Engagement Rings: Selecting the "right" diamond for your fiancée is a wonderful way to express the love and tender feelings in your precious relationship. Yet with so many diamonds to choose from; each with their own unique technical specifications, the experience can be overbearing. The best advice I can offer is to learn as much as you can about your fiancée's jewelry preferences. By exploring her dreams, wishes and desires, you can narrow the field and begin to focus on what's important for her...and you.

All women have some expectation and desire for certain types of jewels. And most women will talk about the sizes and shapes of diamonds they prefer, but never price. With this in mind, spend some time to open up communication about diamonds and jewelry:

Talk with her about diamonds and other jewels; find out what she likes and dislikes

Comment on rings that her friends or neighbors wear, make it open conversation

Check with her friends or possibly even her mother to gain further insight into her favorites

When shopping together, don't shy away from jewelry stores, explore them with her

These efforts will establish a solid rapport around the topic of jewelry and diamonds in particular. Soon you'll grow comfortable discussing diamonds as well as gain knowledge of what's available, but more importantly, you'll know what's right for her.

It's a common rule of thumb to reserve 2 months salary as the amount to spend on your engagement ring. Talk about it with her to further gauge her expectations and desires, it's likely that she'll be thinking not only about "the ring", but also your relationship, both now and in the future. You are embarking on a lifelong partnership, so she'll be thinking of your current situation and the myriad of next steps your take together, house, family and lifestyle in general. Look at your current and future earning potential and work together on what you both want. If you decide on more than 2 months, then you can work this common goal into your plan.

I consider diamonds in the 1.5 - 2.0 carat size to be "Ideal!" because they are a nice viewing size, meaning that the stone is large enough to easily see and admire. The following table provides some diamond size guidance.



Technical diamond specifications are important, but they should not overshadow how she feels; her view of what's important. If you are not familiar with diamond specifications or if you want to freshen up your knowledge on the subject, take a look at the Wikipedia article on diamond gemological characteristics. Before you decide to buy, make sure the diamond has a GIA or AGS certificate which clearly details all of the diamonds specifications.

I think by now you get the point; time spent getting to know the expectations of your fiancée pays off; it helps you to grow even closer and avoids possible disappointment when you decide to pop the question!

One final note, get what she is expecting plus a little more. This speaks to your true feelings more than anything.

FashionGeek
Industry Expert
Jewelsboutique.com
JustLuxe Contributor