Getting engaged is a big decision; for many people it is the biggest purchase they will make after a house and a car. How do you go about selecting a ring from all the rings out there?

Firstly, always remember that it is supposed to be a fun project! Many people let the confusion of different colours, cuts and clarities confuse them. At its simpliest, picking a ring is about choosing something that you like and are happy to wear. You will not walk around with a diamond certificate, you will walk around with a diamond. The human eye us very perceptive, your instinct will not lead you astray!

Here are a few questions you should think about before heading out...

Gold or platinum? There has been much writtenabout the differences between the two metals. The truth is that both are suitable for rings; the choice depends on your skin tone, and personal preference.

New or vintage? Decide if you would rather a new or old stone. Apply the same standards (colour, clarity, carat) and both should cost roughly the same. With a new diamond, you are wearing something that nobody else has ever worn. With an old diamond, it wll have been someone else's ring before you. In it's favour though, wearing an old diaomnd cuts the carbon footprint of that stone in two!

Solitaire, three stone, five stone? Consider the width of your hand. Narrow fingers usually need a solitaire with a thin band. Wider fingers may need a three stone (trilogy) ring.

Baguette shoulders? Pavé shoulders? Baguettes are thin diamonds set into the ring. Pavé shoulders are small round or square diamonds set into the side, usually three per side, sometimes more.

Colour, Cut, Clarity, Carat? As you improve in each factor, the price will increase. Some people notice colour - other people are happy do go down a grade or two if it means a bigger diamond. The same is true for clarity; many SI1 clarity diamonds will have no flaws to the naked eye.

Price? Decide a budget, and stick to it! It is very easy to creep up in budget with a diamond ring. There is no point in not being able to put petrol in your car, even if you have a beautiful diamond!

Backup service? Some people travel far and wide to buy a ring. It is worth considering your needs in the future; diamond rings need annual checking, and occassional servicing, which may not be practical if the ring was bought on the other side of the world. Consider the benefits of local back-up that you may need in the future (snagged claws, ring too big/too small, etc)

All in all, but something you love, something that makes your heart beat a little quicker when you look at; you'll be wearing it long enough, make sure it's The One!