How much money should I blow?:
The old rule of thumb is two months salary. However, know your woman, what type of jewelry she is used to wearing, and what she likes. Rings start at $900 and up. It’s not unheard of to spend over $30,000 for a 2 or 3-carat stone, depending on its quality. The four “C’s” all can affect price.
Yes, credit cards can be a way to pay for a ring, but keep in mind the expenses yet to come. You may want to sell the motorcycle or cash in some stocks. Parents are always good for a contribution. Some larger stores may offer payment plans, but be careful of the interest rate. If you can’t come up with enough money, find out if there is a family heirloom that you can reset to match your lady's taste. An inexpensive promise ring can also be presented in lieu of an actual engagement ring. Remember, you and your girl will also have to purchase wedding bands together prior to the wedding. So keep that in your “budget-mind” as well. You may wish to have the bride’s rings and your band engraved by your jeweler.

Picking a Stone:
It is not uncommon to propose without a ring and then go shopping together for one. Many choose this option, especially if your girl is particular about the ring she wants. If you are set on doing it the old fashion way, either talk to her before about the type of stone she wants, or have her sister or mother come with. Find a ring in her jewelry box and sneak it out one afternoon to have it sized. Remember, if it’s too big it can always be sized down with little effort. So don’t worry about it being a little too big. Be cautious about a ring that is too small as it may not be able to be resized. Ask about return policies but believe in the fact that you won’t need to return it.

A brief introduction to the 4 C’s.

The Four “C’s”:
CARAT- Many may say, “she has a rock on her finger!”, praising it’s size, however, a carat is a measurement of weight ( 1 carat is equal to 1/5 of a gram) not size and does not appoint value itself. A combination of color, cut, clarity and carat make the quality of the stone.

CLARITY - establishes the stones flaws or inclusions

FL (flawless)
IF (Internally flawless with minor surface imperfections)
VVS1-2 (very, very slightly included)
VS1-2 (very slightly included)
SI1-2 (slightly included)
I1-2-3 (Imperfect – eye visible inclusions)

COLOR - or lack there of. The whiter the better. The more yellow, the lower the quality. Pink diamonds are extremely rare and expensive, just ask J-Lo.

D, E, F =Colorless
G, H, I=Near Colorless
J, K, L, M = Faint Yellow
NOPQR = Very Light Yellow
STUVWXYZ=Light Yellow

CUT - defines the brilliance (How it sparkles) of a diamond based on how it is set in reference to its facet and is reported to be the most important of the four C’s.

TheGroomGuide.com 5th “C”

Cost - We at TheGroomGuide.com feel the 5th “C” should be Cost. It should be included in your search. Buying a stone wholesale or online, for instance at www.Diamond.com and then having a jeweler you trust set it, may save you some cash. Just make sure the stone is certified by the Gemological Institute of American, www.gia.edu or the American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL). This is EXTREMELY important!!! Ask about this before you buy from anyone. Ask to see the serial number on the rock viewed through that eyepiece thinger-ma-jigger. For more information on how each of the 4 “C’s” can affect price, check out: www.adiamondisforever.com

Shapes - Know her preference or favorite. Here are the most popular shapes:

Round	Emerald	Princess	Radiant

 Diamond pictures appear courtesy of www.1diamondsource.com

Settings - Go with Platinum because it lasts a lifetime, unless you plan on only being married a few years, then you can get away with 18K white or yellow gold which is more easily damaged.

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