Diamond engagement rings, and now as often as not, matching diamond wedding rings are the symbolic representation of eternal love exchanged between couples to represent their union. While we know today that marriages simply do not always have quite the eternal or even long-lasting tenure they used to have, I think it is still fair to say that very few people go into a marriage that they believe will last less than the rest of their life. The diamond engagement ring is a symbol of the love two people share and an announcement of their mutual agreement to wed. Therefore, the diamond engagement ring should be conspicuous, as it is there to call attention to the announcement of the betrothal. So the solitaire diamond or the large center diamond with a cluster of smaller diamonds is extremely appropriate for the diamond engagement ring. Once the matching diamond wedding ring is added to the ladies finger and often the matching men's diamond wedding ring is placed on his finger the additional announcement of a completed union is represented.

There are numerous considerations to be made when selecting a diamond engagement ring. The quality of the diamond (or diamonds) in the engagement ring go a long way to determine the price, as well as the sparkle the diamond engagement ring will elicit. The selection of the type of diamond to be found in a diamond engagement ring can vary all the way from the young man who impulsively stops into a jewelry store and buys almost the first engagement ring that he sees, to the much more discriminating jewelry aficionado who selects the stones individually himself and then either designs or consults to the jeweler on the design for the mounting for the ring. In either case, the intention may be virtually the same, however, in the latter case, it is likely that the prior knowledge of jewelry and concern for the end product will likely produce better results.

For those less knowledgeable about jewelry who wish to purchase the perfect diamond engagement ring, or wedding, and engagement rings set, increasingly there are various jewelry masters accessible on the Internet that offer a broad selection and often very logical tutoring as to the exact decision one might wish to make. In truth, the task of choosing the right diamond engagement ring can be very daunting without some expert help. Diamonds are evaluated by their degree of clarity, and of course, the size is measured in karats, they also vary in color. Diamonds are most often set in gold or platinum. Of course the size and shape of the mounting and the intricacy of the setting are additional factors to be considered. Diamonds can be set in yellow or white gold, platinum, even silver. The shape or cut of the diamond may be round, emerald cut, Marquis, Baguette or heart-shaped. Even beyond the advice of the jewelry master, often the most logical person to consult before making the decision as to what type of ring to buy is the person who was going to wear it. The bride to be, who has all of her life imagined the beautiful round diamond with smaller round diamonds surrounding it, may not be pleased with her future husband's idea of a solitaire marquee. If he likes gold, and she wears white gold, the engagement may never progress beyond the presentation of the ring. So sometimes the perfect diamond engagement ring is literally in the mind of the beholder, as long as the one you slip on her finger looks pretty much the same as the one in her mind, you are good to go. Clairvoyance or careful, thoughtful questioning can always make a major difference in a relationship. Further, diamonds are forever, only if they are accepted.