Choose an engagement ring" tips & warnings"

In the previous article we talked about 

How to select an engagement ring

And

Here I'll give you the tips and warnings when you

choose an engagement ring

Tips

If you buy a ring without your fiancée having any sharing into the decision, she may be unhappy with the shape, color, or other elements of it. Give this deep consideration as it's the ring she'll be wearing for the rest of your lives together. On the other hand, some girlfriends would be disappointed if you proposed without the ring already in place. Ask the jeweler if it's possible to make an exchange if she really doesn't like your choice.

• A "Claddagh" ring is a traditional Irish engagement ring and can have diamonds added. If her Irish background is important to her, this is a romantic and beautiful choice.
• If your potential fiancee has a close sister or friend, take the sister/friend along for advice.
• "Ring designs to consider include Engraving, Filigree, Pave, "Micro Pave" and "Milgrain.
• If she's close to her mom, her mom is likely to know what she'll like.
• If purchasing a ring off the internet, only buy round settings. You won't be able to see flaws in other designs.
• You may prefer to have a different gemstone at the center of your ring. A three stone ring with diamonds on either side of a colored gemstone can make an impressive engagement ring. Rubies and sapphires are hard wearing but emeralds are more delicate. These stones are also a lot less expensive than the traditional choice of diamond. Again, clarity is important in these stones too and the color should be bright and intense.
• Avoid Diamonds - most diamonds come from mines where impoverished workers have more in common with slaves than miners - and the price and supply off diamonds is controlled by the De Beers" cartel".
• Buy the much rarer - and much cheaper star dust gem - "Moissanite" - it has better optical properties than diamond.
• The most popular metals used for engagement rings are White Gold, Yellow Gold and Platinum. These metals are all very durable and hence suitable for items of jewelry that will be worn for many years.
• Ask your girlfriend/fiancée about the ring, but don't make it too obvious that you're planning on proposing. For example, ask, "What types of rings do you like?" Don't ask something like, "If I were to propose, what kind of ring would you like?" That will make it too obvious.
• What metal to choose?
• If purchasing a ring from the internet and looking for a diamond shape other than round, ensure that you can see an image of the specific diamond that you are going to purchase, to allow you to judge its shape.

How to select an engagement ring

Warnings

• Make sure your ring is covered by insurance, or of a price that will not cause serious problems if you need to change it out-of-pocket. Consider the periodic insurance cost when purchasing a ring costing many thousands of dollars. Count a separate policy for the ring if loss of the ring would cause a disproportionate increase in the overall cost of a home policy covering it.
• Don't be lured into thinking that white gold or palladium are anything like platinum.
• Make sure your ring comes with a warranty.
• Beware of jewelry marts, pawn shops, or downtown jewelry centers where quality is often poor and scoundrels are many. (Many of these businesses are perfectly legitimate, however.) Do research before you buy.
• Keep in mind that most 'tradition' having to do with diamond engagement rings has been fabricated by "De Beers", a one-time diamond monopoly-holder, in order to boost their sales. This includes, but is not limited to the "two months' salary rule."

How to select an engagement ring

Things you will need

• Ring finger size. A plastic band to see this with confidence is cheap, or generally free from a jeweler.