Shopping for engagement rings can be stressful for some by Jennifer Dean, Contributing writer   Nothing makes the eyes sparkle more than the light dancing from a beautiful diamond engagement ring. After all, diamonds are a girls best friend. But oh those poor men - diamonds can be their worst nightmare. How do you choose a diamond engagement ring that reflects your love, delights your hopeful bride to be, and yet doesn't send you into debt faster than you can say "I do?" Finding the perfect ring takes a lot of time and patience. When the tradition of ring giving first began in the early part of the second century it was much easier. The engagement ring, a symbol of a lifetime commitment to honor, cherish and obey was once a solid iron hoop, presented to a woman when a man believed she was fit to marry. Present your bride-to-be with an iron hoop today and see how soon the two of you set a wedding date! With so much riding on such a small object, it is amazing couples still choose to buy rings at all. "Engagement rings are designed to represent all that is strong and solid in a relationship," said newlywed Liz Trent. "I wouldn't trade mine for anything. It is very special to me." Engagement rings have continually evolved over the past centuries, but their importance and meaning has remained the same. Part of this evolution was the introduction of diamonds to engagement rings in the 15th century. Diamonds were, and still are believed to represent fidelity and eternity, and since their first use, have been an important aspect for most couples searching for a ring. With all the advancements and changes that have occured over the many years, the process of choosing an engagment ring has become increasingly more difficult. Now choices for rings range from yellow gold to white gold, platinum to silver. Add diamond size, shape, quality and cost to that equation and it makes for a potentially disastrous situation. What type of ring is best suited for your relationship? So with all of these potential problems, how is it that millions of people get engaged each year and suffer little ill effects from the traumatic experience of choosing a ring.? Tradition says that it is the man's job to handle the engagement ring. But, if you're worried about finding the perfect one or maybe lack trust in your fiance's taste, the 20th century now finds it acceptable to bring along the bride-to-be. Although, many men still choose to risk it on their own. "It really depends on the couples age or the type of wedding," said Sandra Sanders, a sales representative from R. Herz & Brother Jewelry Co. " I would say about 50 percent of the prospective buyers are men that come in alone. The other 50 percent are couples." Many people specialize in helping confused couples find a ring that is suitable to their needs, desires and finances. "The idea of an engagement ring is the romance," said Graduate Gemologist Nancy Colonica. "But only buy what you can afford. Never go in debt over a ring." Although financial issues are almost never romantic, it is important to be aware of the pricey issues surrounding engagement rings. "The average cost of an engagement ring is about $3,500 to $4,000," Sanders said. "Tradition says that the cost of the ring should equal two months salary." Once you get past the financial issue of purchasing a ring it is important to know what aspect of a diamond is most important to you or your fiance. The Gemological Institute of America grades their diamonds by clarity and color, but other jewelers believe the cut of the diamond and it's size are also essential when choosing a gem. According to the GIA there are 10 grades of clarity and 25 grades of color. "The higher you are on the clarity chart, the less flaws your diamond has, and the higher you are on a color chart the purer the color," said Martha Johns, Graduate Gemologist and employee for Palace Jewelry and Loan. "The first step is to decide what is most important to you." Besides clarity and color it is important to consider the cut of the diamond and it's size. "Some people don't ca re about clarity, they just want a big diamond," Colonica said. "Others are more concerned with the quality of diamond they are purchasing." With all the choices people have to choose from when selecting a diamond there are still some that are more common than others. "A round diamond is more common among engagement rings than other shapes," said sales representative Joanne Perrata from Helzburg Diamonds. "People also tend to request a one carat diamond more frequently than other weights." These characteristics differ with every individual. The important thing is to find a ring that fits you or you fiance and that encompasses all the aspects you both desire. The engagement ring is the emblem of a life long partnership between two people. It symbolizes strength and unity and is the ultimate seal on the promises made at marriage. Finding one that is right for you, your bride or your groom-to-be is the first step towards spending a lifetime with the person you care about.     copyright May1998 Nevada Outpost http://www.jour.unr.edu/outpost