So you’re ready to pop the question — now you just need the ring. Choosing an engagement ring might seem like a daunting process, but it really comes down to beauty and the four Cs: carat, cut, color + clarity.

Cut is the most important part of choosing a diamond (it’s what creates the sparkle she will love). A perfect cut can make the color and clarity more forgiving, so a beautiful diamond is an option for any budget. If you walk into Hale’s knowing you can’t spend more than $2,500, a diamond expert will be able to adjust the carat, color + clarity without sacrificing the eye-catching sparkle.

Carat is determined by the diamond’s weight + size. If you choose a diamond that has a high-quality cut but a smaller size, it’ll still sparkle + you can add a halo of smaller diamonds if you want more impact. Color + clarity (whether the diamond is perfectly colorless or has any small flaws) are the places you can sacrifice if you want to save.

If you’re still unsure, don’t be afraid to bring in your soon-to-be fiancée. Couples shopping for engagement rings together is pretty much the norm these days + it’s the best way to make sure you’ll both be happy with the ring (if your partner falls in love with the biggest, brightest diamond, know that the options above make anything possible).

Hales also offers Forevermark diamonds, which are responsibly sourced so you know your diamond is ethical in addition to beautiful. Forevermark diamonds also have a super-accurate cut for a sparkle you’ll notice across the room.

They said yes? Congrats! Make the trip back to the jewelry store to pick out wedding bands. Wedding bands don’t have to match — what suits the engagement ring might not look best on you, so don’t worry about buying identical bands.

Sponsored by Hales Jewelers.