Okay, so you've finally found the gal of your dreams and you're ready to take the plunge into holy matrimony. If you're like most men, then you're probably looking for an engagement ring to seal the deal. Unfortunately, us guys have become quite adept at tuning out the women in our lives at the first mention of anything sparkly or shiny. Now, you're looking to plunk down a serious amount of cash, and you haven't a clue how to get the most for your money. Well don't worry, because it takes only a minimal amount of information to become a diamond expert. Read on to learn how to choose that perfect diamond, and ultimately win over that perfect girl.

Price

The question at the top of your mind is probably, "How much is this rock gonna run me?" It's a good idea to have a ballpark figure in your head before you head to the jewelry store. So how much should you spend? Wish we could give you an algebraic formula, but the truth is you're the only one that can answer this question. Recently, etiquette guides have dictated that guys should spend between 2 and 3 months of their salary on the engagement ring. You can use this as a starting point, but by no means is it set in stone.   More importantly, you should spend within your means. Ask yourself the following 2 questions, and you should have a good idea of your final asking price:

•  How much am I willing to spend?

•  How much am I capable of spending without taking on debt?

That #2 may be tempting to ignore - after all, your baby deserves the best. However, she also deserves to come into a home that's financially secure, and you don't want to be paying off a ring instead of your mortgage.

The 4 Cs - Finding that perfect stone

Now that you've got a budget, it's time to figure out how to milk it for all it's worth. What gives a diamond its value? You may be surprised to learn it's more than just size. Experts look for four different characteristics, known as the four C's, when rating desirability (which dictates price).

Cut

It takes a skilled craftsman to cut a diamond into its ideal shape. Their goal is to maximize brilliance and sparkle. All those edges on a diamond are created through scientific formulas, and the more experienced the craftsman, the better the result. A diamond that is cut too deep or too shallow will fail to shine as brightly and may appear dull.

Cut also refers to the shape of the diamond. Round is the most common shape, but you can also choose from shapes such as Princess, Emerald, Oval, Pear and Heart. The right shape for you is based entirely on your future wife's preference. If she's never mentioned which shape she finds most appealing, ask one of her close friends or relatives (who can keep a secret).

A hint for the groom: If size is a larger factor than cut for you, purchase a diamond that is a shade on the shallow side. It'll appear larger.

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