Start here

Know what you want before the sales pitch starts.

Begin with your budget, your style and the things that matter to both of you. Ignore the old salary rule. There is no single best diamond.

Seven things worth sorting out

Start at the beginning or jump to the question that is holding you up.

Include the whole ring, resizing, delivery and insurance. Ignore old rules about spending a set number of salaries.

Maybe it is sparkle and size. Maybe it is origin and shape. Naming two favourites makes the rest easier.

Think about style, comfort, snagging, cleaning and how it will sit beside a wedding band.

Confirm the exact diamond, ring details, returns, delivery and total cost.

You can keep the proposal private without guessing the ring. Pick the level of involvement that suits both of you.

Discuss style, budget and everyday wear without choosing every detail or spoiling the proposal.

Choose a personal moment, protect the ring and keep a simple backup if the plan changes.

The most you are comfortable spending in total, including the setting, taxes or duties, resizing and insurance.
The two features you most want to see, such as sparkle, size, shape, band style or a low setting.
The things you will not compromise on, such as natural or lab-grown origin, a good return window, a metal allergy or a deadline.

That short list will keep you focused when every shop and search result starts offering more choices.