Diamonds are a girl's best friend, but how do choose the right BFF for you?

If you are thinking of getting engaged, are all ready engaged or just dreaming of getting married, chances are you may already know the 4 Cs - Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat. But how do you know which design is for you and how do you lightly advise your fiance on how to buy your ring (if any advisement is necessary, which in most cases it is - Romcoms don't mention this part of the happily ever after!). To figure out the design you like most, take a look at www.bluenile.com - the site shows you different cuts of diamonds and settings so you will have an idea of what you might like. Also, look around at the pricier jewelry sites. While an 8 carat stone might be out of your price range, the larger rings give you a close up look to further help you see what styles you like. My favourite jewelry site is www.graffdiamonds.com. The gems are just breathtaking!

As for how to buy an engagment ring, being raised in New York with access to the diamond district and living in Brussels, which is close to the famous diamond-filled city of Antwerp, I would like to think that I have learned a thing or two about purchasing diamonds. While Tiffany, Graff and De Beers are all superb, not to mention Marilyn's favourite Mr. Harry Winston, the secret within the jewelry industry is to buy the gem first and then work with a jeweler to place it in the setting of your choice. This way, you are strictly paying for the quality of the diamond (or ruby or sapphire or any other gemstone of your choice). I won't kid you - this is a more time consuming option for fiance's but it is worth it!