Charlie The Cavalier : The Guide to Buying a Engagment Rings Online

The time has come. You think he is ready to "pop the question"? I was the girl who knew what I wanted. I wanted a solitaire diamond ring similar to this one. My boyfriend at the time (now my husband) and I went to the mall. Let's just say he is not very good at finding a good deal. So we went together to comparison shop to find the ring that I now wear every day of my life. We went to different places in the mall. Five years later, we buy everything on Amazon.com. I am sure we would have purchased the ring this way. He would have been happy if I sent him a link of what I wanted. Then he could just buy it online, and have the ring sent to him with free overnight shipping. I could tell him what I want, he does not need to comparison shop for price, and we don't need to go to the mall together. Amazon does have free returns on jewelry.

Why buy a ring online? Low overhead, graded diamonds, conflict-free in accordance with the Kimberly Process, and 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Plus when you buy a ring online you can read ALL the customer reviews. The good and the bad. You can't do that at the jewelry store with a high pressure salesman looking at you and those bright jewelry tore lights.

1. Ring Size

Before you buy a ring online you need to know your ring size. I would go to different jewelers to get your fingers sized. You can look at some rings to get an idea of what you would like. Can't wait to get your finger sized? Try this print out ring sizing sheet.

The truth is, nothing beats wearing the ring for a day or two to get a feel for whether the size is appropriate and comfortable for you. Whether you're buying online or offline, make sure you can freely return the ring and exchange it for a different size if you need to. Amazon does have free returns on jewelry.

2. Educate Yourself on Cut, Color, Clarity

From here I would recommend educating yourself on cut, color, and clarity so you understand what type of diamond you like. You may decide you don't want to go with a diamond or another stone. View this "Cheat Sheet" to learn more about color, cut, and clarity.

3. Find a Picture of the Ring on Amazon

Go to Wedding and Engagement Jewelry on Amazon.com. These are some pictures of one, two, and three carrot diamonds next to each other to understand size.

4. Stone Shape

You can shop by stone shape online.

5. Metal

Here is a materials learning guide to decide the type of metal you would like and how to take care of the ring.

6. Settings

There are many different settings to choose from. The most popular diamond settings are the solitaire, the cathedral, the three-stone, and the channel setting.

From Pricescope.com

Let me make this simple. Here are a few rings that I love in different price ranges. Please tell me if this page helped you make a decision. What an exciting time in your life!

Option 1: $3,000 Ring

IGI Certified 14k White Gold Princess-Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring (1 cttw, I-J Color, I1-I2 Clarity), Size 6

IGI Certified- Who Certified the Color, Cut, and Clarity of the Diamond (The 3 c's we learned about).

14K White Gold- The type of metal choosen.

Princess Cut- The Type of Stone Cut.

Solitaire- The Setting.

1 cttw- Weight in carats

I-J Color- The color rating of the stone.

I1-I2- The inperfection rating of the stone. Remember, relationships are not prefect either ;).

Size 6- Ring Size

Option 2: $1,600 Ring

IGI Certified 14k White Gold Princess-Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring (3/4 cttw, I-J Color, I1-I2 Clarity), Size 8

IGI Certified- Who Certified the Color, Cut, and Clarity of the Diamond (The 3 c's we learned about).

14K White Gold- The type of metal choosen.

Diamond- The Type of Stone.

Solitaire- The Setting.

3/4 cttw- Weight in carats

I-J Color- The color rating of the stone.

I1-I2- The inperfection rating of the stone. Remember, relationships are not prefect either ;).

Size 8- Ring Size

Option 3: $400

0.50 Carat (ctw) 14k White Gold Brilliant Round Cut Diamond Ladies Engagement Bridal Halo Ring 1/2 CT (Size 7)

.5 cttw- Weight in carats (all diamonds together on entire ring)

14K White Gold- The type of metal chosen.

Brilliant Round Cut- The Type of Stone Cut.

Diamond- Type of Stone

Halo- The Setting.

Size 7- Ring Size

You can also purchase a bridal set that has the engagement ring and wedding band together. Then you will know they look good together, and don't have to pay more later if you are on a budget. Who isn't?

Option 4: $400

0.50 Carat (ctw) 14k White Gold Round Diamond Ladies Halo Bridal Ring Engagement Matching Band 3 pcs Set

.5 cttw- Weight in carats (all diamonds together on entire ring)

14K White Gold- The type of metal chosen.

Round Cut- The Type of Stone Cut.

Diamond- Type of Stone

Halo- The Setting.

Matching Set- Includes all rings.

Interesting Thoughts About Cost of a Engagement Ring

If you pay $3,000 for an engagement ring, and are married for 60 years, the cost per day to wear the ring is about 14 cents a day.
Engagement bands began in Ancient Egypt as the circle was used to symbolize a never ending cycle and the space in it as a gateway.
In 2007, the average cost of an engagement ring in USA as reported by the industry was US$2,100.- People Magazine