| How to Buy Her an Engagement Ring She'll | | | | not? |
| Love | | | | Does she like diamonds? Some women |
| Before we get started, can I be honest | | | | don't. Sapphires and rubies are both |
| with you? The best way to buy her an | | | | durable gemstones that are often set |
| engagement ring she'll love is to let | | | | into engagement rings for women who |
| her pick it out herself. She'll wear | | | | don't like to wear diamonds. |
| this ring every day. It must feel good | | | | Number 3: What Looks Best on Her Hands? |
| on her finger and it must suit her | | | | An elongated diamond, such as a marquise |
| lifestyle. Sometimes it takes trying on | | | | or oval, can make short fingers look |
| many, many diamond shapes and setting | | | | more sleek--but be careful not to overdo |
| styles to determine which ring is truly | | | | the look or it could have the opposite |
| "best." | | | | effect. |
| But you still want to go it alone, don't | | | | Wide bands usually make fingers appear |
| you? Maybe because you want to surprise | | | | even shorter than they are, so think |
| her with the engagement ring, or because | | | | proportional: |
| you don't want her to be involved with | | | | Women with long fingers can easily wear |
| pricing and payment issues. That's | | | | bold ring styles. |
| fine--if you put some thought into it | | | | A setting that's extremely delicate |
| you can buy an engagement ring that | | | | could get lost on large hands, |
| she'll love almost as much as she loves | | | | over-emphasizing their size and making |
| you. | | | | the ring look smaller. |
| Number 1: Pay Attention! | | | | Number 4: Choose the Right Shape & |
| Paying attention to her jewelry likes | | | | Setting |
| and dislikes is the first big step | | | | Round diamonds are the number one shape |
| towards finding her the perfect | | | | chosen by brides, but maybe not your |
| engagement ring: | | | | bride. She might prefer an elongated |
| What metal color does she wear now? Most | | | | marquise, oval or pear-shaped stone, or |
| women have a definite preference. | | | | an square or emerald cut diamond. |
| If she loves white gold or platinum, | | | | Fancier shapes, such as hearts, are |
| don't even look at a diamond or other | | | | another option. |
| stone mounted in a yellow gold ring | | | | Do you think she'd like a solitaire |
| setting. | | | | diamond, set alone in a band, or would |
| What style of jewelry does she wear now? | | | | she prefer a cluster of stones? Her |
| Is it contemporary-looking, with bold | | | | current jewelry can give you clues about |
| styling? Does she prefer vintage looking | | | | her preferences. |
| rings? Or would you say that the jewelry | | | | Number 5: Consider her Lifestyle |
| she wears is classic, resembling those | | | | How will the ring fit in with her |
| timeless pieces that never go out of | | | | lifestyle? Does she work in a profession |
| style? | | | | where fussy jewelry would look out of |
| The best indication of her tastes is the | | | | place? Even if she doesn't, remember |
| jewelry she wears all the time, not | | | | that a pointed gem with high prongs |
| items she only wears occasionally, | | | | could snag clothing (and people) and is |
| because it's the full-timers that she's | | | | harder to keep clean. Save that type of |
| most comfortable with. | | | | ring for gifts that will be worn on |
| Number 2: Has She Hinted at her Likes | | | | special occasions, not every day. |
| and Dislikes? | | | | Number 6: What's her Ring Size? |
| Has she ever mentioned her favorite | | | | Does she have rings that she wears on |
| jewelry styles or pointed out engagement | | | | her engagement finger? Maybe a friend or |
| rings when you're shopping together? If | | | | family member could get hold of one of |
| not, take her shopping. It isn't | | | | them long enough for you to have it |
| difficult to steer yourselves towards | | | | sized. Of course, you'll have to swear |
| the jewelry stores. If you want to be | | | | the messenger to secrecy. |
| subtle, say you're looking for a new | | | | Number 7: Consider a Loose Diamond |
| watch, but be sure to pause at the | | | | If you think you know which shape she |
| engagement ring counters. | | | | loves, buy a loose diamond to show her |
| Maybe she has a friend who recently | | | | when you ask the big question. The two |
| became engaged. Does she like her | | | | of you can shop together later for the |
| friend's engagement ring? Why or why | | | | perfect engagement ring setting. |