Time to pop the big question? You first need the perfect engagement ring. Here's your five-step guide for buying the perfect engagement ring for your spouse. 

The time to ask your loved one to spend the rest of their life with you has finally come, and you're now planning a beautiful proposal. But, you first need to figure out the key elements of a marriage proposal: the perfect engagement ring. 

Looking for the right engagement ring that will be the symbol of your new relationship stage can be an overwhelming process. You want to make sure that you pick the right color, metal, shape, size, and so on. But how? Well, this five-step ring buying guide will answer all your questions: 

#1. Figure out your budget

You may want to surprise your spouse with the most beautiful ring out there. Yet, this doesn't mean that you have to spend two months' salary on the ring. It's more important to spend what you can afford and look for the best quality that stays on your budget. So, the first step you should take is to look at your financial situation along with any specific desires of your fiancé-to-be. 

When you don't focus on the high prices but more on how you can meet your spouse's desires in terms of the perfect ring that fits in your budget, you avoid making your proposal a financial worry. 

#2. Consider her style

The next thing you should do is to truly understand your loved one's preferences and style in terms of jewelry and rings. 

Look at the other jewelry of your fiancé-to-be and see what type of style you recognize the most. Do your spouse only wear vintage or modern pieces? Or maybe you'll find that she prefers a particular color? Does she love a specific shape for her other rings? 

Peeking through your spouse's jewelry will give you a pretty clear idea of how the perfect engagement ring for her looks like. 

#3. Pick the right metal

There are four main choices you have when it comes to the ring's metal: platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold. It would be wise to choose the color that best complement's your partner's style. For example, if your spouse tends to wear silver jewelry, you should opt for platinum or white gold. If she wears golden jewelry, you can choose yellow gold or rose gold. 

#4. Moissanite vs diamond? Make your choice

There are a few differences between moissanite versus diamond, including price, hardness, and color. 

While diamond jewelry is mined, Moissanite rings and jewelry originate from space meteorites. They are lab-created since sourcing their natural form is nearly impossible in nature, making them eco-friendlier and less expensive. A small compromise on hardness and brilliance exists, however. 

If you're an eco-friendly person, or your spouse cares about the environment, or if you can't afford to spend too much on the engagement ring, moissanite is an excellent choice over a diamond. 

#5. Choose the right ring size

You wouldn't want your proposal to be ruined by a ring that doesn't fit your spouse's finger right. So, you need to choose the right size for her. When you go ring shopping, don't forget to bring a ring or two from your spouse. This way, you make sure that your loved one feels that it is the "right" ring, and she won't have to wait for several days or weeks for resizing.