Finding the right engagement ring is strictly a matter of personal style.  A simple ring with a single stone is called a solitaire and can make for a beautiful engagement ring.   If you prefer more decoration, there are a wide variety of rings with side stones or baguettes that will add to the total price of the ring but also make it more individualized.

The typical engagement ring consists of two main parts, which will be discussed individually:

• The setting (which holds the diamond)
• The band (surrounds the finger)

The Setting

Settings are usually made out of platinum (even on a gold ring) because of platinum's strength and durability.  In fact, when you're selecting a ring, be sure to verify that its setting is made out of platinum.  The other common choice is whether to get 4 or 6 prongs.  With 4 prongs, you will show off more of the diamond, but 6 prongs will hold the diamond much more securely.  If the ring will be worn regularly, 6 prongs are highly recommended to avoid losing the stone.

There are other types of settings that do not use prongs.  Some use pressure to keep the diamond in place, and others form a "channel" where the diamond is inserted.  Again, your personal sense of style should guide you in selecting the setting.

The Band

The first decision you will have to make regarding the band is the size.  There are two easy ways to do this:

• Visit any jeweler, bring your partner along, and ask to have the finger ring sized
• If the ring is a surprise, "borrow" a ring that your partner currently owns (and you know fits well) and bring it to a jeweler to be measured.  Be sure to return the ring quickly!

The second decision regarding the band is the choice of materials.  By far, the most common choices for engagement rings are platinum and gold.  Although your choice is ultimately a matter of personal style, here are a few facts about each metal:

Gold

Gold has been popular in jewelry-making since the beginning of time, but because pure gold bends easily, it is usually alloyed with nickel, copper, and/or zinc.  The purity of gold is measured in karats.  A 24-karat ring is made of pure gold, whereas a 14-karat ring is 58.3% gold.  Most gold jewelry sold in the United States is 14 karats, whereas 18-karat jewelry is more popular outside of the U.S.

When worn daily, gold will tend to dull.   Brightening it again is as simple as soaking the ring in warm water and detergent-free soap, and scrubbing it gently with a soft-bristled brush.

Platinum

Because platinum is an extremely "hard" metal, its popularity in jewelry-making is not as long-lived as that of gold.  Platinum is also more rare than gold; in fact it costs roughly four times as much as gold.   However, if you want a silver band that will never tarnish, platinum is the choice for you.  And if your partner is in any way allergic to metals, platinum is the clear choice since it is hypoallergenic and will not irritate the skin. 

The purity of platinum is measured by a 3-digit number.   If your band is marked "950 platinum", the band is 95% platinum alloyed with 5% palladium or iridium.