Like no other piece of jewelry, rings are literally an extension of your personality. From simple bands of gold or silver, to extravagant displays of diamonds, gemstones and pearls, rings state your mood, marital status and even your sense of play like nothing else can. When choosing a ring, make sure it compliments not only your wardrobe, but also your persona. If you're feeling like Scarlet O'hara, by all means, go for a ruby set in platinum. Perhaps you want to present a more matronly image, think of an Akoya pearl solitaire in soft yellow gold. Whatever the case, remember that you have options. If you find the ideal diamond in a not so perfect setting, unless it's a designer original, ask to have the stone re-set. It's your ring, you should have it the way you want it. Check out the setting options listed here, and find the one that works best for you.

Diamond rings are not only the most emotionally significant piece of jewelry you will ever own, but they are also one of the most versatile. You can wear diamonds with jeans or gowns, they are complimented by pearls, gold, colored gemstones and more diamonds. Diamonds are unique in their beauty, durability and prestige, so you should create a ring that reflects all of those qualities. We'll start with selecting your diamond here, but remember that you can begin with the setting selection just as easily.

Diamonds are a big-ticket item. In order to make sure you're getting your money's worth, we recommend the following due diligence course of action before you actually shop. You might think that the 4Cs are the place to begin. But, there are three crucial factors that you must consider before any C comes into play:

1. Shape: From round to emerald, marquise to heart, choose the shape based on occasion, type of use, personality, etc. For instance, if you are selecting the diamond for an engagement ring, a ring that will be worn every day for many years to come, you may want to consider a beautiful round stone. Not only are round diamonds more durable than other shapes (due to the smooth edges) but, also, round cuts never go out of style, insuring a timeless, subtle statement that can be worn with any outfit and any mood. If, on the other hand, the diamond is to be placed in a fancy cocktail or occasional ring, imagine the entrance you'll make with a dazzling marquise or heart shaped diamond on your finger.
2. Budget: You wouldn't shop for a Rolls Royce if your budget calls for a Honda. Likewise with diamonds, determine how much you want to spend realistically, set that amount in stone, and don't be swayed by glittering goodies in the window. There are plenty of beautiful diamonds available in every budget, enjoy all the fire without burning too big a hole in your pocket.
3. Size and Quality: Now decide what is most important to you. Do you want the biggest possible diamond for your money at the expense of quality? Or are color, clarity and cut quality of utmost importance? If you are on a limited budget, keep in mind that the higher the quality, the smaller the stone. You can also go middle of the road and find a nice size diamond with a few flaws. Hey, nobody's perfect.

"Ready to shop?" Not yet. Now that you've determined the shape, price range and quality-size ratio, it's time to get down to the serious business of making sure you get the best value available. You can learn the intricacies of the 4Cs, fluorescence, depth percentages, and other diamond value factors at the gembeat.com diamond guide. Look at all the variables and decide on the range of quality you'd like in each category in order to narrow your search. With over 49,500 possible quality combinations, choosing your range of focus is a crucial step toward finding the right diamond for you.

"Now, can I go shopping?" You're getting there. Its time to compare diamonds. Even shopping within the quality range you've determined, diamond prices will vary, sometimes dramatically, with each combination. That's why it's so important to take the time to look at a lot of stones.

Of course, nothing replaces the experience of comparing actual stones side by side. So, we highly recommend that you visit several local jewelers and examine their offerings within the quality/budget you've set.

• See for yourself what a diamond with an H color, VS clarity and "ideal" cut quality really looks like.
• Get a ballpark average price on the type of stone you're looking for. The gembeat.com Diamond Price Index (DPI) gives current market prices on any diamond and is a great way to find out what you should expect to pay.

"I wanna' go shopping!" Well, what's stopping you? Unless you have a family jeweler whom you trust, you'll want to shop around. The unbiased diamond comparison search engine at gembeat.com is your personal diamond consultant. This dynamic tool allows you to access our extensive database of certified diamonds offered by reputable dealers from across the country based on the quality and budget parameters you determine, in the privacy of your own home. The service is absolutely free, and includes a detailed report on each of our select vendors, their store locations, years in business, shipping and return policies, setting options and more. Once you find your perfect diamond, gembeat.com will present you with a print ready dossier on the stone and dealer, as well as a direct link to that merchant's website (when applicable) and alternate contact instructions for telephone orders.

Great, you've found the diamond of your dreams. Don't buy it. Not yet, anyway. Do you know how you want to set the stone? You may fall in love with the sleek look of a bezel setting style, but what if the diamond you also love belongs in a prong setting? (This doesn't mean you should have started your process by selecting your setting, the same dilemma is a possibility.) With the diamond you've selected in (an open) mind, take some time to look at settings.

The significance of your setting cannot be overlooked. Think of the setting as a representative statement of your style; the deeply personal meaning of this diamond, and how you want that meaning presented to the world.

Prong Setting: Show off your diamond.
The most popular style for engagement rings, prong settings consist of either 4 or 6 metal prongs that are formed around the stone and bent over the top to hold it in place. Also known as a Tiffany setting, prong settings allow the entire gem to be seen and maximum light to shine through, enhancing brilliance and fire. A word of caution, though, prong settings may not be the ideal choice for very active women. Not only are the prongs themselves vulnerable to breakage, but the nature of the design leaves valuable gems exposed as well. This is particularly dangerous with marquise, pear or heart shape stones, as the pointed ends can get caught in hair and clothes. And, believe it or not, even diamonds can chip if they are bumped the wrong way. Prong settings are perfect for less active women and for occasional use rings. If your bride to be has an adventurous streak, but has her heart set on a prong setting, we highly recommend a six prong Tiffany design and a round cut gem. Check the craftsmanship carefully. All soldered connections should be invisible and the prongs should be form fit around the gem, almost as if it were an extension of the stone. Also, consider platinum over gold for your setting. Platinum is harder, stronger and less likely to break.

Channel Setting: Go for the bold.
Two strips of gold, platinum or silver create a dramatic channel for stones set side-by-side. The gems are set flush with the metal, offering protection from snags, but slightly diminishing the ability for light to shine through. This is a very popular style for anniversary bands, but because of the intricate craftsmanship involved, the channel setting tends to cost more than prong settings.

Bar Setting: Beauty and protection.
This is like a high security channel setting. In this version, the stones are actually placed in the channel with supporting bars on either side of each stone. A nice idea if it is properly executed, but very difficult to perform expertly. Always check for how well the stones are set. Are they all uniform? Flush? Solid? Important questions to ask if you are looking at a bar setting.

Invisible Setting: Last call for bars.
This is a variation on the bar setting. The stones are placed tightly together so no metal shows between them, creating a beautiful display of uniformity in gemstone presentation. Since there are no metal bars between the stones, more light is allowed to pass through for heightened color, brilliance and fire.

Bezel Setting: It's all about highlights.
The bezel setting creates a metal frame that surrounds the stone. Not only is this a nice way to make your stone look larger, but it can also conceal nicks and chips around the girdle. It's not a good idea to mount white or colorless diamonds in yellow gold bezels, as the yellow will be reflected into the stone, diminishing the colorless quality you paid dearly for. White gold and platinum are excellent choices for such stones. However, yellow gold is a great option for rubies or emeralds. The reflected yellow will make the red and green sing with vivid color. Check for quality and security by gently shaking the ring close to your ear once every few months. If you hear a little rattle, the stone is loose and should be attended to immediately.

Pave Setting: A choice of confidence and individuality.
Like a metal honeycomb, small gemstones are placed very close together in tiny holes of the frame. No metal shows through so the effect is a paving of stones. Because of the size of the gems involved, the untrained eye may find the pave setting to be a compromise, but for those in the know, this setting means one thing: quality and elegance

Cluster Setting: The special event choice.
Very popular for cocktail rings, the cluster setting surrounds a large center stone with tiered rows of smaller stones. Each of the smaller stone is set in a semi-bezel just below the girdle. The setting has a delicate appearance, and construction. Cluster rings are beautiful occasional pieces, but not recommended for daily wear.

There are several different ways determine your ring size.

1. Any jeweler would be happy to give you an accurate measurement.
2. You can do it yourself by following these simple instructions.
3. Note that different countries have different ring sizes. All sizes listed here are standard American sizes.
   
   Measure the circumference:
   • Cut a strip of paper about 6" long, no wider than ¼".
   • Wrap the paper snugly around your finger and mark where it meets.
   • Lay the paper flat against a ruler to determine the circumference in inches and find the matching ring size on our handy chart:

   Ring Size		Paper Length in inches
   4		1 13/16
   5		1 15/16
   6		2 1/16
   7		2 2/16
   8		2 4/16
   9		2 5/16
   10		2 7/16
   11		2 9/16
   12		2 10/16
   13		2 12/16
   14		2 14/16

4. If the ring is to be a surprise, simply perform the same steps on a ring your intended recipient already owns. How you get it from them is up to you. We don't have a handy chart for that. Although, we can help you once you secure the ring with the following simple procedure.
   
   Measure the diameter: (either inches or millimeters)
   • Take any ring and lay it flat against the inch or millimeter face of a ruler (For a more accurate reading, we recommend measuring millimeters)
   • Starting at 0, measure the distance of across from the inside edges of the band.
   • Find the matching ring size for your mark on this chart.

   Ring Size		Diameter in inches		Diameter in mm.
   4		.585		14.86
   5		.618		15.70
   6		.650		16.51
   7		.683		17.35
   8		.716		18.19
   9		.748		18.89
   10		.781		19.84
   11		.814		20.68
   12		.846		21.49
   13		.879		22.33

   
   Notes:
   • For the record, the average woman's ring size is 6.
   • If your mark falls in between two ring sizes, choose the larger size.
   • If your knuckle is a lot larger than the base of your finger, using the circumference method, measure both the base and the knuckle with your paper and select a size in between the two.
   • When considering a wide band, move up a size from your measurement, for comfort's sake.
   • Remember to measure your finger in warm temperatures at the end of the day. This is when the most blood will be in your hands, and you will be guaranteed a ring fit that will be comfortable for a lifetime.

1. Choose gemstones that compliment your lifestyle, personality and skin tone.
   The smooth, clean lines of round stones make a perfect choice for active women.
   Look at your wardrobe; which gemstones match your style?
   Trust your eye. If you love that heart shape diamond, buy it. It doesn't matter if they are not all the rage.
2. Select settings that fit not only your finger, but your activities as well.
   Bezel and channel settings are great for daily wear.
   Stones with points (pears, hearts, marquise) in prong settings are vulnerable to catching on hair, clothes, tables, etc. Go for 6 prongs.
   Make sure your engagement ring will fit nicely with a wedding band.