You know almost everything about the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, from their hopes and dreams to their go-to Starbucks order, but maybe you just can’t seem to pick the right piece of jewelry. It doesn’t mean you haven’t tried—you have—and maybe you’re super cautious about pulling out your credit card just yet. With proposal season upon us, we’re here to help you navigate the daunting task of finding the perfect ring.
READ MOREDiamonds & Gems: Resetting an Heirloom Stone
Communicate
With more couples living together and making joint financial decisions, they’re also collaborating on the engagement ring. It is, after all, a lifelong investment and perhaps your first major purchase as a couple. You may find that you and your partner have very different standards and perspectives as far as engagement ring styles and budget, so communication is key to making sure you’re on the same page.
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Ask and Listen
A question as basic as “What kind of jewelry do you like?” can go a long way. With so much out there (think: silver, platinum, gold) she’ll be touched that you want to be familiar with her taste. Is talk about marriage already in the works? Ask her point blank and she’ll love you for it. It may be that she doesn’t know exactly what she wants or what kinds of styles she likes. Let her talk it out and—more importantly—listen.
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Savor the Surprise
In our opinion, it’s totally possible to collaborate on the ring and keep the proposal itself secret. (Try The Knot’s Hint, a cool new way to let your partner know which ring you want.) The magic of the proposal is in the message, and there’s nothing sweeter than a well-executed surprise. When you’ve got the rest of your life ahead of you with the person you love, a ring they love will be the icing on the cake.
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Google It
Take it upon yourself to learn more about ring styles. From gemstones and diamond cuts to minute flourishes, you might become quite the aficionado. Whether you’re basing your purchase on a hint or collaborating on the purchase together, you’re more likely to hit the mark when the world of rings isn’t a total mystery.