If you want to propose to your partner, then you might have decided to buy a traditional diamond engagement ring. You probably won't have had much experience with this kind of purchase before and might not know how to choose the best ring to show your partner how much you love them. You may also be on a budget here which might make your search a little harder.

Read on for some tips on what you should look for as you start to look at rings.

The Cut

Diamond engagement rings have different cuts. These cuts shape the diamond or diamonds in the ring. So, for example, you can buy round, princess or pear-shaped stones.

The cut of a diamond also affects how the stone looks in its setting. A quality and well-proportioned cut make a diamond sparkle. The cut helps it reflect light. It gives the ring its dazzle. So, look for rings with bright diamonds that give out flashes of light as you move the rings around.

The Carat

You measure the weight of a diamond in carats. Typically, your cost increases with this size. However, this doesn't mean that you have to buy a large diamond to make the right impression.

If you can find a ring with a skilfully cut smaller diamond, then the diamond will look better than a larger stone that wasn't cut as proficiently. For example, the smaller well-cut diamond might look bigger than it actually is because of the way it reflects light.

The Colour

A really high-grade diamond actually appears to have no colour. It looks pure and clear. However, you'll pay more for this grade of stone. The purer a diamond is, the more it will cost you.

Stones with lower-grade colours might be a better fit for your budget. These stones are likely to have some colour in them. However, this doesn't make a stone unattractive. Some colour grades aren't immediately obvious to the naked eye; others give a ring a subtle hue that adds to the appeal of the ring itself.

The Clarity

Diamonds aren't typically completely perfect. They often have some external or internal imperfections. While a flawless diamond ring might be outside your price range, stones with a lower clarity grade should come inside your budget. A lot of the time, you won't be able to tell that the diamond isn't perfect.

To get started on your search for the perfect ring, contact jewellers and ask to see their stock of diamond engagement rings. They can help you choose a ring that will impress your partner without breaking your budget.