First, determine your budget. One general rule of thumb when buying a diamond engagement ring is "two months salary." This is just a guideline. It's not carved in stone, and your first consideration should be what you can comfortably afford.
Deciding on carat size is really about striking a balance between size and quality. If she prefers larger jewellery items, and you are working within a budget, you can still find a larger diamond of excellent quality gem by selecting one which is graded slightly lower in terms of colour and clarity.
Remember that slender fingers make small diamonds look bigger. If she has small fingers, a 1-carat diamond will look proportionately large - and an even larger stone may appear stunningly big!
Think about what style of setting will properly hold the diamond. You'll have to be sure that the setting you choose is made to fit the carat weight of your diamond. As a timeless and beautiful gift to yourself or as an emblem of your commitment to another, a diamond is an excellent investment.
Ultimately, whether you choose to consider it an investment, a symbol or a unique work of art, you have to be certain that while buying your diamond you buy your peace of mind too. Don't forget to ask your jeweller about Diamond Guarantee and Upgrade Policy.
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