Buying an engagement and/or wedding ring will be one of the most important decisions you will make. Over the next couple of weeks, we will be offering you tips on what to look for when shopping for an engagement ring. Keep in mind what your fiancé likes and buy accordingly.

An engagement ring does not have to be a diamond, but it is the most widely purchased stone for an engagement ring. In fact, it wasn't until 1939 that the diamond engagement ring became popular. The DeBeers Company, the world's largest miner and marketer of diamonds, created a brilliant advertising campaign that made the diamond the stone to have in an engagement ring. Before the diamond became popular, Sapphire, Ruby, and Emerald were popular stone choices for engagement rings. Whatever stone you choose, it can be set in traditional gold, white gold, the ever popular platinum, and even silver.

It is not uncommon now days for a couple to go together and shop for an engagement ring. Having her input when picking out the ring ensures she gets what she likes in an engagement ring. Of course if you want to be traditional and surprise her, there are other ways to begin shopping for the ring. Ask your married or engaged friends where they got their engagement rings, ask your future fiancé's mother or best friend for her input. Don't be pressured into buying a ring from an expensive jewelry store. These Stores often mark up their jewelry 300%. You can find the same quality engagement rings at gold and diamond outlet stores as you will in those high priced jewelry stores at the mall. If you are on a budget don't be afraid to shop the sales. Just because the ring is marked down doesn't mean there's something wrong with it. Be on the lookout for stores carrying the American Gem Corporation (AGC) sign to ensure quality gemstones.