The ring is a universal symbol of love and commitment that dates back to Roman times. Today, diamonds are the No. 1 choice of gemstone in an engagement ring. When shopping for a diamond, use the four C's -- cut, clarity, carat and color -- to find a quality stone. (Special to The Packet)

Finding the perfect engagement ring
By ELIZABETH WITTY
Copley News Service

For many men, finding the perfect engagement ring is almost as difficult as finding the perfect mate. But armed with some basic knowledge about stones, settings and designs, you will be able to select an engagement ring that will dazzle your bride-to-be, without draining your bank account.

The engagement ring is a universal symbol of love and commitment that dates back as far as Roman times. Although the earliest rings were made from crude bands of iron, by medieval days, the diamond engagement ring had emerged as the gem of betrothal among European royalty. Archduke Maximilian of Austria is said to have been the first man to present a diamond ring when he proposed to Mary of Burgundy in 1477.

Today, five centuries later, diamonds remain the No. 1 choice of stones, with nearly 70 percent of all brides-to-be receiving a diamond engagement ring.

Diamonds have always had a special allure, symbolizing not only lasting love, but strength, faith, virtue and spirituality. During the Middle Ages, diamonds were thought to have magnetic powers that could hold couples together.

Although that may not be true today, the clear beauty and unsurpassed brilliance of the diamond make it one of the most precious and cherished gemstones.

RING OF TRUTH

Buying a diamond ring is a significant purchase - both emotionally and financially. And as with any major purchase, you want to make sure you have a basic understanding of what to look for so that you get the ring you want, at a fair price.

One of the first steps should be to familiarize yourself with the four C's. These are the factors that are used to determine the quality and value of a diamond. You will hear these terms a lot as you begin shopping for an engagement ring.

Cut refers to a diamond's proportions and the way it reflects light. This reflection, known as brilliance, is extremely important in evaluating the quality of a diamond. A poorly cut diamond will loose light and appear dull, whereas a well-proportioned diamond will exhibit maximum brilliance and sparkle.

Clarity is the presence or absence of flaws, which occur when the stone is being formed in nature. The fewer imperfections or irregularities, the greater the diamond's value. A diamond's imperfections are usually microscopic and invisible to the naked, untrained eye.

Carat is the weight of the stone. A carat is equal to 200 milligrams, and there are 142 carats to an ounce. The cost of a diamond increases significantly when it reaches the full, one-carat weight since larger stones are more rare and limited in supply.

Color is the natural hue of the stone. Diamonds come in every color of the spectrum - including red, blue, green and lavender - but the most popular stones are white. Truly colorless diamonds are extremely rare and, therefore, the most expensive. Most diamonds have a trace of yellow or brown, although this is normally very subtle.

Stones are graded by color on a scale from D to Z, with D being colorless and the most valuable. If you're buying a fine diamond over one carat, you should make sure you receive a diamond grading report, or certificate, which is normally issued by the Gemological Institute of America.

This report not only certifies the stone's genuineness, but provides a rating of each of the critical factors affecting quality and value. The report is important for insurance purposes and will help ensure that you receive a replacement ring of "comparable quality" if it is ever lost or stolen.

The best way to buy a diamond engagement ring is by shopping around. Begin by visiting several jewelers in your area to compare styles, settings and price.

Look for a professional jeweler who is established in the community, and has a reputation for integrity and service. Ask about credentials and training of the staff and be wary of any jeweler who pressures you for an instant decision - or always seems to be holding a sale. Ask if the jeweler is a member of the Jewelers of America or is registered with the American Gem Society.

Ideally, your jeweler will work closely with you to help educate you about diamonds, and provide assistance in selecting a ring that suits your taste, style and budget. Be sure to try on several different styles before making your final selection and look for a ring that will complement the type of wedding band you're considering.

BANDING TOGETHER

Although many men like to surprise their fiancee with an engagement ring, it may be more prudent if you select the ring together. This way, you can be sure it's a ring she really loves, and one that reflects her personal taste and style.

You can still add an element of surprise by presenting her with a little black box. But instead of the actual ring, place a photo of the ring you like inside the box.

You can also check with your jeweler to find out what type of exchange policy is offered. Many jewelry stores will allow you to exchange an engagement ring for one your fiancee likes better.

Even with the almost limitless choices now available, more and more couples are deciding to design their own rings. A custom-made ring is normally more expensive, but you will end up with a truly one-of-a-kind ring that reflects your unique style and taste. To get ideas, you may want to look through bridal magazines or catalogs for designs you like.

Before hiring a jewelry designer and plunking down any money, make sure you've seen actual samples of the jeweler's work.

The Diamond Information Center, which represents De Beers, the diamond cartel, has an interactive Web site - www.adiamondisforever.com - that can help you design your own ring. After filling out a brief questionnaire, the site will show you various stones, cuttings and settings.

CARING FOR YOUR DIAMOND RING