So, you’ve decided to get engaged. Congratulations! Now how do you decide on your engagement ring?

Do you choose the most expensive? How expensive is expensive?

The most expensive diamond ring ever sold was a pink diamond ring, sold for $71.2 million in April this year.

Do you choose the biggest? How big is big?

The pink diamond ring, mentioned above, had 59.60 carats. Now that’s big!

Do you choose the best quality?

The beautiful pink stone above is the largest internally flawless fancy vivid diamond ever graded.

So, really, what is a person to do?

Well, here is a general guideline for buying your engagement ring.

• What is your budget? Make sure you are clear about your budget for your engagement ring and ensure that your jeweler knows this as well.
• Get familiar with the various definitions and terms that you need to help describe the ring you would like. In other words, what setting would you like for your diamond?
• Decide on the style of the head that will hold your center stone. For example, would you like your ring to be bezel set or hold the center stone with six claws?
• What will be the shape of your center stone? Will you choose a round, princess, or emerald cut diamond, etc.?
• How many carats do you want your center stone to be?
• Does your center stone need to be free from specks or inclusions? Does it need to be clear as glass or can it have a bit of a yellow tinge?
• Examine different band shapes. Would you like the band to be tapered, split, or traditional?
• Do you want shoulder stones? If you do, you need to decide how many and how you would like them set. For example you may wish to have them channel set or pave. Get familiar with the various patterns of these accent stones and decide which is right for you.
• You can add other design features to your band as well. You may wish to include milgrain edging or add filigree accents. There are other designs you may wish to include.

This may all seem overwhelming at first – after all, choosing an engagement ring that you can cherish for the rest of your life is a Big Deal.

At Jeff Walters Jewellers, we can help you sort out all your wishes and help you design the ring of your dreams. Once you book an appointment with Jeff, he will educate you on all of the items in the above list. He will ensure that you create an engagement ring that meets your budget and suits your taste. Just book an appointment online, and let the creative juices flow.

Further Reading: http://www.thejewelleryeditor.com/jewellery/know-how/most-expensive-ring-in-the-world