Shopping for an engagement ring can be a tedious process - particularly if you are trying to find "the one" on your own as a surprise for your girlfriend! There are so many different varieties and styles to consider, it can often be overwhelming. If you're able to subtly probe for ideas to get a sense of her personal style when it comes to jewelry, that's a great starting point. And, don't underestimate the value of checking with her friends to ask questions on this subject - they probably are more in tune with her personal fashion sense than you are, and chances are they've already gotten an earful from her on this topic. Regardless, the time will come when you'll need to sit down for some research and investigate the options for diamond settings and engagement rings on your own. Your goal should be to find a gorgeous diamond ring that represents a good value within your budget, while being well-made and of high quality (not an inexpensive replica.) It's common to find discounted diamond settings that do a poor job of fitting the dimensions of the center stone, which introduce the risk of the diamond being dislodged and coming out of its mounting by accident. Buying a quality ring from a well-established jeweler is well worth the extra investment, in the long run!

One of the most immediately striking aspects of an engagement ring is the color of the metal chosen for the material used in the shank. The natural color of gold is yellow, and that has been the classic appearance of engagement rings and wedding bands for hundreds of years. Selecting a yellow gold diamond setting will convey some of this historicity in its appearance, and carry itself with a vintage elegance that may fit your desired style very well. However, more recently, jewelers have developed a rhodium plating system whereby natural gold is coated with a surface that causes it to appear white. This "white gold" has become popular in more recent years, and can make for a more versatile choice because its neutral color can so easily be combined with other jewelry. White gold engagement rings also offer a subtle advantage, in that a color-less band will cause diamonds set in it to appear to possess a whiter color (much more desirable) than the same diamonds set in yellow gold. Pave set diamonds on the ring shank have a particular tendency to visually absorb the color of gold being used, and using a white gold material will improve their appearance. However, white gold also tends to require ongoing maintenance. Over years of use, the rhodium plating will begin to wear off, causing the ring to "yellow" with age. Some people appreciate this type of patina over their jewelry (as it tends to be much more appealing than a tarnished silver), but most prefer to keep their white gold looking white, and will find that the rhodium plating will need replacing. As an alternative, you might consider a platinum metal, which offers the aesthetic benefits of a white gold engagement ring in a naturally white material that will never change color or wear down. Platinum is, however, considerably more expensive, so weight your choices carefully!

For a more eye-catching style than white gold engagement rings, contemporary designers have included both white gold and yellow gold in the same diamond setting, weaving them together for a beautiful visual effect. Recent innovations in the jewelry industry include the production of gold in additional colors, such as rose and peach, and these have offered designers an even greater palette of options. Combining different shades of gold in these two-tone rings produce a subtle, but striking, appearance. Because of the elaborate metal design of the setting, they tend to be paired with solitaire or other simple diamond displays. This helps streamline the appearance of the setting to keep it from becoming too visually "busy".

Although some diamond settings are easily identifiable as representing the artistic culture of a particular era (i.e. art deco, the 1980's, or antique engagement rings ), most popular today are rings that are designed with timeless, classic elegance in mind. A bride desires for her jewelry to be long-lasting, and never to go out of style. Whether you're slipping the ring on her finger during the wedding ceremony, or she's polishing it lovingly after 50 years of marriage, she should always be able to wear it fashionably and easily, without feeling self-conscious that the design might appear outdated. Are you looking for a solitaire design featuring a large center diamond, with impressive dimensions and excellent ratings for its brilliance and depth? Or perhaps a design that uses multiple diamonds set around a center stone for a less-ostentatious, more intricate appearance? There are many options in either of these styles that you can consider, bearing in mind the unique desires of your bride-to-be and her typical choices in jewelry.

There are a few points to keep in mind after you've found the ideal engagement ring for your future fiancee. First, make sure that the center stone dimensions of your setting matches exactly with the fit of your actual diamond. Every ring is truly custom-produced, and it's critical that the center stone measurements are correctly established in order to ensure that there will be no unsightly gaps and to reduce the risk of the diamond becoming dislodged that might be exacerbated by incorrectly-sized prongs. If you are purchasing your diamond separately from the setting, be sure to request lab reports showing its certification and specifications. Also, if possible, have the ring produced to fit exactly the correct ring size rather than planning to have it sized later. Work closely with your jeweler to make sure all the details are in order, and you are virtually ensured a successful experience. All that's left is the proposal!