While some experts will decry quick engagements as “too soon”, different couples have their expectations for when to get engaged. When considering engagement, there’s no set routine for how to buy an engagement ring. If you’re armed with all the knowledge out there about engagement rings, you can decide what fits your partner the best.

Here are four things to learn about engagement rings so that you know how to buy a ring that fits your partner perfectly.

1. Learn About Settings

When you’re looking to buy an engagement ring, you need to consider what kind of setting you want to start with. The setting will create the form that the stone will be based in.

Your significant other might have a lifestyle that they’ll want to maintain while they’re wearing their ring. If they’re a flashy socialite that wants to be seen with a gorgeous ring, you might want one type of ring. If they work with their hands or in the medical field, diamonds should be laid into the band and not sticking out.

The stereotypical type of engagement ring that is presented in movies is the solitaire setting. This is a single stone that’s held in place by a few prongs. If you get a vintage ring from a different era, it might still be a solitaire setting but will look slightly different.

Sidestone settings are for people who want to have a little bit of extra flash to their ring. Sidestone settings will either sit to the sides of the main gem or they will surround the main gem in a circle. These can be in a halo pattern or a three-stone setting.

Wedding ring sets can help you decide on what works for your partner. The setting that you choose will create the basis for the type of ring that you get. One that requires a lot of gems will cost more. However, a large solitary diamond will also cost a considerable amount of money.

2. Study Bands

While the band of a ring might seem relatively insignificant compared to the stone, it will change how a ring looks and feels.

Your first decision is to figure out whether the band should be thick or thin. Thin and delicate bands have become more popular in recent years, but it really comes down to what your partner prefers. If they have a lot of large, chunky jewelry, they’ll want a thicker band than most.

Following the thickness, you should figure out what material works. Platinum is a classy choice and has a silvery hue. When you go with gold, you have to choose between white, yellow, or rose gold.

Rose gold is mixed with copper to create a reddish hue, but some people might want to have something that looks a little purer.

The purity of the metal you chose, aside from platinum, will determine its price. You need to choose either 14k or 18k gold when you’re seeking a metal for your band. Your partner might not care about the purity of the metal, especially if you’re focused on style.

3. Learn The Styles

There are a nearly infinite number of styles for engagement rings. There’s a ring to match every personality out there, so make sure you pick something that makes sense. If you don’t know what your partner would want, you might want to ask them.

If this has to be a surprise, line up all of their favorite rings and take some photos. Bringing these photos to your ring salesperson will help them to choose what your partner will enjoy the most.

If your partner keeps up with fashion trends, they’ll want something that’s trendy and popular. If they prefer a more classic and low-key style, they’ll want something with a vintage style. Classic style rings might be the perfect choice for a ring that suits whatever style your partner is into.

When choosing a diamond you’ll want to consider the 4 C’s: carat, cut, color and clarity.

A diamond engagement ring says a lot to a partner, if only because of its value. However, if these things aren’t important to your partner, you could get a sapphire or emerald ring that means just as much. If your partner has a special affinity for ruby or aquamarine colors, a ring with gems in these colors could be just as lovely to them.

Don’t go the way that everyone else is going. For couples who don’t go with the flow, there are rings to suit the way you live.

4. Deciding on Budget

How much you spend on a ring should only matter to your partner if they’re the type of person who cares about these things.

What is most important to your partner is the commitment that you’ve made with your ring. There are rings for every budget, so don’t be swayed from buying a ring just because you’re tight on cash.

Some couples work together to find engagement rings that are right for them. There are online retailers who offer rings that are valuable and as beautiful as the ones you find in a jewelry shop. You get access to a broad selection of rings and can filter down to the perfect one.

While some couples spend $6,000 or more on a ring, there are no rules to finding one. Don’t upset your budget just to buy a ring. It’s more important that you can provide a comfortable life for one another or take an adventure than that you spent 1-3 months salary on a ring.

How To Buy An Engagement Ring Varies For Everyone

When you’re trying to figure out how to buy an engagement ring, you need to decide what works for you and your partner. Whether it’s price, style, or timing, every couple should get engaged on their own terms. Before you pop the question, make sure you’re listening.

Failing to listen could land you in marriage counseling, so make sure you start off on the right foot.