| Whether "popping the question" as a surprise or | | | | the diamond better, while a six-prong is safer if |
| shopping with his betrothed for a wedding set or | | | | the ring may get a lot of rough daily use. There |
| engagement ring, many men are hesitant to set a | | | | are also engagement rings that come as a set |
| limit on what they can afford. They often have | | | | with the wedding band; the two rings complement |
| no idea what that limit should "properly" be. | | | | each other to form a single ring when worn. |
| For some, it may be the largest single investment | | | | The shape of the diamond is what makes an |
| they have made, yet they don't want to pay it | | | | engagement ring unique. The most popular is the |
| off on their credit cards forever, nor appear too | | | | Round cut, which utilizes the most technology in |
| "cheesy." A good starting point is the equivalent | | | | the cutting process to maximize the fire and |
| of two months' salary, but it really boils down to | | | | brilliance. The Princess is square or nearly square |
| what lies ahead in your budget. What you are | | | | with pointed corners. If you prefer a more |
| willing to spend? Ladies, be sensitive to his | | | | rectangular shape with cut corners, the Emerald |
| pocketbook; after all, starting your lives together | | | | cut highlights the clarity of the diamond with a |
| in debt does not sound too promising. If you are | | | | larger table, or top surface. It is described as a |
| going shopping together, it's perfectly okay to | | | | ratio of length to width, e.g.,1.25., 1.5, or 1.75. The |
| discuss the expected cost ahead of time. | | | | Asscher is like the Emerald, only square. |
| The classic engagement ring is a diamond solitaire | | | | The Marquise can look bigger than its carat |
| mounted on a choice of 14K or 18K gold or | | | | weight, and the longer length makes fingers look |
| platinum. Platinum is rarer, therefore more | | | | slender. They are described in ratios also, as are |
| expensive. It is harder to damage, won't wear | | | | Ovals. Radiant cut diamonds have curved side |
| away, develops a rich, satin finish, and won't | | | | cuts that make it versatile and very interesting, |
| tarnish. 18K yellow or white gold is an alloy of | | | | especially when set with side stones. The Pear or |
| 75% gold to 25% copper or nickel. It is softer | | | | Teardrop is popular in necklaces as well as rings, |
| than platinum, will wear away over the years, and | | | | and also has a slimming effect if the ratio is 1.75. |
| can be bent and damaged. However, it is easy to | | | | A unique shape, the Heart can be either slim or |
| repair and polish, and won't tarnish either. 14K gold | | | | wide depending on the length-to-width ratio. And |
| is 58.3% gold and 41.7% other metals, and is less | | | | finally, the Cushion has been a popular choice for |
| durable. | | | | more than a century, with large facets and round |
| Some diamond solitaires have subtle designs on | | | | corners to enhance the brilliancy of the diamond. |
| the band, or may have settings with side stones | | | | With so many shapes and choices in band metals |
| flanked on either side or set in a channel. For | | | | and designs, creating your unique engagement ring |
| durability, the prong settings should be in platinum | | | | can be easier than saying "I do. |
| rather than gold. A four-prong setting shows off | | | | |