Pink Gold Diamond Engagement Ring from True Romance Why propose at Christmas time? There are a ton of great reasons that holiday engagements are so prolific. First of all, spirits are high with all the giving and celebration of the season. Secondly – but no less important – what better time to embark upon this beautiful new adventure than when surrounded by family and friends to share in your joyous moment? And last, but certainly not least, the holiday season offers some of the best prices on engagement rings that you’ll find all year. That said, it’s still important to have a basic knowledge of diamonds as you head out to start your shopping. And also to have an open mind as you are presented with the plethora of available options in engagement rings. In the “diamond knowledge” category, it’s important to remember that bigger isn’t always necessarily better when it comes to diamond solitaires and other precious gemstones. Beyond carat weight, look for high quality ratings in the areas of cut, color and clarity – collectively known as “the 4 C’s”. A higher quality diamond can appear larger than it actually is when paired with the right ring setting and collection of diamond accents, so approach your shopping with the mind set of finding the most attractive and high quality engagement ring for your budget, rather than just looking for the biggest diamond solitaire you can afford. Modern brides-to-be aren’t always set on a traditional diamond ring, either. So, keep an open mind when presented with non-traditional engagement ring designs and ideas. Some popular engagement ring trends this year incorporate semi-precious colored gemstones, such as sapphires or emeralds. These semi-precious stones can be used to bring brilliant color into your engagement ring design as either solitaire stone or gemstone accents. You can even design your own engagement ring with the expert help of your jeweler, to create an engagement ring as unique and beautiful as she is! It’s not too late to find the perfect engagement ring for your Christmas or New Year’s proposal (and a holiday she’ll never forget!) But it is time to get shopping!