Are you ready to pop the question, but not sure where, or how, to buy the just-right bauble for the love of your life? If a natural golden diamond ring is in your soon-to-be fiance's future, take a look at the step-by-step jewelry buying guide to follow. 

Choose the Right Retailer

All jewelry retailers are not equal. While most jewelers sell gold and diamonds, you also need to find a retailer that offers an easy buying experience and plenty of options. If you're not sure where to start, ask friends or family members for referrals to jewelers they've used in the past.

Think about the people you know and the type or style of jewelry they own. Does a friend have a ring that looks almost exactly like the diamond band you had in mind? Does a relative have a style that's similar to your fiance's? The answers to these questions can help you to find a retailer that carries or designs the type of engagement ring you're ready to invest in. 

Learn the Lingo

Carats? Cuts? Clarity? What do these words mean in the context of your engagement ring purchase? If you don't already know jewelry and gemstone lingo, now is the time to learn a few key words. While you don't need to master a professional level of vocabulary, you should acquaint yourself with the basic terms such as:

• Carat. This term is the recognized industry word for the weight of a diamond. One carat equals 200 milligrams, according to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The higher the carat number, the heavier (and larger) the diamond. Carats are also used to describe the purity of gold. 

• Cut. The cut is the shape, proportion, polish, and symmetry of a diamond. Common cuts include round brilliant, princess, cushion, and marquise.

• Clarity. The clarity of a diamond is the absence of blemishes—also known as inclusions.

• Color. While you might think of all diamonds as clear gemstones, some have different hues. Popular color selections include yellows, browns, and pink.

• Settings. The setting is the part of the ring that holds the diamond or gemstone in the band. These include prong, pave, channel, bezel, and bar settings. 

Now that you know more about how to choose a jeweler and the related terminology, you're ready to take the next step and select a ring. Set a budget and ask the jeweler to show you samples that are within your financial range. Even though you may have an idea in mind, you will still need to look at each individual genuine golden diamond ring before you invest in one. 

If you are looking for a ring provider, consider visiting a provider such as JEF Exquisite jewelry near you.