved by many people.  Things like classic cars, Coke Classic, and classic movies like “The Wizard of Oz” are examples.  The word represents tradition, especially for the bride-to-be that wants a wedding seeped in traditions such as the flowing white gown, and dancing the night away with her groom in the Grand Ballroom.  The perfect style of engagement ring for this bride-to-be would have a beautifully cut center diamond with diamond accents on each side of the main setting, in either a shining platinum or smooth gold.  The accent stones can be in an elongated style or the classic three-stone style that is so loved.

The Vintage bride-to-be is the savvy shopper that went to the thrift stores in high school and college, putting together the most amazing outfits with a flare and styles that are timeless.  Although she can now afford the designer handbags and the newest styles in wedding gowns, she would prefer to be married in the dress her grandmother wore in the 1940’s.  Her engagement ring preference may be a vintage style of custom-cut center diamond surrounded by a halo of small diamonds for the look that will light up her eyes.

The first thing to consider is that the wearer of the ring makes the purchase more special.  Be sure the ring fits the personality of the person that will wear it every day.  Their daily activities and interests will determine the style of ring that you choose, so be sure that your engagement ring purchase is really appropriate.  For example, if your bride-to-be is an outdoors type of person, be sure that your purchase matches that personality.  Keeping that consideration in mind will help you in the next steps.

When you make a major purchase, such as this engagement ring, you want to be sure that you are protected in different ways in order to maintain the value of the purchase you made.  But there are some factors to watch for that you will need as well as some that may be “over-kill” in protecting your purchase.  For example, does the insurance policy proposed involve routine cleaning and inspections to preserve the setting?  That little bit of maintenance can mean the difference between losing your precious gems and making the ring last nearly forever.  The cleanings keep your engagement ring looking new, with the same brilliance it had when you bought it.

Some insurance for your engagement ring will cover the cost of size adjustments, in case the wearer gains or loses weight, has injuries to their fingers, or finds that the original size is not correct.  The insurance may also cover the loss of the ring, but be sure to read this clause carefully.  Some say they will cover the loss, but only if a homeowner’s policy does not.  In most cases, the homeowner’s policy requires you to show evidence of the purchase as well as an official report on file that you reported the loss.  Sometimes, even that is not enough.  If your homeowner’s insurance refuses coverage due to a lack of information, your engagement ring insurance may refuse to cover your loss also.

The bottom line is that must be sure you understand the costs and terms involved with the extras you purchase with your engagement ring.  Be sure to read the fine print.

In today’s society, couples are getting more creative in the styles and designs of their engagement rings.  Depending on the orientation of the couple and religious or ethnic traditions, both men and women wear the rings as a promise to each other.  So it is important that the engagement ring reflects the style and personality of the wearer.  At times, the ring will reflect a family history, such as a coveted ring worn by a respected member of the family.  But with all of the new technology in making fine jewelry, more couples are opting to design their own engagement rings as a symbol of a new beginning.

There are some considerations in choosing the metal for your ring setting.  Titanium has gone out of fashion, and nickel can cause an allergic reaction in some people.  Gold in combination with a metal alloy is usually suggested, not only for the strength of the ring, but also for its value.  Keep in mind that gold is a soft metal, so the higher the karat weight the weaker than setting will be.  The cost is higher, too, so keep that in mind with your engagement ring design.

Most often, diamonds are used as the main stone in the rings, but some couples opt for other precious gems such as rubies and opals.  The gemstones chosen should be of a size that it will not totally overpower a custom setting and if a combination of gemstones is used, the pattern should be complimentary and have personal meaning to the wearer.  For example, the gemstone may be representative of a loved one or the birth month of the wearer.  Another choice is a combination of stones that represents both partners, as well as a setting that reflects an important event or common interest.

• Look at the Practicality of the Ring – You have to be well-versed in the personality and activities of the person that will be wearing that engagement ring.  For instance, if you are proposing to a debutant that now does light office work for a living, that beautiful delicate setting may be appropriate.  But if she is the outdoors type that does a lot with her hands, that delicate setting might get damaged, and the gemstone could get lost.  Fit the ring to her personality.
• Check the Durability of the Ring – Some ring styles and materials are more durable than others, resisting bending or the loss of gemstones.  The type of setting as well as the materials in the ring should match how the wearer lives on a daily basis, since she will most likely wear it every day.  Be sure that the engagement ring can withstand this wear and tear without suffering the heart-breaking damage that can occur.
• Let Her Have the Final Word – You may choose a ring for the proposal, and shop for another one later.  In order to have complete satisfaction in the choice of engagement rings, it is important to know her tastes and to allow her to have some input the style chosen.
• Know Her Ring Size – More often than not, you probably already know her ring size prior to shopping for that engagement ring.  But people do fluctuate in size throughout the years, so it is always a good idea to determine her ring size in a discrete way.  You can compare a current ring to one you want to buy, and adjust by a small bit if she complains that her rings are loose or if they feel tight.
• Insure the Ring – There are times that she may remove the engagement ring for certain activities that could damage it.  This leaves the ring prone to loss or damage other than normal wear and tear.  Be sure you protect the investment.

• Start At Low Cost – Some grooms choose to buy an inexpensive ring for the proposal day and go shopping with their fiancé another time in order to get an engagement ring that they are both happy with.  Cubic zirconia is one option for a brilliant gemstone, with an alloy metal that resembles gold.  Of course, the bride-to-be should be made aware that the engagement ring given at that point is purely for symbolism, and that there is more to come.
• Find a Reputable Jeweler – The right jeweler will tell you the differences in engagement rings they have on display, and help to educate you in choosing jewelry.  You should check to see if the jeweler is recognized by professional associations and regulating organizations.  In addition, check the average pricing between different jewelers to be sure that you are getting reasonable pricing for what you are purchasing.
• Fix Your Budget – You should never spend more than you can afford on an engagement ring.  Your monthly household budget, your savings accounts, and other factors should be considered.  According to tradition, the groom should spend no more than two months worth of his income in the purchase of the ring.  Some will pay more, depending on the amount of savings they have or guaranteed income in the future.  But remember not to use all of your “rainy day” money in buying that special engagement ring.  Emergencies happen, and you still have to be prepared for them.

An engagement is a special occasion and the ring given as a gift of promise is special.  There are times that a groom will get down on one knee and propose with the infamous cigar band.  Although the romance is there, the engagement ring is a much better idea.

• Solitaire – Just as the name implies, this ring boasts a single gemstone with either a polished band or one that is ornately engraved.  This style is popular for its simplicity in styling and the versatility is choosing the carat size of a single gem, maintaining its value.
• Cluster – A more ornate design, the cluster ring is any number of smaller gemstones designed in a close design.  Depending on the type of gems and the size of the gem fragments, the cost can be more affordable than a solitaire to some people.  There is one caveat, though.  The total carat weight costs more than what the ring can be sold for, since the total carat weight does not reflect the carat weight of each gem or gem fragment.
• Three-Stone – This style has a larger center gemstone with two small gems of the same or a different type on each side.  This style is popular since the setting can be closer to the band for more active wearers while still boasting some beautiful gems and styling.  On the reverse, the center gem can be quite large, depending on the budget of the purchaser and the tastes of the wearer.
• Matching Wedding Sets – All of the above styles can be paired with the bride’s matching wedding band as well as the groom’s coordinated wedding band.  Some will have gems embedded in the tops of them, with the band being shaped to nest closely with the engagement ring, and the gems in the groom’s ring coordinating with the bride’s rings.

There are other styles, including custom-made designs that you can purchase.  Your choice will depend on your tastes as well as the bride-to-be’s tastes, as well as the budget you have for their purchase.

• Band – The band, as you probably know, is the circular portion of the ring that fits around your finger.  It can be made of several different metals or a combination of metals.  The most common metal used is gold, being yellowish-orange naturally.  Most often it alloyed with other metals that lighten its color make it stronger.  Gold is a soft metal, and the higher the karat weight, the less durable it is.  Higher karat gold is more expensive as well.  It is common for people to choose 14k gold versus 24k for both of these reasons.
• Setting – This is the portion of the wring that holds or displays the design or gemstone in a ring.  The setting can be an inlay in the ring that is flush with the band or a raised prong setting.  In some instances, a pronged setting will have six or more prongs to securely hold a chosen gemstone.  In addition, the setting may be made of platinum because of its durability in daily wear, as well as its light color.  Gold tends to reflect a yellow tint into a diamond, dulling its appearance.
• Gemstone – The gemstone is the centerpiece of the ring, and in most engagement rings it will be a diamond.  But in today’s economy, couples are turning to cubic zirconia because of its lower cost and brilliance in appearance.  Cubic zirconia appears to be a diamond to the naked eye, so only the couple (and their jeweler) will know the difference.

These are the very basic bits of knowledge that you have to have in choosing an engagement ring.  The best idea is to find a reputable jeweler that give you more information on the value of jewelry and can assist you in making the perfect choice.

This ring is available in sizes 3 to 11.75, in white gold, yellow gold, and platinum, and can be set with cushion, emerald, heard, marquise, oval, pear, princess, radiant, and round diamonds.  Basically, this is an all-around great option if you are looking for something simple that can accommodate a host of different stones and finger sizes.