For most woman, an engagement ring is the most significant and treasured piece of jewelry she will receive in her lifetime. Engagement rings symbolize the beginning of an exciting new adventure and the promise of eternity. When selecting a ring, it is important to consider all of the available diamond shapes and settings to ensure you find the perfect ring to accompany your proposal.

One of the first decisions to make when selecting a ring is the type of diamond shape you prefer. Some of the most traditional diamond shapes for engagement rings are round, princess, emerald, marquis, and pear. Other shapes that are available include heart, oval, and cushion. In addition to a diamond's general shape, the specific cut of a diamond affects the brilliance of the stone. You should also consider the other characteristics of buying a diamond, commonly referred to as the 'Diamond 4 Cs': cut/shape, carat, color, and clarity.

Once you've selected the diamond you would like, you can begin exploring setting options. A diamond that is set alone as a single stone on a band is referred to as a solitaire. Solitaire rings have traditionally been the most popular engagement ring style. Another option is to select a setting that incorporates more than one stone. Additional smaller diamonds, typically round stones or baguettes, can be set around the center diamond. These engagement rings are often referred to as diamond solitaire rings with sidestones or accent stones. Diamond rings with three larger diamonds set next to each other are known as diamond three-stone rings and are popular because the diamonds represent the past, present, and future.

Colored gemstones can also be incorporated into a diamond engagement ring setting. For example, an engagement ring might feature a center ruby or emerald stone with diamond accent stones on each side. For added romance, consider presenting your fiancée with an antique diamond engagement ring. Art Deco, Victorian and Edwardian style antique rings are very popular today.