This is also the perfect time to start laying down the foundations of a happy and harmonious relationship with your future in-laws. Why not take them out to dinner at their favourite restaurant, or prepare a special celebratory meal at home?

In the flurry of excitement, don't forget to place a wedding announcement in the classified section of the local or national papers - this can usually be done over the phone.

You may also want to e-mail any friends or family members overseas, and attach a photograph of the happy couple. When all that has been done, it's time to celebrate with a joyful engagement party!

A girl's best friend

The ancient Romans believed that diamonds fell from the skies as splinters of falling stars that tipped the arrows of Eros, the god of love, while the Greeks saw them as teardrops from the gods. In the Middle Ages the belief took hold that diamonds had the power to re-unite estranged lovers.

Then, as now, the symbolism that shines out from the dazzling star that adorns your engagement ring is that, like true love, diamonds are truly forever.

The tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring dates back to 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave one to Mary of Burgundy as a promise of marriage. This charming gesture was copied by nobles around the world, but it wasn't until the discovery of diamonds in Africa in 1879 that these gems became more accessible to the common man - and his wife, of course.

In past centuries only the wealthy and powerful could afford to buy precious stones and metals. Happily for all prospective brides and grooms today, mass production of jewellery enables couples to choose from a variety of different styles to suit their taste and means.

With this ring

Engagement and wedding ring fashions have undergone many changes over the centuries. Earlier designs were heavy and ornate, tending very much towards the ostentatious. Today, the choice is almost infinite: from a plain yellow gold wedding band, to bands in white gold, platinum, yellow and white gold, Russian rings, and bands set with stones.

The start of the new millennium ushered in a new era in styles and settings. Rings are still chunky, but are designed with a cluster of pave diamonds around a solitaire diamond or semi-precious stone. A current favourite is the solitaire, flanked by a small row of diamonds down each side of the band.

You don't have to opt for a diamond engagement ring though. Give your imagination free reign and choose from a mix of rubies, sapphires, emeralds, tanzanite, or semi-precious gems such as tourmalines, garnets, amethysts, zircons, aquamarines, opals or topaz.

Precious or semi-precious stones can also be chosen according to your birth month or their meaning, with the band designed in either nine or 18 carat white gold, yellow gold or platinum, depending on your budget. It is best to choose your wedding ring at the same time so that the two bands match in width, colour and style.

Whatever ring you decide on to pledge your union, choosing something you will treasure forever will be a reminder of your mutual love and happiness.

Precious advice

You will wear your diamond for the rest of your life, so make sure you know what to look for before you buy. The following pointers will help you make the right choice.

The value of a diamond is determined by the four "C's" colour, cut, clarity and carat.

Colour:
Most diamonds come in subtle shades, from colourless to yellow and brown. Colourless is always in demand as it is the most brilliant, and therefore the most valuable.

Cut:
The more precisely a diamond has been cut and polished, the greater its brilliance and price. A well-cut stone reflects the light internally, which creates its flashing brilliance. As far as shapes are concerned, Round Brilliant is the traditional choice, although others such as Baguette, Oval or Pear make a personal statement. Fittingly, antique rings are usually presented in a rose cut.

Clarity:
This refers to the number and nature of any inclusions or flaws, as well as their size and position. The fewer the inclusions, the rarer and more valuable the stone.

Carat:
In times gone by the unit of measurement was determined by the weight of a carob seed, and the original measure is still used to determine the weight of the diamond. The more a diamond weighs, the rarer and therefore more valuable it is. However, the value of two diamonds of the same carat weight may differ, according to cut, colour and clarity.

A perfect fit

It helps to shop around when looking for that perfect ring. Get advice from experts; spend some time surfing the net, or browse through reputable jewellery shops at a shopping mall.

If your budget is tight, look into credit options such as an instalment plan with a jeweller. You may also choose to buy your diamond first to ensure the best quality and then have it set in the design of your choice.

Finally, don't forget to insure your precious possession.