Unlike some women who have already seen how their weddings will be like while they are still seven, men only think about engagement when the moment dawns on them. They do not buy an engagement ring and then pull it to any woman they are currently going out with. However, when the right woman comes, they would start looking for the right engagement ring.
The selection and the succeeding purchase are often done in secret. In order to help men who are artistically challenged, jewelry stores have an entire section devoted to engagement rings with various designs. The basic structure would have a metal ring (usually gold or silver) topped by a precious stone. The choice for many men would always be diamond due to its strength and beauty. Diamonds also do not come cheap, and their value would greatly depend on the cut, carat weight, color, and clarity. There are other gemstones that can be considered.
Ultimately, men choose engagement rings based on what they think is the most beautiful or the most expensive that they can afford. Price or beauty aside, what matters most is that when the proposal comes, it is hoped that the woman should look at the ring and understand what it means, not look at the ring and wonder how much it costs.