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For most of us buying an engagement ring is a major investment both emotionally and financially. Finding and affording the perfect ring can be a tricky endeavor and for most of us it is a major investment especially if you are just starting a new live together with your partner.

If you or your partner have always dreamed about having a big shiny diamond but you are faced with the common reality that it is just not feasible, do not despair.

By choosing specific cuts, settings and shapes you can quite easily make your diamonds look grander then they actually are and most admirers will not know the difference.

The Shape

Choosing a particular shape can dramatically enhance the illusion of having a larger diamond (or any stone). If this is your goal then an oval, pear shaped or marquise (want we call diamond shaped from primary school). These elongated shapes will instantly make your diamond look larger than a round shaped diamond of the same carat weight.

The Setting

The setting for your engagement ring will be one of the most important decisions that you will have to make before you purchase your ring. There a pros and cons to all settings and ultimately your life style should influence your final choice. For instance some settings may be very beautiful to look at but will be impractical in your daily life.

If you are trying to get the biggest bang for your buck then try one of the following. The pav* setting involves a large number of small stones set very close together essentially creating a continuous surface of diamonds which appears as one large stone.

Another option is a bezel set diamond. In this setting the stone or diamond is encircled by a rim, this can be very effective in making your diamond appear larger especially if you choose platinum or white gold. The bezel setting is also a good for those with active lifestyles because it offers a securely held stone and has an overall low profile.

One of the most effective ways to make a diamond appear bigger is by using a technique known as an invisible setting. This is when diamonds are placed in a metal framework below the visible surface. Diamonds can be essentially placed side by side to give the appearance of one large stone, for instance four princess diamonds can be mounted to appear as one large solitaire.

The Cut

It is also possible to get a shallow cut diamond which do indeed appear larger than they actually are however there are trade offs. The biggest trade off is the brilliance of the diamond. In a typical diamond the light which enters will bounce of the sides the of stone and back to the eye where as in a shallow cut diamond the light passes directly through. To over come this issue the shallow cut diamond can be placed on a glass surface however it should be noted that this setting can be a bit complicated to fix if it becomes necessary.

Although these tricks can be useful in making your diamond appear larger than it is ensure that you ultimately pick an engagement ring that fits your personality, your lifestyle and your budget.