For many men, finding the perfect engagement ring is almost as difficult as finding the perfect mate. But armed with some basic knowledge about stones, settings and designs, you will be able to select an engagement ring that will dazzle your bride-to-be, without draining your bank account.

History Lesson
The engagement ring is a universal symbol of love and commitment that dates back as far as Roman times. Although the earliest rings were made from crude bands of iron, by medieval days, the diamond engagement ring had emerged as the gem of betrothal among European royalty. Archduke Maximilian of Austria is said to have been the first man to present a diamond ring when he proposed to Mary of Burgundy in 1477.

Today, five centuries later, diamonds remain the No. 1 choice of stones, with nearly 70 percent of all brides-to-be receiving a diamond engagement ring.

Diamonds have always had a special allure, symbolizing not only lasting love, but strength, faith, virtue and spirituality. During the Middle Ages, diamonds were thought to have magnetic powers that could hold couples together.

Although that may not be true today, the clear beauty and unsurpassed brilliance of the diamond make it one of the most precious and cherished gemstones.

Ring of Truth: The Four C's
Buying a diamond ring is a significant purchase -- both emotionally and financially. And as with any major purchase, you want to make sure you have a basic understanding of what to look for so that you get the ring you want, at a fair price.

One of the first steps should be to familiarize yourself with the four C's. These are the factors that are used to determine the quality and value of a diamond. You will hear these terms a lot as you begin shopping for an engagement ring.

Cut refers to a diamond's proportions and the way it reflects light. This reflection, known as brilliance, is extremely important in evaluating the quality of a diamond. A poorly cut diamond will loose light and appear dull, whereas a well-proportioned diamond will exhibit maximum brilliance and sparkle.

Clarity is the presence or absence of flaws, which occur when the stone is being formed in nature. The fewer the imperfections or irregularities, the greater the diamond's value. A diamond's imperfections are usually microscopic and invisible to the naked, untrained eye.

Carat is the weight of the stone. A carat is equal to 200 milligrams, and there are 142 carats to an ounce. The cost of the diamond increases significantly when it reaches the full, one-carat weight since lager stones are more rare and limited in supply.

Color is the natural hue of the stone. Diamonds come in every color of the spectrum -- including red, blue, green, and lavender -- but the most popular stones are white. Truly colorless diamonds are extremely rare and, therefore, the most expensive. Most diamonds have a trace of yellow or brown, although it is normally very subtle.

Stones are graded by color on a scale from D to Z, with D being colorless and the most valuable. If you're buying a fine diamond over one carat, you should make sure to receive a diamond grading report, or certificate, which is normally issued by the Gemological Institute of America.

This report not only certifies the stone's genuineness, but provides a rating of each of the critical factors affecting quality and value. The report is important for insurance purposes and will help ensure that you receive a replacement ring of "comparable quality" if it is ever lost or stolen.

Buying the Ring
The best way to buy a diamond engagement ring is by shopping around. Begin by visiting several jewelers in your area to compare styles, settings and price.

Although many men like to surprise their fiancee with an engagement ring, it may be more prudent if you select the ring together. This way, you can be sure it's a ring she really loves, and one that reflects her personal taste and style.

You can still add an element of surprise by presenting her with a little black box. But instead of the actual ring, place a photo of the ring you like inside the box.

Reprinted with permission. This article originally ran in The Daily Herald January 28, 2000.