Diamond Engagement Rings: What Every Guy Should Know

Choosing an engagement ring is a once in a lifetime event, but it is likely to be the first of many purchases a guy will make from a jeweler over his lifetime. Engagement rings, diamond wedding bands, anniversary earrings, and other special gifts will be given by you to your mate over the course of time. 

Pave style Engagement Ring
A diamond engagement ring represents the love you have for your bride to be. The significance and symbolism of a ring should be understood before you make your purchase decision as the ring you choose will be an outward sign of the inward love you have for your lady.
Let's take a look at diamond engagement rings and what you should know before you buy one.
The 4Cs of Diamond Quality
Clarity, cut, color and carat are the four terms you will hear over and over again when it comes to determining which diamond you will choose for an engagement ring. This information is quite detailed therefore it is recommended that you read up on diamond education before you get started.
Select Your Metal First
Engagement bands are made from one of three metals: platinum, white gold, or yellow gold. Platinum is the most expensive metal, it resists tarnishing, but it is also the most expensive to repair if damaged.
Yellow gold rings are the most popular and are readily available as 14-karat or 18-karat gold. Although this type of ring can show scratches and other abrasions, repairs come easy.
White gold rings have a silver-like appearance which will eventually wear off and need to be replaced. The appeal of white gold is that it easily matches most other jewelry.
Choose Your Setting Wisely 
The number of standard and custom settings available for engagement rings seems almost endless. Prong, bar, tension, bezel, channel, flush, cluster, and invisible are just some of the terms you will hear when shopping for an engagement ring. Prong is the most popular as it holds the diamond in place as if it is hanging, allowing light to enter which creates an attractive sparkle.
Your Certificate of Appraisal
Once you have chosen the diamond and the setting, you will need to obtain a certificate of authenticity. This certificate will confirm the engagement ring's value and is what you will need if you choose to insure your purchase. Most certificates are issued by the American Gem Society (A.G.S.) or the Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.), two of the most widely accepted certifying organizations for the diamond industry.
A Guarantee or Warranty
Depending on the jeweler, some type of guarantee or warranty may be offered with your purchase. Some provide a limited time money back guarantee while others will give to you a lifetime warranty. Understand what you are buying before you make your purchase.
Now that you know the essentials behind choosing a diamond engagement ring, you are ready to make your purchase. Soon, you will be expressing your love and faithfulness to your beloved with all of the symbolism that every woman desires. Let your choice fully reflect your love for her today.