Four Steps to Find the Perfect Engagement Ring

There are some major purchases that you don’t want made in your life. These include a first house, health insurance, a new car and, especially, the end of your marriage. engagement ringYour loved one.

According to The Knot, a popular online wedding magazine and planning website, it is crucial to make this decision. It takes customers more than three years to find the right ring and the average cost of a ring is $5,000.

Here’s a step by step guide for those who are feeling overwhelmed by the pressure.

1. 1. Determine the metal

* Platinum is a naturally white metal, meaning it will never fade, change color, or need to be re-dipped or re-plated.

* White gold, on the other hand, is a created by adding an alloy mix to yellow gold. The ring needs to be re-dipped once a year, as the white color starts to fade.

* Platinum pairs well with all stones because its natural color will not cast any unwanted color onto the gem, plus its density makes for an extremely secure setting.

* If you want matching bands, be sure to consider what your partner likes before deciding on a metal.

2. 2. Determine the cut of the stone

* Traditionally, round and princess cuts are the most popular.

* Recently, celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Sofia Vergara and Drew Barrymore have brought attention to less common cuts such as emerald, cushion and radiant.

3. Decide the Style of the Ring

* Vintage: Offering a traditional look, these settings can either be an actual estate piece or a new ring with a vintage style.

* Modern: Tension settings, where the diamond is held without prongs, are a popular style. Modern ring designs can also include rough diamonds.

* Classic: Three-stone and solitaire settings offer a timeless look. Pave and halo settings are two other classic options.

4. 4. Determine your budget

* According the a 2011 jewelry study by The Knot, the bride views setting, stone cut and quality, and metal used as the most important aspects of a ring, whereas the groom focuses on stone quality, style and price. These attributes all impact the cost of the ring. It is important to ensure that the couple is on the same page before you shop.

* Platinum rings come in a variety of price points — with many costing less than $1,500 — so couples are sure to get the best value for the ring.

Find out more at www.preciousplatinum.com.