The diamond will most likely account for most of the overall cost of the ring. Educating yourself on the four Cs of diamond quality will ensure that you make an informed decision.

The setting, also referred to as the head, is the part that holds the diamond in place and is manufactured to fit the size and shape of the diamond you choose. The 3 main types are prong, basket, or bezel settings. With round diamonds, you will have an option of either four or six-prong. A four-prong setting shows a bit more diamond, while a six-prong setting offers a slight security advantage.

The band, also referred to as the engagement ring setting, is available in a variety of styles from the classic solitaire to diamond accented styles. Your choices of metals are 14k white, yellow or rose gold, 18k white, yellow or rose gold, and platinum. Some engagement settings are also available in two-tone. Now that you've acquainted yourself with the most important terms, you're ready to begin shopping for the perfect diamond engagement ring.

Further Reading: The Complete Guide to Understanding Engagement Ring Anatomy

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