Are you ready to take your relationship to the next level by proposing marriage? If you have no clue as to what kind of engagement ring to purchase, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. Having a plan in place before shopping for the ring will make the process a lot smoother. Below, you will find helpful information that will help you decide on the perfect engagement ring for your partner.

Know How Much Money You Can Afford to Spend

It is wise to know in advance what you can afford to spend on an engagement ring. Don't end up in a position where you purchase a ring that is out of your budget, as it can put you in a financial bind and interferes with wedding planning. Engagement rings are available in numerous price rings, so you should be able to find one no matter what your budget is. Keep in mind that you can also purchase a ring on credit, but it depends on where you shop.

Put Some Thought into the Type of Stones

Although diamonds are one of the common stones chosen for engagement rings, you can opt for stones with more character. For instance, you can choose a ring that has the birthstones of you and your partner. Opting for stones other than diamonds is also a great way to save money if you are shopping on a tight budget. Cubic zirconia stones are as beautiful as diamonds, only without the large price tag. You can also find cubic zirconia stones in a variety of colors.

Figure Out Which Metal Type Your Partner Prefers

Although gold is ideal for an engagement ring, it is not the preference of everyone. Ask people who know about your partner's metal taste if he or she prefers the look of gold or silver. If silver is the preference but you would like to purchase gold, you can opt for white gold. The white gold will have a higher value than silver, which might be impressive to your partner.

Get the Ring Personalized for Sentimental Value

After you have found the perfect ring for your partner, you can take things a step further by opting for personalization to be done.  For instance, you can get something special inscribed inside of the ring, such as the date of when you first met him or her. Visit a jewelry store, like Elite Jewelry and Loan, to find the most ideal engagement ring for your partner.