Popping the question: What you need to know about engagement rings
The stars aligned and you've found the one - now you want to ask her to marry you. It's an exciting and nerve-wracking experience, even if you're already sure she'll say "yes." You'll have a lot to consider, from whether you need to ask for her parents' blessing to how you'll ask the question, and, of course, what kind of ring you'll propose with.
For many men, the prospect of buying jewelry is a little like venturing into unexplored territory. And when it comes to buying an engagement ring, the stakes are very high. After all, she'll be showing this sparkler off to friends, family and everyone she knows. But even more than that, it's a piece of jewelry that she'll wear for the rest of her life. You not only want her to love it, but you want it to stand the test of time.
First of all, remember one thing: diamonds. While they come in seemingly endless cuts and settings, diamond engagement rings are the gold - so to speak - standard for engagement jewelry. With that in mind, there are a number of other things to consider:
* What's her style? Does she favor feminine clothes and accessories that feature ruffles, lace or floral prints? Or is her style more minimalistic, with less ornate detail and more emphasis on clean lines and bold colors? The way she normally dresses can help give you an indication of the type of ring she'll like. If you're completely perplexed, consider asking a fashion-conscious woman who knows you both well - whether it's a friend or a relative - to help you define your future fiancee's style.
* The four Cs of diamonds: cut, color, clarity and carats. These are the factors that determine a diamond's quality and cost, so it's a good idea to study up on them. A diamond buying guide can make it a bit easier to understand what each of these terms mean and why they're important. It also helps to meet one-on-one with engagement ring experts who can show you real examples to illustrate the concept.
* Do you want her to help? For some guys, buying a ring without input from the lady who'll be wearing it is unthinkable. You can bring it up casually, commenting on a ring in a magazine ad to gauge her reaction, or you can ask her outright if she would come with you to look at jewelry. While every couple is different, don't think that asking for her opinion on an engagement ring will ruin the surprise. You can still get creative with the way you ask her - but you'll have a ring she's guaranteed to love inside the little velvet box.
The key thing to remember is that there's no need to worry about getting a good ring, as long as you put some thought and effort into the purchase. Talking to the experts, consulting friends, family or your lady herself and using your intuition will help you find the ring she's always dreamed of. And when you open the box and pop the question, it'll be a moment you both remember forever.
