Find the perfect engagement ring!

As well as being a very costly purchase, this is a ring that your fiancée will wear for years to come, so you will want to make sure that she will like it. Do not despair though - if you stick to a few straightforward rules and do some planning in advance, you will make the whole experience a lot less stressful.

Pay close attentionto the type of ring that your girlfriend likes to wear. Does she prefer yellow gold or white gold? Does she like understated rings or bigger, flashier pieces? Is her style traditional or modern? Has she commented on particular engagement rings in magazines or on other women? Doing this groundwork can make for a much happier bride-to-be.

Consult with your girlfriend's family and friends. They will know a lot more about her likes and dislikes than you do, and may make for useful shopping companions. Don't involve too many people though, as this may lead to the secret getting out!

The most popular engagement ring style is a ring with a solitaire diamond. However, there are plenty of different cuts and settings from which you can choose. The cut you choose will depend not only on her preferences, but on practical considerations, like whether your girlfriend works a lot with her hands, and whether she wants to wear the ring on a daily basis. A lower setting will prevent the diamond being damaged or from getting caught on other objects.

The key to getting a great ring is to go to a trustworthy store, with a good reputation. A helpful and knowledgeable salesperson will make all the difference, especially if you're particularly clueless! While it's very helpful to research ring styles and prices first over the internet, be very careful if you intend to purchase from on-line sources. Only buy from well-established sites, which offer certified diamonds.