The choice of diamond selection will depend on whether you want to choose from the many re-set rings or to allow you choose to design your own ring. Choosing from pre-set rings usually means you have a limited choice but the choice will be varied and less expensive than choosing a separate diamond and setting in your favourite metal. These diamonds are usually of a good colour of G or H clarity of a SI1 or VS2 with a good cut, in white gold or platinum setting. The choice of metal will be a personal one platinum is more expensive while white gold is cheaper but will fade and tarnish quicker than the harder wearing platinum.



The choice of metal will depend on the personality of the bride to be a more traditional bride might choose a yellow gold setting while a more adventurous bride will want white platinum set with a sparkling white diamond in a 3 or 4 prong setting. Coloured diamond engagement rings or a fancy gem choice is popular today with lots of celebrity brides choosing from red sapphires rich rubies, corn blue sapphires or stunning yellow diamonds. Gemstone engagement rings are usually cheaper than coloured diamonds or clear diamonds.



When choosing a solitaire diamond you will need to keep in mind your budget your preferences and the alternatives. It is important to stay on budget as it will be very easy to get distracted by the various beautiful diamonds on display. The 4C’s is important to remember when factoring in the cut, colour, carat and clarity of the diamond. A low carat diamond with a good cut in a SI1 or a VS2 is sufficient as flaws or inclusions are invisible to the naked eye unless the clarity level is extremely low. Black diamonds, blue champagne or pretty pink diamonds are a trendy choice for a fashionable bride who has her own sence of style.



If diamonds aren’t for you then a ruby, sapphire, garnet, topaz, tanzanite, citrine or amethyst in colours of the rainbow will give a multitude of choices. Colourful fancy gemstones are a good choice for a bride born around the month of the gemstone you choose. For example sapphire is the stone of September ruby the “glowing stone “of Thailand is a luminous colour for the bride to be with a strong sence of who she is. The black diamond is a bold choice for brides who want to fly in the face of tradition.



A black diamond in a 4 prong setting in a solitaire style or in an accented style flanked by smaller complementary black diamonds looks stunning. Mixes of coloured and white diamonds are a great choice if you must have a traditional diamond. Black and white diamonds will suit any ring finger and will be a great accessory for any outfit from the little black dress to the glamorous ball gown. The shape of the diamond shouldn’t be confused with the cut of the diamond the cut is responsible for the inner and outer ability of the diamond to shine and shimmer where as the shape of the diamond is the outer design of the diamond. Emerald, Princess, Assher, Marquise, Radiant and Cushion to name but a few.



A round diamond is a popular choice and a traditional shape that is fully faceted and shows the shine and lustre of the diamond off better than any other shape. The shape of diamond is usually chosen depending on the shape of your ring finger for example if you have long broad ring fingers then an elongated style like the marquis, princess, oval or Assher shape diamond is a better. Smaller slimmer fingers will benefit from the more petite shapes like the round solitaire or the cushion. An oval diamond set in a 3 stone ring of clear diamonds is eye poppingly gorgeous.



If you’re on a budget and you’re looking for a ring that doesn’t cost the earth it is possible to choose a fancy gemstone a coloured diamond or a shape like the asscher or princess that lends itself to lower clarity diamonds that will be less expensive and will still look a million dollars. It is important to do your home work and make it your pet project to try on all the styles of rings and familiarise your self with the principles of the 4C’S and how the clarity and cut allow you to get a diamond that wont cost the earth.



Alternative diamonds like artificial or fake diamonds are 1 choice but not for every one. Lab created diamonds look exactly like the real; thing but are a fraction of the cost. Lab created diamonds can look better in fact than the real thing and no one will ever be able to distinguish between earthed mined or lab created ones. If a woman chooses to have a larger lab created diamond instead of a smaller earth mined one then more power to her. Not all women will want a ring that costs the earth opting instead to spend the money on the big day or romantic honeymoon or on their home



However it is worth pointing out that the choice of fake or lab diamond must be the choice of the bride to be, it is not recommended for a boyfriend to buy an artificial diamond and pass it on as the real thing for obvious reasons. Diamonds unearthed from the mines of Burma or the wild west of the US, artificial diamonds or fancy gems the choice is a purely personal one and a well chosen ring will stand the test of time. Most women will want the real thing no matter how small or how low the carat weight.



For grooms to be who want to surprise their blushing bride a ring should be chosen with the personality of the woman in question and a little bit of investigative work behind the scenes with close family and friends will not go unrewarded when you pop the question with the perfect ring. The internet is a good place to start to get an idea of the shapes styles and prices of rings available. The high street will have end of season sales and old stock clearance with large percentages marked off. Seasonal jewelry sales will not always give you the best value for money as Christmas and valentines are the busiest and most popular time to get engaged.