In decades past, the man got down on one knee, ring in hand, and proposed. Today, many couples jointly decide to become husband and wife. Likewise, they choose the rings together. It pays to know a few things first:

• Find a jeweler you can trust. Use recommendations or family connections to find a jeweler you know to be honest and fair.

• Select a style. There are many rings out there, with styles from heirloom to contemporary. Choose a style that reflects your personal tastes.
  
  
• Set a price range. Have some sense of what you can afford before you even visit any jewelers. Most experts agree that the ring budget should total no more than
  the bride and groom's combined salaries for two months.
  
  
• Know your diamond basics. There are four
  categories by which a jeweler assesses the worth of a diamond: cut, clarity, color, and carat (see "Knowing the Four C's").

Be sure to keep a good record of where the rings were purchased, how much they cost, the four C's of the diamond, etc. This will come in handy for insurance purposes and if you find something wrong with the rings after bringing them home.