Which Engagement Ring Should I Purchase?

Reduce the number of diamond engagement ring options by paying attention to your future bride's personal style — and the jewelry that catches her eye when she's out window shopping.

Shopping for an engagement ring is the perfect illustration of the paradox of choice. On the one hand, the fact that there is a perfect ring for every woman is reassuring. In contrast, the sheer number of decisions you must make when purchasing a wedding band can be overwhelming. As years of advertising have taught us, a diamond is forever, which adds a great deal of pressure to the decision you must make.

What kinds of jewelry does your future wife choose to wear today — basic pieces that go with everything or bold, colorful pieces that go with everything she wears?

Prior to beginning your search for the ideal engagement ring, think about your future bride and then break down your options one by one.

Step 1: Identify Her Individual Style.

You may not have given much thought to your fiancée-to-personal be's style — you know she's stunning, but what are her preferences and personality traits? — but now is the time. Allow yourself to be influenced by her fashion choices. (However, don't be too obvious about it — she'll definitely notice if you suddenly start staring at her all the time!).

For instance, does she have a preference for:

• T-shirts and jeans, simple sheath dresses, tweed jackets, basic skirts and slacks: what are your go-to classic looks?
• Vintage clothing, steampunk or rockabilly looks, and funky shoes are all examples of edgy or retro styles.
• Pretty sundresses, ruffled blouses, maxi skirts, and delicate sandals are examples of feminine, romantic styles.
• Bright, patterned tunics, platform or high-heeled shoes: these are the styles that stand out.

Many women, of course, combine and match these various styles to their liking. Pay attention to how she dresses for work, as well as how she dresses for weekends spent with friends or when she dresses up to go out. What is her preferred appearance?

In addition to her appearance, take into consideration her way of life. The engagement ring you choose should complement her personality and way of life. For example, someone who is athletic may prefer an engagement ring with smaller stones rather than a large diamond solitaire ring; whereas someone who needs to appear well-heeled for her job may prefer an engagement ring that is expensive and dramatic.

Step 2: Identify Her Preferred Jewelry Style.

Your future bride-to-be may already have a large collection of fine jewelry, or she may simply enjoy wearing fashion jewelry for fun. Take note of the choices she makes when it comes to purchasing and wearing jewelry:

• Is it more likely that she prefers white or yellow metals?
• Is she more likely to opt for simple basics such as stud diamond or pearl earrings, lockets, or pendants, or is she more likely to choose fun pieces that complement whatever she's wearing?
• Is she known for making a fashion statement with her jewelry, selecting pieces that are bright, bold, and memorable, which other people notice and comment on?
• Does she have a preference for a particular gemstone or color? For example, does she favor jewelry with her own birthstone or has a favorite color that she prefers to wear?
• Is she in possession of any heirloom pieces of jewelry that have been passed down through her family and that she cherishes and wears on a regular basis?

Step 3: Get Input

If you want to keep your proposal a secret, you can't ask your future wife what she wants in an engagement ring. But there may be other means. You'll probably pass a jewelry store on your way to a movie or restaurant. Slow down and notice what she oohs and aahs over as you pass the windows.

On Facebook or Pinterest, you can learn a lot about a person. Log on to see what she's been into recently. You can see her Pinterest boards for fashion, home design, activities, and other interests. Jackpot!

Ask her best girlfriend, sister, aunt, or mother for ideas. They can give you a female perspective on your beloved's ideal engagement ring.

Step 4: Narrow Your Choices

Begin researching the options for an engagement ring and use your research to narrow your choices. For example, you must select from:

• diamond solitaire ring, side stone engagement ring, or diamond inlaid band.
• Gold, platinum, or palladium.
• Color diamonds or gemstones.
• Aesthetics: modern, classic,

A reputable jeweler will be able to take your ideas about your fiancee's taste, personality, and lifestyle and help you narrow down the styles and options to consider.

Step 5: Set A Budget

Following this research, you'll have a better idea of what an engagement ring costs, which will help you set a budget. Making choices about the right engagement ring for your budget and what trade-offs you can make to get the best quality and beauty from a diamond engagement ring will help you get started.

By focusing on your future bride, you'll create an engagement ring she'll be proud to wear forever.

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