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