Shape

The first thing to think about when choosing a diamond ring is the shape of the stone itself. Here are some tips:

• Round cut is most traditional and most popular. In 2006, 47 percent of brides received a round-cut diamond engagement ring. It can be used in a variety of settings but is able to stand alone as a solitaire.

• The emerald cut is a very elegant cut, chic and sophisticated. High-quality stones are needed for this and work best with simple settings. Eva Longoria has an emerald-cut ring.

• Fancy shapes, such as the pear shape or oval shape, are gaining in popularity. Katherine Heigl wears a 3-carat pear shape. Katie Holmes has an oval-cut diamond.

Style

There are also a variety of styles and designs to choose from:

• A center stone with smaller stones around it is a style favored by many brides to-be, as is the classic diamond solitaire ring.

• A romantic or sentimental choice is the three-stone ring, as the stones represent your past, present and future.

Romantic Gifts

Even if you’re already married—or never intend to be—consider a special Journey Diamond piece. These are graduated diamonds that go from smaller to larger and symbolize how your love grows stronger and deeper over time.

On the other hand, you can show how much you think of her with a right-hand ring. Diamond right-hand rings reflect a woman’s own unique individuality and style. Left-hand rings are about “the two of you”; right-hand rings celebrate “her.”

Learn More

You can learn more online at www.adiamondisforever.com.

Nearly half of all diamond engagement rings are a round cut.