Know Your Budget: You want to buy the nicest ring you can afford, but there’s nothing romantic about going into debt. Knowing that prices range from the very affordable to the very, very expensive, the first thing to do is establish your budget. That will help relieve your stress and will guide the jeweler to show you only options that are in your price range. Keep in mind that you can often negotiate the final price.
Know What She Likes: You want to choose a ring that will fit her unique style and preferences. Think about her personality. Does she prefer a modern look or does she favor more old-fashioned styles? Do her tastes tend toward flashy or does she choose more understated, classic items? Take note of the jewelry she wears. It can be helpful to point to different jewelry items yourself, suggest that you think something looks nice, and listen to hear her reaction.
Determine the Ring Size: You don't want to propose and then attempt to slide the ring on her finger, only to find it doesn't even come close to fitting. Of course, you can have the ring resized, but you don't want to diminish the joy of the moment if you can help it. It may not be easy, but try to get a ring you know fits her and take it to the jeweler so you can get the right size.
Remember the Wedding Band: Once you've selected the perfect stone and style for the engagement ring, you don’t want to forget about the wedding band. You want a wedding band that pairs and fits perfectly with the engagement ring, and with your sweetheart. That isn't an automatic given, so don't overlook or neglect the wedding band selection.
