Let’s face it, for most men, engagement ring shopping is a baffling and daunting process. There’s so many factors to consider such as ring size, style and material. With literally hundreds of designs out there to choose from, how can you possibly choose the right one to propose with?

Well, it might not be easy but choosing the right engagement ring is absolutely crucial. Not only is it going to be used for the proposal, but it’s also going to symbolise your relationship too. So, what should you be looking out for and why does it matter?

Familiarise yourself with the four C’s

When it comes time to choose the ring, one thing that can really help is understanding the four C’s. These are the cut of the diamond, the colour, the clarity and the carat. Don’t worry if you have no idea what these are or what to look for in each of the C’s, most jewellers will be able to explain it to you.

Though the cut and clarity aren’t overly important, you will want to pay attention to the colour. Colourless diamonds tend to be the rarest and therefore the most expensive to purchase. You’ll find the colour is referenced by a specific letter of the alphabet. Colourless diamonds are graded as D, and the scale then moves up to the letter Z. Again, a jeweller can explain this to you if needed.

Does it have that celebrity style?

According to recent research by F. Hinds, 21% of respondents claimed they based they choice of engagement ring on their favourite celebrity. This was most common with those aged 25-44.

So, if she has a favourite celebrity, you might want to take a look at the engagement ring they’re wearing if you want to make the proposal extra special.

Is cost important?

You’re typically told that the average engagement ring should cost you at least one month’s salary. However, while cost may have been important in the past, these days it matters more that your partner likes the ring. Cost shouldn’t be the main factor you look at and you certainly shouldn’t feel pressured to spend a fortune.

These are some of the main factors to consider when shopping for an engagement ring. Remember, she’s going to be wearing this ring for the rest of her life, so it needs to be something she absolutely loves.