Engagement Rings - buying them is as unique experience as the ring itself

The first step of deciding to get wed is often the hardest. Although organising a wedding is never considered easy, it doesn't necessarily have to be an exhausting time. People planning for a wedding should try and enjoy every step of it, from the engagement all the way to the big day itself and beyond to the honeymoon. Traditionally an engagement ring is often prepared before proposing, but as most jewellers will tell you, allowing the lady to pick out her ideal ring from a selection of antique or vintage engagement rings is by far the best option. This doesn't mean one shouldn't come prepared with something to put on a lady's finger, but swapping it at a later date for the ring of her dreams is really not an issue. Currently a new wave of jewellers has come into existence on the internet, some of which have the same exacting standards as you would find on the high street. However, in general the main difference is cost.

Blue sapphire with pave diamond engagement rings

As high street stores have a huge set of overheads, such as rent, insurance etc., online stores are able to undercut them as their costs are dramatically reduced. With some research you should easily be able to find a couple of decent stores such as 365-diamond.com that has experienced diamond mounters and a lovely collection of stones and designs for you to choose from. If you are brave enough to know exactly what sort of ring your better half will want, such as a solitaire engagement ring or an emerald engagement ring and you have her exact ring size then by all means go and get the ring before proposing. Otherwise wait to see what from the range of gemstone engagement rings she wants, or better still, design your own engagement ring together. Not only will this be a fun and unique experience, you will be able to get exactly what you want within your budget.

Elegant diamond engagement rings

In determining how much you have to spend, some will adhere to the three months salary rule, which was invented by De Beers, the world's largest diamond supplier, to make people spend as much money as possible on their diamonds. Better is to determine an amount you want to spend and then look at what is available. If you are thinking about a diamond then have the 4 C's firmly fixed in your thoughts. Carat size will affect the price of the diamond the most, and is often the most important aspect of a diamond for those looking for a unique engagement ring. Colour, clarity and cut are the remaining 3 C's, and all have an impact on the price. However if you have a price, size and shape in mind, you are already most of the way there in terms of choosing vintage style engagement rings for the girl of your dreams. And if you are lacking in ideas for the design of the ring be sure to check some examples out either online or in a shop first.