Buying an engagement ring is one of the most romantic, emotional and important purchases you and your spouse-to-be will ever make in your lifetime together. That’s why it is so important for you to make the right decision. You don’t want to spend several thousand dollars or more on a ring and then realize shortly after the wedding that it doesn’t really suit either of you.

Diamonds International can help. We can guide you through the process and make sure you purchase an engagement ring that fits your budget, taste and lifestyle. Below, we’ve listed some of the key factors you’ll need to consider when shopping for the perfect engagement ring.

• Know the Four C’s – Carat weight, clarity, color and cut are the main indicators that determine a diamond’s quality and therefore, its price. Educate yourself in each of these areas before shopping, and have a general idea which factor (or factors) is most important to you, since this also will impact the amount you pay for your diamond. (For instance, if you want the biggest stone you can afford, you can get more for your money if you’re willing to sacrifice a little on clarity or color.)

• Set a Budget, But be Flexible – Diamonds are available in a range of prices, depending on their combination of quality indicators under the Four C’s. The traditional rule is to budget two month’s of the groom’s salary for the engagement ring. But don’t automatically pass up the ring of your dreams just because it’s more than you planned to spend. Remember, you need to be happy with this ring for many years to come. Consider paying by credit card or financing to stretch out the payments and lessen the financial blow.

• Consider Her Personality and Lifestyle – If the bride is an adventuresome, individualistic, fashion-conscious person, she probably won’t be satisfied with a basic, traditional engagement ring and will be looking for something a little more detailed and unique. Likewise, the latest cutting-edge design probably won’t appeal to a conservative, corporate career woman. The good news is that at Diamonds International, you’ll have an array of diamond shapes (round, princess, marquise, pear, emerald, oval, etc.), settings (traditional prong, bar, bezel, tension, etc.) and metals (yellow gold, white gold, platinum and combination yellow gold-platinum) to choose from. You can select one of the company’s basic or designer styles or create your own customized ring.

• Body Type Matters – According to fashion experts, hand size and finger length have a lot to do with the type of engagement ring that will look best on a woman. For instance, if you’re long-fingered, a wider band with a round or square stone will look especially good on you. If you’re short-fingered, a thinner band and stone shapes such as marquise or pear that elongates the hand would be a good choice. Likewise, while a smaller, more modest diamond and no frills mounting might work on a petite woman, a larger bride would need a large stone, wider band and bolder styling to stand out.