While engagement rings have only romantic connotations today, they originated for a much different purpose. They were used as a symbol of a groom purchasing his bride. The engagement ring was partial payment – a symbol of his good intentions as a husband and provider. The ring was traditionally worn on the ring finger of the left hand because it was believed that the vein in the finger went straight to the heart.

Today grooms do not purchase their brides and we know that the vein in the ring finger does not go straight to the heart. However, engagement rings are still worn. Today they are worn as a symbol of a man and a woman’s love and commitment to marriage.

When you are ready to make what will be the most important purchase of your married life (yes, even more important than your house) there are several things that you should keep in mind.

What should I consider when purchasing an engagement ring?

First, set a budget for you engagement ring purchase. But leave yourself a bit of room to move. Some experts suggest that the cost of an engagement be based on the equivalent of two months salary. Others suggest that it be based on three weeks salary. These are just guidelines, not rules. Make your budgeting decisions based on your financial situation. If you choose to go with a less expensive ring now, you can always upgrade your diamond or add stones to the ring at some point in the future.

Next, take into consideration preferences and style. If the boyfriend is purchasing the ring alone, sneak a peek at her jewellery box. Does she prefer white gold over yellow gold? Would she rather have platinum? Does she like diamonds or would a coloured stone be more her taste? Look at her hand. Smaller, more delicate hands look best with thinner bands while larger hands and longer fingers look better with thicker bands. Review her lifestyle. Would she risk damaging or losing a large stone at work or at play? Feel free to ask her what her preferences are.

Many couples will choose the ring out together and some men will take their girlfriends shopping for rings to get a better idea of what would suit her best. While the final decision will be made by the boyfriend, the girlfriend’s feelings and preferences should be taken into account. After all, she is the one who will be wearing this ring for the rest of her life.

The Four C's of diamond purchasing

If you have decided on a diamond engagement ring, keep in mind the four C’s when you are making your purchase. Make sure that you are paying an appropriate price for the quality of diamond that you are purchasing. Larger isn’t necessarily better. Small, fine diamonds may cost more than larger, inferior diamonds.

Cut: The cut, or shape, of the stone is an important factor in determining the quality of the stone. Stones may be cut in many shapes: brilliant (round), emerald (square/rectangular), oval, teardrop (pear) and marquise (oval with two points).

Clarity: Flawless diamonds are very rare. Most diamonds have inclusions (flaws) ranging from tiny spots to large carbon spots. The fewer the flaws, the better quality the diamond.

Colour: The perfect diamond is colourless. Most diamonds have a hint of yellow or brown to them. Colour is considered to be one of the most important factors in evaluating a diamonds quality.

Carat: The carat is the total weight of the stone. One carat has one hundred points.  The price of the stone is determined by the number of points.

A Colourful Possibility - Birthstones in the Engagement Ring

Although diamonds are the most popular stones used in engagement rings, they are not the only choice. Many brides are breaking away from tradition and selecting a  stone of a different colour. Princess Diana, for example, chose a sapphire to compliment her blue eyes. Many brides choose their birthstone.

Birthstones for Each Month

January – Garnet

February – Amethyst

March – Bloodstone, Aquamarine or Jasper

April – Diamond

May – Emerald or Agate

June – Pearl, Moonstone or Emerald

July – Ruby or Onyx

August – Sardonyx, Peridot or Carnelian

September – Sapphire

October – Opal, Aquamarine, or tourmaline

November – Topaz

December – Turquoise, Zircon or Ruby

In the end, she will love whatever ring you have selected. Remember, it’s not just the ring that makes the engagement memorable. It’s also the way that you propose. Women love to retell the story of how their fiancée or husband proposed to them. So don’t just think about the ring, think about how you are going to make the event itself memorable.

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