If you’re thinking about proposing, congratulations!  This is an exciting time in your life.  But chances are, you’re already worrying about taking the first step: Buying an engagement ring.  Relax! While this may seem like a daunting task, it doesn’t have to be.  By following these six easy steps, you can buy an engagement ring that she’s sure to love and cherish for a lifetime.

An engagement ring is a symbol of your love and commitment to your future wife.  Engagement rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was once believed that the vein in this finger ran straight to the heart.  You want to choose a ring that will remind her of that day for the rest of your lives together, so it’s important that you choose a ring that represents your love.

Step 1: Set a Budget

Before you even set foot in a jewelry store, it’s important to decide how much you want to spend on your engagement ring.  You should look at your ring as a long-term investment, especially compared to your other wedding expenses. The general rule of thumb for an engagement ring budget is two months salary (three if you include the wedding band), with at least 20% of that going to the setting. Keep in mind that many couples ultimately spend more than they originally budget.

You should also prioritize your spending – is it more important to her to have a big diamond of lower quality or a small diamond of high quality?  Would she prefer to have a number of smaller diamonds flanking the center stone or a single, larger stone in the center?  Don’t forget to factor in the cost of the metal of the ring.  This is one of the most important and least talked about aspects of an engagement ring; it will really determine not only the style of the ring, but also how it stands the test of time. The advantage to spending a little more on the setting is the assurance that your diamond will be held in place securely.

Step 2: Find Her Ring Size

If you don’t already know your bride-to-be’s ring size, don’t worry!  There are a number of ways to figure it out without letting her know that you’re engagement ring shopping.  If she removes the rings that she already owns and you can “borrow” one without her noticing, you should take it into a jeweler to find out her size.  However, if this is not a possibility, you can try putting her ring on and marking where it sits on your finger or just trace the inside of the ring on a piece of paper.  A jeweler can ascertain her size using this information.

You might prefer to take a more direct route: Asking.  Casually bring up rings or ring sizes in conversation and ask her what hers is.  Alternatively, you can consult with her best friend, sister, or mom – your bride-to-be may have told them her size in preparation for the day that you would want to know.