What to look for in an engagement ring

There are some well-established guidelines for buying diamonds. If you stick to them, this should minimise the stress of this purchase and help you to avoid any pitfalls.

Remember though, to ensure that your girlfriend gets exactly what she wants, consult her before you buy, or bring her shopping with you. Although this might not seem like the most romantic prospect in the world, you might end up with a much happier bride-to-be.

Always keep in mind 'The Four C's' when purchasing a diamond ring, they are: Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat.

Probably the most important factor in a diamond ring is the cut. A well-cut diamond is recognisable due to the brilliance of the shine. The cut of a diamond will also determine shape. Most diamonds are round cut, though there are plenty of other options, such as pear, oval, princess, emerald, marquis and heart shape.  

The grading system for the colour of a diamond runs from D (meaning entirely colourless and the most valuable) to Z. White (colourless) diamonds are the most popular choice for engagement rings, though some women may prefer coloured stones.

The next factor to look at is clarity, which runs on a scale of IF (internally flawless) to I3 (imperfect 3). While clarity is of course important, some small inclusions can add to the uniqueness of the diamond. Finally, the weight and size of the diamond is measured in carats. Most diamonds in engagement rings weigh somewhere between half a carat and one carat.

Cost is the honorary fifth 'C', and shouldn't be forgotten either. Determine your budget before you go shopping. Some internet-based research will give you an idea of how much you should expect to pay.