The perfect ring is different for different couples depending upon their unique taste and sense of style. Some people are very traditional and would never consider an unusually colored diamond, and others are blown away by a diamond with a blue or champagne hue. There are couples who demand intricate complexity in their setting, and others who prefer the neat and simple statement that a diamond solitaire ring makes. There is no right or wrong in matters of taste. When you are shopping for a diamond engagement ring it is all about you. Which ring stands out in your eyes?

Many people are impressed when they see a really large diamond on someone’s finger, but there are subtleties at play that a jeweler would notice but a layman would miss. The size of a diamond is not the only indicator of the cost of the ring. There is such a thing as diamond quality, and if a ring is not GIA certified for quality, you can get a larger stone for the same price as a smaller on that is in fact GIA certified.

The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is not a for-profit entity. They are an independent body of diamond and gemstone experts who are dedicated to preserving the integrity of the diamond industry. When they certify a stone, their seal is etched into it (it is invisible to the naked eye and can only be seen under a jeweler’s magnification tools). So when you are considering the question of whether or not size matters when you are shopping for a diamond, you have to consider the quality of the diamond that you are going to get as well as the size. A Gemological Institute of America certification is very important to some couples, and they may wind up with a smaller diamond than a couple who is willing to settle for a lesser quality stone that is not certified. Once again, this is a matter or personal opinion and preference. There are no absolutes concerning what “the best” course of action is.

Many are of the mind that it is not the quantity of something that really matters, but the quality. This seems like a wise assessment in most instances, and it may be the best way to approach the purchase of a diamond engagement ring. However, an engagement ring is a very personal purchase. In the final analysis, when you are asking the question, “does size matter when you are purchasing a diamond engagement ring?” the answer is this: size matters as much as you think that it does.

Celebrities influence nearly everything we do, from picking out clothes to styling our hair;  from decorating our homes to selecting products we use. They even influence our engagements and weddings- so it should come as no surprise that we are a little obsessed with celebrity engagement rings. Celebrity engagement rings often give enamored fans a little glimpse of their personal taste and thus their personality. Who wouldn’t like to say that their engagement ring was inspired by their favorite celebrity’s engagement ring?  Many celebrity engagement rings are custom made, and while most of us do not have the money to get an exact replica, we can find some pretty close versions of the glamorous baubles. Some rings may be vintage, others more modern, but all of them evoke glamour.

Here are three celebrity engagement ring trends of 2009

Solitaire Rings- One diamond doesn’t have to be lonely. Solitary diamonds or jewels can come in many different colors(though white diamonds are always preferred) and shapes including princess cut and square. Fergie’s engagement ring is a simple brilliant diamond solitaire ring. Another idea is to have the band in small pave stones and a large solitaire diamond in the center surrounded by more pave stones- a style that is a lot like the engagement rings that grace the fingers of Natasha Beddingfield and Amy Adams.

Vintage Inspired Rings- Why look forward to the future when you can look to the past for inspiration? Courtney Ford’s square cushioned cut diamond ring surrounded by smaller cut diamonds is 1920’s art-deco inspired. Melania Knauss’s engagement ring was also in bit art-deco with a simple emerald cut diamond solitaire- a lot like the ring Ashlee Simpson chose. Tameka Foster’s ring is inspired by British royalty of the past with a classic Asscher cut, which is a square cut diamond with diagonal cropped corners. And former first daughter Jenna Bush chose an antique ring with a round center stone and two smaller sapphires on either side.

Colored Stone Rings- Even though white diamonds are standard, many celebrities are also choosing more colorful baubles that reflect their personality. And right now, colorful jewelry is a huge trend thanks to the 2009 Oscars.  A lot of these colorful baubles are diamonds, which is a rare find. Yellow is a common color of many celebrity engagement rings, Rebecca Romjin, Heidi Klum, Katherine McPhee and Brooke Mueller all wore yellow diamond engagement rings.  Carmen Electra goes for a more Goth route by single black diamond solitaire engagement ring. Mariah Carey’s engagement ring is pink emerald cut diamond that is flanked by two half-moon cut diamonds on either side.

Remember that no matter what celebrity engagement ring trend you choose, you should also choose a ring that reflects your (or your bride-to-be’s) personality. Unlike most jewelry, an engagement ring is more personal and significant, so it would be a good idea to some research. Engagement rings are also a reflection of your relationship, so it is crucial to select the right ring.