There seems to be two popular methods for the offering or receiving of an engagement ring. The diamond ring is either offered at the time of proposal - although it is probable that few of these now take place on one-knee as was once customary. In this case the ring will have been bought in advance and the choice may well have been that of the fiancé. Alternately the proposal might be made prior to the purchase of the diamond ring in which case the choice will be made together which is where your 'diamond' homework could come in useful!. size, and as larger diamonds are so rare the difference in price is substantial!

Similar ring-giving customs have existed throughout history and across different cultures. The giving of a ring has often been seen as a token of love, and the wearing of a ring perceived as a signal of commitment. The ancient Romans believed that the 'vein of love' was situate on the fourth finger of the left hand, which seems to have 'stuck' now for some thousands of years! In Sweden and Brazil both potential partners wear engagement rings - whereas it is more common in other cultures for the woman to receive a diamond engagement ring, but then for both partners to have wedding rings.

However, the jewelers are no doubt happy that in the United States it is becoming a increasingly common for women to give an engagement or 'promise' ring to her husband to be. Although quite rare this practice is gaining popularity.

The Rising cost of Plighting your Troth!!

But how much should a diamond engagement ring cost? Some cultures have had a 'rule-of-thumb' of the amount being equivalent to a months pay. In a clever marketing ploy some jewelry companies in the US have promoted the idea that a diamond ring for engagement should cost around two to three months pay! Some Australian jewelers have also adopted this 'promotional' device. It seems important for folks to remember the purpose of the gift, though, and not to be too focussed on cost, or bogged-down in worrying if they have 'spent enough'!

Modern diamond ring designs are radically different from those of many years ago. Nowadays rings tend to be items that are narrow or delicate bands of precious metal on which the important and significant stone is mounted. Indeed it has long been the case that a ring consists of a band of some type of precious metal set with a gem, or gems.

Whilst diamond rings are the most traditional, and the diamond as precious gem to be put into an engagement rings setting is still most popular, there are those who have chosen gems with more color, such as sapphires, rubies or emeralds. As you will see elsewhere on this site - an even more 'exceptional' choice for a different and individual diamond ring would be to choose one of the rare, natural colored diamonds that can be found, IF your budget can extend to it! In recent times an unusual but very appropriate choice has been a pink diamond engagement ring, which may be just the thing to seal your own special promise.

Like a true, and lasting relationship a diamond ring is worth more than the simple 'sum of its parts'! But to make sure the diamond in your fiancee's ring is the best it can be - check out our articles about the FOUR C's - Color; Clarity; Cut and Carat weight.