7 Tips for Selecting an Engagement Ring

If you’ve just started shopping for your future spouse, you know engagement rings come in all shapes and sizes. Understandably, the prospect of choosing one without your partner’s knowledge can be intimidating. However, a few tips can help you choose the perfect ring if you have your heart set on a surprise proposal.

Many people dream about surprising their partner with a thoughtful and unique proposal. But before you settle on that idea, make sure you’re certain your partner likes surprises. Believe it or not, many people actually don’t want to be taken by surprise. So, take some time to consider whether she’s the type to love a big surprise or more likely to feel overwhelmed. 

Purchase from a physical store

Many couples live together or share finances long before they get married. If your partner regularly looks at bank or credit card statements or shares an email, you might have trouble planning a surprise proposal. So, to better your chances of discretion, purchase the engagement ring from a physical store using your own card.  

Get to know her style

A ring might seem like a small thing, but when it’s a ring your partner will wear for the rest of her life, it takes on new meaning. You want to ensure the ring you choose will suit your fiancée’s style and look fabulous no matter what she wears. So, take a look at her fashion choices, including clothes and jewelry. Knowing her style will help you decide whether you should choose the flashy three-stone or a simple solitaire.  

Talk to those who know her best

You might view your partner as the love of your life, but there are people in her life who knew her before you came into the picture. When choosing the perfect ring, talk to her friends and loved ones to get their input. She might prefer custom-made or maybe even timeless vintage engagement rings with a lot of history and personality in them. It’s possible she’s had a dream ring in mind since childhood. Or, they might reveal preferences you never knew she had.

Consider window shopping together

Many couples discuss marriage long before a proposal happens. Marriage talks often involve the practical and financial aspects, but there’s no reason those discussions can’t also involve a ring. If you and your partner have chatted about marriage previously, there’s no harm in doing a little window shopping together to suss out her preference. 

Do some snooping

While paging through your partner’s diary might not be advisable, there’s nothing wrong with some good old-fashioned detective work. Many women dream of their weddings from a young age, while others might start imagining their big day when they enter a serious relationship. Consider looking into her Pinterest boards or asking her family if she ever had a “perfect” ring in mind. 

Figure out her ring size

As soon as your partner accepts your proposal, she’ll want to show her ring off to the world. The only way she can do that is if it fits. So, before you hand over that credit card, make sure you know her ring size. One option is to bring a ring she currently wears to a jeweler to get measured. Another option is to trace the inside of a ring she wears on a piece of paper. A jeweler will be able to use either method to determine her size.

Wrapping up

Getting engaged to the love of your life is a thrilling time. However, you want to ensure a surprise proposal goes off without a hitch. Using the tips here, you’ll be able to plan and execute the perfect proposal that’ll give your fiancée memories to last forever.