Don't Buy Her Engagement Ring Without Knowing These 5 Things

So you've decided she's the one....now what? How do you even start thinking about rings? Four Cs, diamond halos, platinum...what do all these even mean?

It can seem very overwhelming when you finally decide that you are ready to pop the question. Today, there are thousands of styles of rings to choose from. And then, of course, you're expected to find her "dream ring."

We're here to get you one step closer to feeling 100% confident that you are getting the ring she really wants, even if you still want it to be a surprise. All you need to know is a few simple pieces of information and you'll already be on your way!

Whether you want to keep things a total surprise or go shopping with her to find the ring, here are 5 things you should know before you decide to buy the ring and get down on one knee:

1) Her preferred ring style and diamond shape

It's important that you have a good understanding of her personal style and ring preferences before you step into a store. If you would like to keep the proposal a complete surprise, you don't need to ask her upfront what she wants in the ring. There are more round-about ways to try to figure this out on your own. You could ask a close friend or family member who you trust, you could look at her Pinterest account to see if she's "pinned" any rings, or you could take a peek in her jewelry box.

The jewelry she owns could give you some clues into what kind of ring she would want. For example, maybe she likes wearing more simple, classic pieces every day and doesn't usually switch things up. Maybe she wears the same pair of diamond stud earrings or pearls every day with every outfit, or maybe her jewelry is clean and isn't too over-the-top bright or exotic. In this case, she may be interested in a classic solitaire ring that has been the most popular choice for years. Take a look at some of the major categories of rings styles to see which you think could resonate most with her personal style.

If you are open to talking to her about her preferred style of ring, find out what she really likes. You can ultimately still choose the diamond that goes into the ring so that it can still be a surprise, or you can even have her choose a few different styles that she likes so that she really doesn't know what she'll be getting in the end.

Along with the style of the ring, it's important to understand what diamond shape she would like. The most classic and brilliant shape is the round diamond. But, there are many other types of diamond shapes and cuts these days that you can explore. Take a look at some of the best diamond shapes that you could choose from.

2) How much you're willing to invest into the ring

How much to spend on the ring is always a tricky subject. There are a lot of pre-conceived ideas out there that men are expected to spend 3 months salary on the ring. We like to say that this shouldn't be a rule of thumb. You can really spend whatever you are comfortable investing.

Any good jewelry store can help you find a beautiful ring no matter your budget. You could go all out and get a 2+ carat stunner or you could get something more simple, understated yet still classically beautiful. Here are some helpful things to consider when you decide what you are willing to invest into the ring.

There are many different ways to stretch your budget to get the most for your money, and there are also ways to make engagement rings look fuller and bigger even if money is tight. So, no matter what, there will be ways to get the ring of her dreams at a price that works for you!

3) Her finger size

Knowing her finger size before you shop for the ring seems obvious but it's so helpful and something that some people forget to find out. If you want to keep the proposal a complete surprise, there are a few different ways to find out her ring size without her knowing (read about them here). You just might have to be a little sneaky.

If you are more open with her about the proposal, then feel free to just ask her or go with her to get her finger sized at a local jeweler. Having her ring size will save you a lot of time and potentially money later on down the road. Getting it right the first time will allow her to wear the ring right after the proposal and will prevent you from having to get it resized or custom built for her afterwards.

4) Her lifestyle and career

This can be something that is easily overlooked when considering a ring, but it can really make a big difference. Certain professions can't wear some styles of engagement rings for a variety of reasons. Nurses, for example, often can't wear rings that have high settings that might get caught in gloves or potentially scratch their patients. In some professions, like teachers or social workers, it might not be appropriate to wear a flashy diamond ring. You might want to go for something that is a little more understated if this is the case. Every job will be different and the norm and expectations of her workplace will be something to consider.

We also recommend thinking about how active her lifestyle or profession is generally. Women who are using their hands a lot might need a stronger, more durable metal like platinum. Platinum and gold are two very different metals that have pros and cons associated with each. We almost always recommend platinum because of its strength, durability and longevity. Gold is more classic and can be less expensive, but it tends to wear more and scratches can be more obvious.

For women who type all day, we sometimes have them steer clear of engagement or wedding rings that have diamonds all the way around, even underneath, like an eternity band. This is because there is a greater chance that the diamond could be chipped or get loose from the constant typing on the keyboard.

5) When you're thinking of proposing

This might not seem like a big deal, but it could potentially limit your options. If you are planning to propose in the near future, let's just say the next week or two, the selection will be more limited. This is because a jeweler won't have as much time to order a properly sized ring for you, which usually takes a few weeks. So, you might have to work with what is in stock instead.

If you are working with a tight timeline, it also eliminates the possibility of custom designing a ring. If you would like to add something to the ring or design something that is completely unique, you'll need to leave some time to work with the designer. There are a few different rounds of edits and approvals involved before you receive the final product.