5 Ways To Get Your Dream Engagement Ring

When imagining yourself settled down with Mr. Right, you'd be happy to get any ring from the man you love. And as much as he may have the best intentions in the world, he may not have a clue about what kind of ring you'd like. It's only practical to think about the ring you'll have because it's something you'll wear for the rest of your life. Of course the love you share is more important than the ring, but what's wrong with having the ring of your dreams to go along with the man of your dreams?

Remember that an engagement ring is a big investment, and taking the time and consideration to find the perfect one is not something that should be overlooked. An engagement ring is unlike other jewelry in that it needs to look and feel timeless, rather than something that is fashionable at the time. If you know what kind of ring you want, then drop some hints to help your man in his search.

1. Show Him A Picture

This is the approach you take when you know exactly what you want, without any doubt or hesitation. This is also a bold way to go! What you want to do is find a clever way to show him a picture of your favorite setting, diamond, or style. This can be done overtly by putting the picture into a card or leaving a website page open with your dream ring on it, or more subtly by casually flipping through a magazine and mentioning how much you like some of the rings.

One thing to remember is to not show him any pictures until you're sure he's going to propose. Doing it beforehand can make him nervous and reluctant to shop if he's not totally ready. But if you've both decided that your plans are to get married one day, then showing him a picture of your dream ring is a good way to go.

2. Shop For The Ring Together

This is more practical approach to buying an engagement ring. What you lose in the surprise and excitement factor, you gain back in getting exactly what you want. Preferring the right ring that suits your taste and style can be worth a lot more than being surprised.

This can be done in a couple of ways. One, casually bring it up next time you're near a jewelry store and start looking around for options and trying things on. Two, formally decide on a time to go out specifically shopping for a ring. 

If your man is the traditional type, then perhaps window shopping together or searching online is a good way to so that there is no pressure to buy at that time. This way he can go back later and buy the ring on his own, preserving some of the excitement factor of giving it to you.

3. Make Him Go With A Friend Or Family Member

This is the method used most by the traditional kind of woman. You don't feel bold enough to blatantly point out the ring yourself, but your sister or best friend knows your style and you can completely trust their taste. You can ease this along by telling your friend/family member what you like and what you don't. This is especially useful if there is one ring, or style in particular that you love. Then when your man comes along fishing for some hints, suggest in a subtle way to talk to your friend or family member because they are much better with those kinds of things.

Always remember to let him come to you when he's fishing for hints. If you nag him about talking to your family and friends about rings, he could feel a bit intimidated.

4. Ask For A Surprise

This is for the romantic ladies out there. When what you really want most of all is to have your breath taken away by the amazing ring he gets you. If your man is up to the challenge, and you trust his taste in such matters of jewelry, then this is a wonderful way to go. 

It's also OK to still mention your favorite cuts, color, styles, and settings so that he at least has an idea of where to start from. Then from there he's on his own. Remind him how much you trust his style and opinion, and that you have no doubt he will find you something amazing. It's also a good idea to make it clear there are ring styles you would absolutely never wear. There's nothing worse than a beautiful surprise proposal sullied by the wrong ring. 

Remember most of all to be patient. Finding the right ring and moment to pull off such a big surprise takes some time and planning.

5. Design It Together

For those modern ladies out there, designing your ring with your sweetheart is the only way you can think to go. You're not bothered about surprises, or sentiment, just creating something that is one of a kind and unique, just like you.

Similar to coming right out and telling him what kind of ring you want, make it clear that you want a custom-made ring before he proposes. Then the fun part begins. You can start to come up with great ideas together and make it a fun project between the two of you. Make sure he is involved and ask his opinion. Even though this is your ring to wear, it is still from him and he should have his say on how it looks. Whether you listen or not is up to you!

Once the ring is commissioned and designed, you can decide to wear straight away, or perhaps give it to him to propose in a more traditional way. This really brings together the best of both worlds; you have the ring of your dreams,  and the proposal to match!