With December being the number one month globally to "pop the question" and Christmas day being the top day of the entire year to get engaged, you may find yourself in the exciting position of shopping for an engagement ring right now. While there are many factors to consider when shopping for the perfect engagement ring for your partner, it's always a good idea to have a list at hand to make sure you nail it when it comes to a ring they'll wear forever. Let us take a look at some things you don't want to overlook while shopping for the perfect engagement ring.

Consider Their Style 

The style of the person you're shopping for has the most to do with what type of ring you're going to purchase. If they are minimalist in their tastes, a sweet and straightforward solitaire ring could be just the thing they're looking for. On the other hand, if they are more extravagant in the way they dress and already wear a lot of jewelry, you know they would be more inclined to want a flashier ring. This is not only in carat size, either, but maybe they would prefer a halo setting or a three-stone setting. If you're unsure of where to start, you can, of course, ask friends or relatives that you think have a good idea of what your sweetheart would be looking for and go from there. 

Don't Break the Bank 

If you already know you want to spend forever with this person, they're likely with you for more than your bank account. Be realistic while ring shopping. With so many diamond alternatives out there these days -- from Moissanite to Morganite -- you can buy exquisite engagement rings that won't cost you an arm and a leg. So, be mindful of your budget and stick to those parameters. If you know you can't afford diamonds, don't even start looking at them. Go with a classy and beautiful diamond alternative. 

Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend 

When considering your engagement ring options and the adage that "diamonds are a girl's best friend," you may have your heart set entirely on the iconic stone. You can go with a natural, mined diamond, or you can opt for a more ethical piece of lab diamond jewelry. The choice is personal and up to you, but not only are lab diamonds sourced ethically, but they are also more affordable than a mined diamond. That's about the only difference between the two. Study up on diamonds and make a choice, but your partner will be thrilled either way!

Sentimental Is Sweet 

Maybe you want to be a little more unconventional regarding the type of ring you're getting for your significant other. Some people go the route of semi-precious or precious birthstones as an engagement ring choice. Others may have a family heirloom ring they'd like to use as an engagement ring. Sentimental jewelry pieces may not always be the style you'd imagine your partner picking, but the sentiment sways them towards loving the ring.

Design Your Own 

If a tight budget does not bind you, it's always fun to design your dream engagement ring for the one you're going to marry. You can do this through various websites or meet with a diamond consultant or jewelry designer to have the ring of your dreams handcrafted for you. When you decide to design your own, you'll be in charge of everything from stone cut, setting, inscription, and beyond. You can pull out all the stops when you're not purchasing a ring that's ready to go straight from the jeweler. Designing your partner's ring is an excellent opportunity to add little details reminiscent of your love story, so many people find this an exciting and meaningful way to go if you have the means. 

Getting engaged and married is a tradition that people still find to be a meaningful part of life. While the importance of wedding traditions in modern times is romantic and expected in many cultures, the engagement is one we're glad seems here to stay. So, consider all the tips mentioned earlier when shopping for your engagement ring this year. And congratulations on your upcoming nuptials!