Forwarned is forearmed is what I say. This article is written from a male perspective because, well, I'm male. Like many others I've had the not so unique experience of combing through store front after store front for a particular item. Well, make that item SET. You see, I'm looking for an engagement ring and wedding band.

Yep, on that path to matrimony.

So, whereas I was once a newbie in dealing with aggressive diamond jewelry salespeople, I am now the battle hardened shopper who knows what questions to ask and HOW to ask them. Realize this: no matter what YOU say or do in front of the sales person, they will want you to do something at the end of the meeting, even if you are "just looking".

Step 1: Go Alone!

Chances are you won't be able to avoid going by yourself at first, so roll with it. Take her out one or two times looking at rings so that you can get a feel for what she wants. Now, that won't mean you can't afford it, but get a good idea as to shape and color, and how she likes the band to sit on her finger. That's very important, trust me. Some girls like big, gaudy, clunky old fashioned rings, and others like small dimunitive, barely noticeable but it's definately there rings. Get a good feel for what she likes and doesn't like and then go do your own thing. Sometimes it may seem like you're placating her by nodding your head and looking dreamingly into the 45k ring on the table, but don't give in and make a purchase on something you probably can't afford. And those sales people know it, trust me. BUT, they'll use your lady as a bargainning tool in getting you to buy it right there. Small head nods between your woman and the sales person and comments tossed your way about "oh how she's worth it" and "well, we can do payments, we'll discuss that later" do NOT help your cause. This is why you must go alone and bargain alone. All your lady wants to do is pick out her ring, blind to the factors that go into purchasing it.

Step 2: Be Firm!

Wishy-washy does not exist in a jewelry shop. Chances are even greater that you can bargain down prices, but do your research. You cannot go into a retail jewelry story and not know what's going on. Go to a jewelry forum like www.jewelryforums.org to get the low down on pricing and what to expect when you purchase. So when you get pressured into a certain price set or even pressured to purchase on the spot- BE FIRM! and state your own mind. In the end, they'll do anything for your business except go below their bottom end.

Step 3: Be Careful About Financing!

Another tip not to go blind into a retail jewelry situation. They'll treat you like a king and tell you how wonderful you are purchasing that wedding band set for your girlfriend, but what they're NOT telling you in detail are the financing costs over time. Do your research on those as well. If you're using your credit card, make sure you have the best apr as possible. No need to get stuck with paying for a 5k ring over time that ends up costing you 12k! Trust me. Go into a wedding ring/band buying-researching situation knowing what you can afford and stick to it. Sure she's worth it, but so is buying food and paying for rent or your mortgage too!

I hope these tips were of use to you in your research about buying a diamond ring or wedding band for your soon to be wife. As always, do your research and you'll always come out ahead!