Southern California Brides : Page 2 / NEWS, TRENDS, PLACES TO GO, STUFF TO DO : Web Watch : Diamonds Are for Everyone

The whole idea of an engagement ring can be fraught with conflict. Should the groom buy one before proposing? If he asks his fiancee to choose, should she worry about how much it will cost? And would it be wise to marry someone who doesn’t?

Once that is all settled, next comes the design of the ring. That used to require going out and finding a jeweler. Now there is a Web site.

The Diamond Information Center, which represents De Beers, the giant diamond cartel, has developed an interactive Web site https://www.adiamondisforever.com to help couples design their own rings.

Just fill in a quick questionnaire on details such as age, income and dating status, as in “engaged” or “dating less than two months,” and the site shows you various stones, cuttings and settings. Once a decision has been made, the choice can be e-mailed to that someone special to mull over.

Or perhaps in the best of all worlds, the two of you can search the site together.