The first question before any other is whether to propose with a surprise Ring or to propose first, then get the ring together afterward and to cater for both options. But before you go shopping for your engagement ring, you should know some important details. The following are guidelines on how to begin your engagement ring search.

How Much Can You Spend On The Ring?

How much can you spend on your engagement ring is a personal decision. Though there are is a rule about two to three months’ salary rule, but it is just considered a marketing campaign. Spend as much as you want and what you can reasonably afford.
But don’t forget to put an insurance policy on your engagement ring and make sure that your policy covers you for loss, damage, and theft inside and outside of your home. You may also add your ring to your policy as a specific item.

Find Her Ring Size Without Her Knowing

Remember that the ring size you are talking about is her left ring finger. Take note, hands are not equally sized. A wedding band or engagement ring is traditionally worn on the ring finger of the left hand if you cannot find the exact measurement of the ring or it turns out to be too small or big. It is not at all a problem because most rings can be resized as long as the ring is not as complicated as those covered with stones.
If she already wears a ring on the all-important finger, you’re set, especially if she occasionally removes it. The next time she places it in her jewelry box than on her finger, secretly borrow it for a while, take it to the nearest jeweler, and have it measured.
A ring should fit tight but comfortable. It should put on quite easily, but be removed with slight effort. Take note that wider rings will fit more comfortably than thinner rings.

Choosing For Diamonds And Gemstones

Diamond Solitaire – If your special someone is in to simple yet elegant pieces of jewelry, then a single solitaire diamond engagement ring featured in a precious metal is the right one for her.

A ring with side diamonds or colored gemstones. Embellished your engagement ring with side diamonds or colored gemstones to highlight your center stone and for an extra sparkle.

Halo Ring – Choose this if she is interested in a one center stone yet surrounded by smaller diamonds.

Diamond Engagement Band – If she prefers a diamond engagement band instead of a ring with bigger size center stones.

Colored Gemstones or Fancy Colored Diamonds. Consider this if your special someone prefers colored gemstones or fancy colored diamonds rather than white diamonds in her engagement ring.

Other Things To Consider In Search Of  Your Engagement Ring

Bear in mind about your wedding band while shopping for your engagement ring. If your engagement ring has a bigger size, but low set stones or a design that is wider in some parts it may interfere with her wedding ring if she would try to put them on the same finger. But there are people who move their engagement rings to another finger or just buy wedding ring sets. Some women wear only their wedding band after the wedding or look for engagement rings with a design that allows them to be stacked with other rings. Another option is to buy your engagement ring and then take it to a jeweler to make a wedding ring that fits perfectly when both are worn. Take note to have as much time as possible before the wedding because a search for a perfect engagement ring for your special someone can take some time.