If you plan to propose marriage to your special someone soon, you may want to understand the true meaning behind the engagement ringand why it's an essential part of your proposal. You may have seen it done on screen, where the guy gets down on his knee and offers a token of his undying lovewith the symbolic engagement ring. The circle signifies eternity, which you promise your partner — a complete commitment to love and cherish that will withstand the test of time. It is an oath that you are determined to spend a lifetime with your loved one through thick and thin. This is the significance of the engagement ring, which is why you want to get the perfect one for your lover.

While it is an exciting experience, buying an engagement ring can be stressful. Since it is a costly purchase, you want to know what you are buying. These include several essential factors such as the diamond's carat weight, cut, color, and shape. Additionally, you should ensure that you purchase a diamond ring with certificatethat determines the diamond's quality. This moreover provides you with a clear understanding of the engagement ring you are buying.

Here are some essential factors to consider when shopping for an engagement ring.

Budget

Engagement ringsdo not come cheap. However, you also have many options available to you, some of which don't have to go way beyond what you can afford to spend. There are no hard and fast rules on how much you should shell out for an engagement ring. Thus, it is essential to determine your budget, which you can do by carefully studying your finances and your partner's preferences. Keep in mind that your wedding and the start of your married life require financial stability. When you stay within your budget, you take a lot of load off your mind about moneymatters. Instead, you can focus on the thought of a lifetime together with your lover.

Your partner’s style

Keeping in mind that your partner will be wearing the engagement ring, her style is essential in your selection. Take note of the jewelryshe frequently wears to understand her preferences, such as whether she likes more contemporary designs or antique jewelry. Her clothes and accessories can also provide clues about what she wants. Family members and close friends are there to give you some insight, so don’t hesitate to ask for help when in doubt.

Understand What The 4 Cs Are

It is essential to know about the 4 Cs, namely cut, color, clarity, and carat, to ensure that you make the proper selection when choosing your engagement ring. A well-cut stone allows more light into the crown, while one that's either too shallow or deep makes light escape along its sides. The color of a diamond varies, from colorless white to a light shade of yellow. Colorless diamondsare the most costly because of their rarity, while yellow costs the least. A diamond's clarity refers to its markings and impacts the price of the stone. The most flawless is, therefore, the most expensive. Last is the stone's carat weight. While a diamond's size is an essential factor concerning its value, the other Cs are just as important.

These are just some of the essential factors to consider when purchasing an engagement ring to help you make the right decision and the best purchase.