After several months or years of waiting, you've finally come to a decision to ask her to marry you. What better way to tell the world you love her than giving her a diamond engagement band that symbolizes your indestructible love. However, purchasing diamond engagement rings can truly be a nerve-racking experience. As such, it pays to be informed before you decide on which band would best encompass your love for her.

For the most part, diamonds are valued as gems because of their rarity and distinct ability to retract light. Because of these characteristics, diamond engagement rings are perhaps the most popular betrothal bands around the globe. Unfortunately though, despite the knowledge we have about the existence of diamonds, many people remains as a part of the uninformed market. When one speaks of uninformed diamond market, these are people who have incomplete ideas about the nature of diamonds they are purchasing; the basis of their judgments when buying such precious stones are dependent not on any set international standards but through the advertisements they see and the eye-catching aesthetics of diamonds.

To avoid becoming a part of the uninformed market, you can begin understanding the diamond you are about to buy by seeking the unbiased and accurate evaluation provided by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Established in 1931, GIA is an international body that set the first internationally accepted grading system for diamonds. As all diamonds look-a-like, a GIA report will reveal the differences, flaws and inconsistencies in diamonds. The most widely utilized and trusted means of verifying the quality and identification of a diamond is the GIA diamonds grading report or diamond dossier.

The GIA grading report contains the expert analysis assessment of a diamond using the 4Cs of diamond grading as a primary reference, or simply the carat, cut, color and clarity. Other than the 4Cs, the report also has the stone's proportions in graphic representation as well as plotting diagram that presents the gem's inclusions and clarity-related characteristics. Generally, GIA diamonds are well tested to ensure that their qualities are accurate.

It is also advisable to seek assistance from a quality diamond jeweler. His or her competence when it comes to diamonds will surely help you detect whether the diamond band you intend to purchase is a piece of cheap jewelry or a valuable one. However, if you are a bit short on budget but would like to have a precious band for your loved one, instead of choosing a preset diamond band try looking for loose diamonds. Not only will you be able to save money, but more importantly you can have your band customized in accordance to your design preference.

Now that you already know the basics for diamond engagement rings, searching for the right one is now made easier. With the aid of the aforementioned guidelines, you will be able to pick the band that will illumine how much she means to you. Regardless of the diamond band you pick however, your sincerity on your proposal is what truly counts. You have a lifetime ahead of you to prove how much you truly love her; the diamond band you are about to give is just the beginning of the journey you will both share sooner or later.