Your experience in shopping for a ring will be as unique as the woman you're shopping for. Here are a few facts you might like to know:

• Most men shop for one to three months before buying a ring.
• It's most common to buy the engagement ring first, then buy the wedding band with your fiancée.
• Wedding bands are usually purchased three months before the wedding date.
• The engagement ring and wedding band don't have to be the same style, but most women prefer them to be made of the same metal.
• Most men and women prefer their wedding bands to be made of the same metal.