Choosing a diamond engagement ring is one of the most important purchases of a man’s life. So much so that there are an increasing number of men who prefer not to buy a diamond ring without direct input from their partner, out of fear of getting it wrong.

Like most decisions in life, buying a diamond engagement ring is very personal, and the best thing to do is to work out which approach is best for you and your partner. Should you decide to bite the bullet and go it alone, then keep in mind some of the advice that we offer here.

Do your homework

When your partner discusses friends’ diamond engagement rings, listen out for obvious clues and her opinion. Does she like flashy diamond rings or does she prefer something more discreet? Talk to a couple of close friends beforehand, but swear them to secrecy, and see if they can offer some suggestions.

Learn the 4 Cs

The 4 Cs refer to the way that each individual diamond for any piece of diamond jewellery is categorised and assessed. They stand for cut, clarity, carat and colour and determine the diamond’s shape, brilliance, weight and of course its colour. The highly quality diamonds correlate with a higher price, making adherence to a strict budget a priority from the onset. Work out your budget before you go shopping for a diamond engagement ring and stick to it.

Try not to worry

If after your proposal your partner confesses that the ring isn’t to her liking, try not to be too disappointed. Of course it is a shame, but ultimately she will have to wear that piece of jewellery for the rest of her life so it ideally should be to her liking.