You're both ready, you know it. An engagement ring is for you if you'd like a traditional engagement. Maybe even two: one for him and one for her. But buying quality jewelry isn't one of your usual pastimes. How is an engagement ring purchased?

A surprise from him could be the very first thing and could be the option to purchase a ring for her. (sometimes she gives it to him) during a proposal. This approach is no good. It involves a lot of money and keep the parties at great disadvantage and it is a gamble.

Even if you want to play out the traditional, lovable, corny ritual of handing the love of your life the box when you ask the question, give very serious thought to purchasing a "place holder ring." This will be a ring you select as one but is a more cost effective right that you can cherish.

Do try to find a way to buy an engagement ring that involves the person who will wear it as part of the decision making process. When purchasing jewelry, most people have a good idea of the things they like. They usually know what jewelry is comfortable to wear, which styles will last throughout their lifetime without getting boring or looking aged, and which colors/metals work best. What you need to consider is that there are many people who have strong style preferences, people with metal allergies, and people in jobs that demand a limit to the choices of jewelry or even forbid it while on the job.

Have your significant other get involved with selecting the ring so that you can properly set aside money to buy it. The amount of money invested in a ring can make or break your budget in the first years of your marriage, as can the costs of the wedding and wedding reception.

Good planning should trump great show unless you are in possession of a substantial fortune -- and even then most sane partners would prefer to see sense balancing sentiment and spendthrift enthusiasm.

Ask any jeweler, either against a person in a chain store or a training designer jewelry, what their financial limits are, their goals and needs If you withhold facts from whoever is hired to consul you they can not give you good advice. Plan to spend several hours comparing possible rings and stones at any one store unless you have already done your research online and at the library quite thoroughly.

Let the jeweler know if you and your partner are interested in changes to the traditional diamond engagement ring. Make sure your guide is aware if you plan on having your ring designed personally or plan to use a family stone.

It is a matter of taste, but if you would like something that is not a gold or diamond it could be in your financial interest. If the glitter of diamonds does not tickle your partner's fancy, then you should find another stone that your partner will adore. One option is high quality jade which has a strong and durable sheen similar to that of diamonds. Maybe a sapphire would also be appealing? Or perhaps you and your partner both love the look of traditional diamonds, but detest the cost. There is actually a very wide variety of beautiful synthetically made diamonds available which are even more beautiful than real ones.

To begin buying an engagement ring then you must consider all these things before you go into a jeweler and shop. You are entering in to a maze of different possibilities before you have considered all options fully. To buy the ring you must first have a very clear idea of the ring you want to buy.