Proposing? Here’s What You Need to Know About Buying a Ring

The holidays are one of the biggest times of the year to get engaged. Now that you've decided to pop the question, how do you know which ring to buy?

According to the American Gem Society, the tradition of presenting a woman with an engagement ring "originated from a Roman custom in which wives wore rings attached to small keys, indicating their husbands' ownership." Then, in 1477, Archduke Maximillian of Austria commissioned the very first diamond engagement ring on record for his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy. This sparked a trend for diamond rings among European aristocracy and nobility.

In the past, engagement rings weren't always diamonds - and often incorporated other precious gemstones. Today, diamonds are most often associated with engagement rings - but colored gemstones are making a comeback as well.

Let's say you're shopping for a diamond - where do you even start?

We talked to the experts at Engelbert's Jewelers - they're Central New York's Diamond Store. Sarah Rushton, a fourth-generation jeweler and certified gemologist, told us what to look for in a diamond. "Of course, you want to look for the 4 C's - carat, cut, color, and clarity. Those are the things that make each diamond unique." It's also important to buy your diamond from an experienced jeweler.

Sarah recently returned from the diamond capital of the world - Antwerp, Belgium - where she searched through thousands of diamonds and brought the best back to Engelbert's in New Hartford and Rome. You can see those diamonds any time, and as part of their "Best of Belgium" event on Friday, November 9 from 10am - 7pm. Along with diamonds, you can also enjoy waffles, beer, and chocolate, too.

Buying a diamond is a big step - but at least now you're prepared.