You have probably waited a long time to pop the question. While there is no guarantee of getting the affirmative answer you want, knowing engagement ring etiquette can maximise your chances! This is one of the most important purchases you can possibly make, so it is vital you shop around and have the right information to hand.

People often go by the received wisdom that you should spend a month of wages. This is quite simply not true, as the amount of money does not necessarily equate to something that is guaranteed to get you the response you hope for.

It was said in 1477 that the Austrian Archduke Maximillian gave Mary of Burgundy a diamond ring for their engagement. He placed it on the third finger on the left hand as this was said by the Ancient Egyptians to be the vein that led straight to the heart. Whether this story is true or not, it is an illustration that is worth bearing in mind when making a selection.

Aside from cost, there are four other C words to consider. These are cut, clarity, colour and carat. These factors all affect the size, shape and look of the diamond and we will look at each of these individually.

There are 57 or 58 facets that can affect how a diamond shines, also known as the fire. This is what is known as the cut. It can also affect the shape, the most common being round but you can also get emerald, pear, marquise, princess, oval and heart. You should get the sales assistant to show you the pictures of each type, even if only to have a look at every available option.

Colour is another strong aspect, the ideal being colourless or D. The grade goes from D being the best to Z being the least desirable. Those with strong colour are very rare and are known in the trade as fancies.

People are often interested in the clarity but this does not necessarily show up very clearly unless magnified. While they can affect the fire, it is not the most crucial aspect. The biggest grade of clarity is IF or internally flawless, but most people go for grade S1. Another word everyone knows is carat but may not know how heavy that is. Essentially it is around 0.2gm. A carat can also be further divided into 100 smaller units called points. The average diamond weighs around half to one carat.

This information though is irrelevant if you do not choose something that your partner likes. People say it is the thought that counts and you need to show that you have thought about what they want. Look at their jewellery to see if they prefer white or yellow gold, modern or traditional etc. You should also talk with a professional on how to measure their size to make sure it fits on their finger!

When selecting a diamond, you should get a certificate from a laboratory to make it clear that is independently verified. This is to make sure it is genuine as opposed to a cheaper substance such as zircon. It is also worth asking if it is ethically sourced, as once a diamond is cut is difficult to tell. With this information to hand, you can give yourself the best possible chance to get the yes you want!

Author Bio: Why its important to avoid conflict diamonds in Vancouver engagement rings is a topic that warrants continued debate. The Canadian Jewellery Directory enforces a code of ethics among Canadian Jewellers.

Category: Business
Keywords: jewelery,business, engagement ring, culture.,society, beauty, ring etiquette, relationships, advice