| You are certain she is the one. | | | | fraction of the price of a diamond and the two of |
| Before you propose marriage, you need that | | | | you could spend the money you save on the |
| engagement ring. | | | | honeymoon instead. Or for your new life together. |
| Women like it when the guys are romantic. You | | | | But would she mind? |
| know, go down on one knee, take out that | | | | If you can't afford the diamond ring right now, |
| precious ring and propose to her. Don't forget the | | | | costume jewelry might be a good compromise. |
| flowers as well. Roses are the most romantic | | | | You could get a ring with a huge rock if you go |
| flowers, then again, it would mean even more if | | | | for cubic zirconia like the rings you'll find in the |
| you take the trouble to get her a bouquet of her | | | | resource box below. Get her to marry you first. |
| favorite flowers. Some women prefer lilies. Others | | | | When you can finally afford it, you could swap |
| might prefer daisies. A handful may have hay | | | | the cz ring for one set with a stunning diamond. |
| fever, so a golden rose, crystal rose or a box of | | | | Eventually, you might want to get the real |
| chocolates would be a better bet. | | | | diamond. |
| Back to the ring. So how are you going about | | | | 3. How to buy a diamond ring. |
| getting that all essential ring? | | | | Diamonds are graded based on the 4 Cs. Carat, |
| First, be practical. | | | | color, clarity and cut. |
| 1. How much are you able to afford? | | | | Carat: A larger diamond would cost much more |
| For a real diamond ring, the rule of the thumb is | | | | than a smaller diamond, all other things being equal. |
| to get a ring worth two months salary. Then | | | | Clarity: Likewise, a flawless diamond is worth far |
| again, some women would want a diamond ring | | | | more than one with barely visible inclusions. |
| of at least 0.5 carats, to be respectable. A 1 carat | | | | Color: Imagine a spectrum of color. From |
| ring would be preferred while a 3 carat ring would | | | | absolutely colorless white diamonds (D color) to |
| make her the envy of her friends. | | | | the brilliantly colored pink, yellow or even blue |
| Are you willing and able to pay so much for a | | | | diamonds (Z color). Mind you, the color has to be |
| ring? | | | | natural to count. The diamonds at either end of |
| Or would she rather you spend the money on a | | | | the spectrum, the colorless ones and the most |
| honeymoond? | | | | brilliantly colored diamonds are the most valuable. |
| Or for your new life together? | | | | Cut: This is about the diamond cutter's skill. The |
| Would you get in debt over that ring? | | | | more perfect the cut, meaning, the more light is |
| Or would you rather save up for it and propose a | | | | reflected back by the diamond, the more valuable |
| year later? | | | | it is. |
| What if she gives up waiting for you and | | | | Set your budget. |
| someone else sweeps her off her feet? | | | | Decide which is most important to her. A larger |
| 2. The next question to ask yourself. Do you | | | | diamond with flaws or a smaller diamond that is |
| want to get her a genuine diamond engagement | | | | flawless. Play around with the 4 Cs to get the |
| ring? Or would a look alike with a huge gemstone | | | | best value for your money, in accordance with |
| do? | | | | what you know about her. |
| One way to go about this is to get a gorgeous | | | | Then make your purchase. |
| ring with a diamond look alike, They cost a | | | | |