By studying the kind of jewellery she generally wears, you can find out a lot about her tastes. If she wears simple jewellery, this is probably a sign that a diamond solitaire may be more appropriate than a flashy engagement ring carrying a cluster of gems.

Be aware of any jewellery she admires, especially engagement rings. If she appears to be particularly impressed by a certain ring, make a mental note of the cut and shape of the stone and the colour of the gold.

The ring you choose should reflect her personality–she’ll be wearing it for a long time, after all.

The Cost of An Engagement Ring

Once you’ve decided on a style, it’s time to determine how much you can spend on the ring.

Traditionally, a man is expected to spend at least the equivalent of two month’s salary, although a lesser amount is acceptable these days.

There are several reasons why the engagement ring was expected to be so costly.

As most young people no longer live in their parent’s homes but have outgoings of their own, unless you’re an especially high earner, nobody will expect you to “prove your worth” by spending two months salary on an engagement ring. What is important is that you spend enough to show her just how much she means to you, based on your own personal budget.

Buying the Engagement Ring

Once you’ve decided on a style and the amount you’re happy to spend, it’s time to head for the shops.

But before you go charging into the first jewellery shop you come across, stop for a moment and remember that this is an engagement ring and, as such, probably the most important piece of jewellery you’ll ever buy.

Before you go shopping, ask around and try to determine which jewellers offer the kind of service you need. If you’re buying a diamond set ring, you’ll want a guarantee that the stone is conflict free, and you’ll want re-sizing included in the price. You’ll also want at least a 12-month guarantee against loss of the stone due to faulty craftsmanship or defects in the materials used.

Decide on a two or three shops, give them your maximum budget minus ten percent, and ask to see the available collections.

Why minus ten percent?

In order to tempt you into spending more, a jeweller will almost invariably include a few pieces that are slightly above your maximum budget. This way, even those rings will still be within your real budget.

Make sure the metal is properly hallmarked, that diamonds carry a certificate including the carat and grading of the stone, and that the jewellery provides a guarantee that the diamonds are conflict free.

Once you’ve procured your chosen engagement ring, all that remains is for you to find the perfect moment and hope that she’ll accept your ring as a perfect symbol of the love you feel for her.