Platinum - heavy metal - very white - mark of sophistication - popular among the wealthy - long wearing and a bit more expensive. (a moosegal personal choice)

Gold - from 9 ct, to 24 - suggest you stay below 20 as the gold is very soft and can damage easily. Gold also comes in several colors but the three most popular are: yellow, white and rose.

Silver - light gray - softer than gold, titanium and platinum - prone to oxidization - an inferior choice when looking to purchase a wedding ring as it will wear away in time.

Rhodium plating - this is a white metal used to coat white gold, giving it a nicer quality of white. White gold is naturally light gray in color but rhodium plating will change the color, while protecting the ring with a harder exterior. This type of ring requires more care, which requires taking it to the jewelers every 12 to 18 months. Price to replate the ring will vary according to availability in your area and the jeweler.

Titanium - silver grayish white color - hardest natural metal known to man - lightweight, give an exotic look (coloristic) - if pure it can be removed with saw but if aircraft grade, you would require finger removal if need to be surgically removed. Important to check the grade before purchasing (not recommended ring material by moosegal).

Stainless Steel - this metal is not quality metal for wedding/engagement rings - it is hard and durable but best suited for costume jewelry.

Diamond Shape - round, princess, emerald, asscher, marquise, oval, radiant, pear, heart, and cushion - all known diamond shapes available but the more common for bridal sets are round, princess, oval, radiant, heart and cushion.

Diamond Cut - diameter vs. depth - for the best quality, you want a diamond that is not too deep or too shallow. Well balanced out will produce a quality sparkle and shine. Luster is important when choosing a diamond. Stores will polish them for best display but don't be fooled, examine the diamonds shape and surfaces.

Diamond Color - not all diamonds are colorless, should you find one that is, it will be expensive but rare. The suggested color ratings is from D (completely colorless) to J (very slight color detectable). The highly suggested color is D-F with absolute colorless to colorless criteria.

Diamond Clarity - clarity ratings are very important. Just remember, your mate will be sporting this ring as a symbol of your love. Don't chose lesser value to save a few dollars, you would not want her or others to think she means so very little to you.
FL - Flawless , IF - Internally Flawless (both very rare) * VVS1 & VVS2 - Very Very Slight Inclusions (excellent diamonds)* VS1 & VS2 Very Slight Inclusions (good diamond) * SI1 & SI2 - Slight Inclusion visible flaws maybe be detected to naked eye (value diamond) * I1, I2, I3 Visible Inclusion (not a good quality).

Diamond Carat - diamond will range from very small carats to very high. Before you pick the size of the diamond, you should look at the hand you want to put it on and the setting it will be in. I suggest you start at a half carat, up to a three carat diamond.