Few men are experts on buying wedding rings. For most men, it's a process of becoming educated quickly and then searching desperately for the right ring. The amount of money they're expected to pay for the ring seems fluid, changing each year to accommodate retailers. At the same time, there's a lot of conflicting advice. In an effort to help smooth the process, making it easier and less stressful, we'll provide you with 7 quick tips for buying the perfect wedding ring.

Tip #1: Know Your Metals

In the past, most wedding rings were gold and had a golden tone to them. Yellow gold rings are still popular today, but there are other options available. White gold is becoming more prevalent because it allows the stone to stand out. On the other hand, platinum has become increasingly fashionable. It's more expensive than yellow or white gold, but it's also more durable.

Tip #2: Know Your Purity

If you plan to buy a wedding ring made from yellow or white gold, you'll need to understand the purity of the metal. In most cases, gold rings come in 14k, 18k, and 24k. The greater the number of karats, the higher the purity of the gold. 24k gold is more expensive than 14k or 18k. It's also softer and more prone to becoming scratched.

Tip #3: Know Your 4 C's

Most wedding rings will have at least one diamond. The quality of the diamond is determined by what are known as the 4 C's: cut, color, clarity, and caret of the stone. The stone's cut is what allows the diamond to reflect light. The less color a diamond has, the more valuable it is. Clarity is a reflection of the diamond's inclusions (or, flaws). And the number of carats is a measurement of the stone's size.

Tip #4: Take Her With You

The wedding ring that you purchase for your partner will ideally last a lifetime. Many women have specific preferences for the style and design of the ring. Consider taking your partner with you. It may seem less romantic to do so, but it can help you avoid investing in a ring she doesn't like.

Tip #5: Negotiate

Retailers' prices for wedding rings usually include substantial markups. That means there is room to negotiate the price. The key is to be upfront and honest with the retailer. If you see the "perfect" wedding ring and can't afford to buy it at the listed price, let the dealer know. Tell him how much you can afford to spend. Often, they're willing to lower the price or offer attractive payment options to move the inventory.

Tip #6: Stone First

It's likely that the wedding ring will become an heirloom, kept in your family for generations. If you're struggling to afford an attractive ring, invest more in the diamond and less in the ring itself. The diamond often carries greater emotional significance over time.

Tip #7: Size It Properly

Even though having a ring resized is relatively simple, try to have it sized properly by the time you offer it to your partner when you propose. If possible, borrow one of her other rings and present it to the jeweler for sizing. A poorly-sized wedding ring won't ruin your proposal, but a perfectly-sized ring will help make it flawless.

Investing In The Ring

A common rule of thumb for pricing wedding rings is to allocate two months' salary. However, that's an arbitrary figure. Instead, focus primarily on finding a ring that will match your partner's style and preferences. While your budget will play a major role in the ring you purchase, other factors are more important. Use the 7 tips described above when shopping. If you do, you'll be better prepared to identify the right ring, confident that your partner will be delighted with it.