You've found the perfect woman, now how do you sort through hundreds of choices to find the right ring for her? There are diamonds of every shape and size, metals in multiple colors, and rings with no stones, several stones and stones on all sides! Choosing the perfect engagement ring doesn't have to be a daunting quest. In the next few pages, we'll break down for you six key elements to consider when shopping for an engagement ring. We also have helpful advice for insuring your ring and tips for unforgettable proposals. Start reading and you'll be well on your way to finding her ideal ring.

BUDGET

This is one of the most important elements in choosing an engagement ring. Your budget doesn't have to be two months' salary, but it should definitely be more than the weekly grocery budget! The amount you spend should be enough to get a quality ring and gemstone that fits her style and expresses your feelings for her, but not so much that you're paying on it for years.

Many engagement rings with diamond center stones run $1500-$10,000, while solid metal bands and rings with other gems like sapphires and rubies run $250-$5000. Depending on the size and quality you want, you may want to spend less or more. Many men have a general idea of what they'd like to spend, with the final amount depending on the setting and gemstone they like the best. Calvin's sales associates can provide quotes for your ideal ring and can help you find a quality setting and gemstone within your chosen budget.

SURPRISE! NO REALLY, SHOW ME WHAT YOU WANT...

There are two schools of thought on this:

Engagement rings should be a surprise, although secretly researching what she likes is o.k.

She should be either somewhat or very involved in the choice of her ring.

Whether you choose option one or option two, it is always a good idea to give her a ring that fits her personality and style. If you surprise her, do some research and ask a trusted friend or family member (i.e. sister of girlfriend) what she likes, and pay close attention to comments she makes about jewelry she sees in stores or on other people. Enlist the confidante of your choice to take her shopping casually, or ask open ended questions about jewelry (preferably someone she won't suspect). Research her preferred metal color, setting style, gem and gem shape, and ring size. Collect as much information as you can and you'll give her a ring she loves.

If you choose option two, aaaah, breathing is a little easier, maybe. The benefits are that you can see firsthand what she likes, and get her exact ring size and style preferences. Women that own and enjoy jewelry often have a clear idea of their setting, metal and gem choices. You can have them choose their dream ring, or have them list several options they like so you can make the final choice. Jewelers are happy to record women's preferences and keep them on file for you. This makes it easy for you to come in later by yourself and decide on her ring.

Whichever option you choose, use the guidelines below to help you find the right center stone, metal, setting style, and ring size.

I. CHOOSING A CENTER STONE

The best place to start is with her style. If she's traditional, classic or simply adores everything sparkly, she'll love a beautiful diamond. Worn for centuries as symbols of purity and uncomparable beauty, diamonds have a long history in wedding jewelry. They are romantic, dazzling, and strong enough to last a lifetime. When looking for a diamond, consider the following tips:

Research diamond shapes to find her favorite. Some examples of diamond shapes are round, princess, oval, emerald and radiant cuts.

Pick a carat weight that fits her taste, your budget, and the proportions of the setting. The overall look of the ring (i.e., perfect for her) is usually more important to women than just carat size alone.

Decide on a diamond quality that is right for you. Look for the best combination of color, clarity and cut in your budget. If you want "the best" on paper and have the financial means, then go for it! However, if your budget is not sky high, don't be concerned. There is not one set ideal for all gem labs. A diamond doesn't have to be the highest color, highest clarity, or have the most perfect "cut" to be lovely or meaningful. All diamonds will ultimately be judged with the human eye, so you should choose the diamond that appeals the most to you.

For women who enjoy expressing their unique personality, consider a gorgeous sapphire or tourmaline.

II) METAL CHOICE

The main metal choices for engagement rings are platinum, white gold, yellow gold and palladium. We'll cover some basics on each metal and tips on choosing the right one for your ring:

1. Platinum-Platinum is 90-95% pure, with the remaining alloy usually iridium (another platinum group metal). Platinum is thirty times rarer than gold, does not tarnish, and is completely hypoallergenic. Its density (approx. twice that of gold) and tensile strength make it resistant to abrasion. When platinum is scratched, it doesn't wear away as fast, it merely displaces without losing volume. Platinum is extremely malleable, and can be stretched and used to produce delicate and intricate designs that are very strong and durable. Platinum's malleability and lack of "springiness" make it ideal for setting fragile stones. Rarity and weight combine to make platinum a higher priced precious metal (about two to three times the cost of gold). Greater skills are needed to work platinum properly, and often result in longer production times and more labor for platinum pieces. This means platinum jewelry is rarely priced with a "per gram" mind set. Platinum is the most precious white metal used in jewelry, and you'll pay more for it. However, it looks beautiful with diamonds and colored gems and when properly crafted it will last a lifetime. If platinum fits in your budget, it is definitely worth the investment.

2. White gold is created by taking a certain percentage of pure yellow gold (EX. 58.5% for 14kt) and then alloying it with silver, zinc and nickel or palladium. These alloys are strong and rigid, helping jewelry retain its original shape through wear. White gold does not scratch as easily as platinum, yet it is brittle and more susceptible to breakage. Most white gold has a slightly yellowish tint, (due to the high content of pure yellow gold) although some alloys are whiter than others. The majority of white gold jewelry is electroplated "flashed "with a layer of rhodium to make it appear whiter. Rhodium is the whitest metal in the platinum family, and is very rare and precious. White gold jewelry usually needs rhodium plating twice or more a year, depending on the alloy. Some jewelers prefer to alloy with palladium (a platinum group metal) to whiten the color and improve malleability. White gold is not as expensive to cast and to stock, so many jewelers are comfortable working with and offering a larger selection of white gold jewelry. This makes white gold a popular choice as a modern alternative to platinum, offering lovely white jewelry at a more affordable price.

3. Palladium-Palladium is 90-95% pure, with the remaining alloy usually iridium. It is similar in density to white gold (approximately half the weight of platinum) and is often used in white gold alloys. A lesser known member of the platinum group metals, palladium has many benefits. It is hypoallergenic, rarer than gold, and resistant to tarnishing. Palladium also displaces when scratched, instead of losing volume. It is naturally whiter than platinum, eliminating the need for electroplating. Palladium also offers an appealing combination of malleability and hardness that combine the best traits of platinum and white gold. It is rigid enough to keep its shape better than platinum, yet it is not brittle like white gold. Palladium holds gems very securely, and can used to create both delicate and bold designs. At half to two thirds the price of platinum, palladium is an outstanding choice in a high performance precious metal. As a result, more jewelers are starting to offer and to advertise palladium jewelry. There is a learning curve for jewelers, but the results are well worth it. Although most people are not familiar with palladium as a jewelry metal, its superior properties and affordability are allowing jewelers to create beautiful, lasting heirlooms that offer customers the best combination of quality and value.

How do you choose the right metal for your engagement ring?

Here are some good tips to get you started:

Look at the color she wears the most. If she wears mainly silver or white metal jewelry, then platinum, white gold and palladium are good options. If she wears mainly yellow gold, choose a ring in14kt or 18kt yellow gold. Some women prefer simplicity and do not wear much jewelry at all. If this is the case, it is usually safe to choose a simple elegant ring in a white metal to enhance the center stone. You can give her the option to change settings if she prefers a different color or style.

Consider her “wearability” preferences. Women look at more than the color. They are concerned with weight, comfort and maintenance. Consider her build and height when choosing a heavy or lighter weight ring. Many petite or small boned women prefer the proportions of delicate or mid size styles, while many tall or athletic women enjoy the look and feel of bolder, more substantial rings. If you are choosing a white metal, think about how often she will bring her ring in for cleaning, polishing or rhodium plating. Women who enjoy servicing their jewelry more frequently will do well with white gold. Women that have less time for servicing trips will find platinum and palladium a more ideal choice.

Decide which metal best fits your overall budget. Many men do not have a certain number set in stone. While the overall choice of ring should always be a gift of love first, budget is definitely a consideration. Most men do not have a certain number set in stone. However, everyone's preferences are different. A man with a $3000 budget looking for a blue sapphire engagement ring in white metal has several considerations. If he is determined to get an intense blue $2300 gem, then palladium or gold will give him the best value for his money. If he loves the weight and romance of platinum, he might choose a quality gem in a more petite size or a softer color.