Getting engaged to a woman is a big step in both of your lives, so you want to buy a diamond engagement ring that will mark this special occasion. Most importantly, you want her to love what you choose for her once you get down on one knee to make your proposal.

Remember, it is not just what you like in a ring that matters. In this special case, you will have to greatly consider what her preferences are so that she will always want to wear the band. Find out what kind of metal she likes wearing, so this can range from white gold, yellow gold, or even silver. Be sure to know whether she likes plain or colored diamonds to go with the band.

The cut of the stone is also very important because different cuts can flatter a woman's hands significantly. Learn more about which cuts look good on her or what she prefers. Oval and marquise cuts often make a woman's fingers look longer, and girls with long fingers can get away with bigger and bolder cuts like circles and squares. The wider the band is, the shorter the finger will look, while very delicate bands could be under-emphasize by a woman with large hands.

The ring size of your loved one is one of the most important things to consider when buying this kind of jewelry. If you are unsure about her band size, then you may have to borrow one of her rings to bring to the jeweler so that they can adjust whatever you buy for her. If you cannot get a hold of any of her bands, ask one of her closest girlfriends to help you find out what her size is.

Depending on how much you are capable of shelling out for a diamond will determine the how many carats the stone will have. For the purposes of engagements, most men will buy a one carat stone at the very least. The price will often go up the more the number of carats there are.

It can be quite a challenge finding the perfect diamond engagement ring for you loved one, because you have to know what her preferences are. One way you can do it is to bring your girlfriends with you to shop for a ring. But if you want to keep it a complete secret, talk to one of her friends to get her to try on different rings during one of their shopping trips so she can give you feedback on what your girlfriend chose.

Tyler Senecca is a renowned expert in jewelry purchasing and hosts online seminars and shows which help people find the best deals on the market. Before getting an engagement ring, be sure to check out his blog for insider tips on man-made diamonds, gemstones and lab created diamonds.