A Man's Guide To Engagement Rings

Posted on: 3 December 2014

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You've found the perfect girl to spend the rest of your life with. She complements you and completes you all at the same time. Now all you need is the perfect ring to give her when she says yes to your proposal; not a small order by any means. Here are some things you need to know about engagement rings before you pop the question.

How Much Should You Spend?

While the age-old wisdom dictates that you should spend three month's salary on a ring is still advised by many, chances are this is an unrealistic figure for most men. Depending on the bride to be, she may not even want you to spend that much on a piece of jewelry, no matter how important it is. She may prefer you to save some of that money for a home or for the wedding itself.

So how much should you spend then? The answer, of course, depends on several factors. It's not unreasonable to consider one month's salary to be a minimum figure and go from there. Take into consideration your current financial situation; if you are heavily in debt or concerned about the future of your job, let sanity prevail and spend accordingly.

Style Makes a Difference

If you are making this decision without input from your girlfriend, try to get some advice from her friends and family. Does she prefer a large single stone? If so, what cut? Emerald, marquis, round and square are all common diamond shapes that make beautiful solitaire rings. If she is active, a large solitaire might not be the best choice of style if she is constantly going to take it off for fear of damaging or losing it. In this case, a band of stones may be more appropriate.

Choose the Perfect Stone

While white diamonds are the traditional stone of choice, today there are many other options to choose from. Thanks to Prince William's colorful choice for his Princess Kate, sapphires in rich blues are very popular. Rubies, emeralds, and even onyx can be stunning in the right setting. Another option is colored diamonds.

These can make a bold statement on her finger. They come in colors like black, brown (chocolate), yellow, pink, blue, and many others. If your bride-to-be is traditional and conservative, by all means choose a stunning white diamond. However, if she prefers more eclectic styles and unusual looks, consider a more unusual stone to suit her personality and style.

No matter what ring you eventually decide on, remember it is a major purchase and you should get it insured against loss or theft as soon as possible. Now that the practical side of getting engaged is taken care of, plan a memorable proposal to start your life together. Contact a company like Motch Jewelers for more information.