Anonymous wrote:Also do you know her ring size? It can be an issue making it larger or smaller depending on the setting.

Absolutely this, OP. This is one reason why you and she choose it together, with a reputable jeweler, in an actual store. (Yeah, let the "get it online!" crowd flame away; don't care.) If this is jewelry she'll wear every day forever, she should see the actual choices on her finger and listen to advice exactly like PP's. Do not assume a ring can be altered to fit or that you can swap out a stone or whatever.

As for the posts about how it's not romantic if you don't present a ring when you propose--nonsense.

Look for past DCUM threads where women have posted about how they don't like the rings they were surprised with, wouldn't tell their fiances/husbands they wanted something different because they feared hurting their feelings, and they're asking DCUM for advice on what to do....Avoid that and make the proposal itself a romantic surprise, not the ring.

Ask her very close friends. I guarantee, they know. They probably have access to her Pinterest!

DH got me a placeholder ring. I picked mine out. I dont wear much jewelry, and never really knew what I would want if I got a ring since it was not the kind of thing I thought about. I needed to try some on. I started out looking at solitaires and ultimately went with a vintage platinum setting with an emerald sapphire.

whatever you do, make sure you can return it.

gentry wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

gentry wrote:-White gold
-One carat round cut solitaire with high clarity and color
-Don't spend $10k. A woman that doesn't pride jewelry probably wouldn't see a high price tag as reasonable or practical. Shoot for $3-4k.
-A simple solitaire will also allow you to let her pick out a wrap as her wedding ring.

I love Reeds Jewelers personally. ie- https://www.reeds.com/classic-round-diamond-solitaire-engagement-ring-1ct-plu18962472.html

I disagree. I don't wear a lot of jewelry and never have. I value my ring and appreciate the quality, cut and clarity. It's a little less than a carat but stunning (to me) and simple. I don't like what I consider big flashy jewelry or intricate designs. I did not pick out my own ring nor did he confer with friends as they would have told me.

Not sure where you disagree,...you validated simplicity, quality/clarity and relative stone size.

To be exact I disagree with your statement "a woman that doesn't pride jewelry probably wouldn't see a high price tage as reasonable". You went further to link a specific ring in the quote price range. With that size and price range you have pointed OP to a ring that will have visible inclusions and at the bottom rung of "near colorless" thereby he will need to be even more cautious regarding the setting and metal color as it affects the ring more. Hope that clarifies it for you.

Anonymous wrote:What does her mom wear?

Oh god, don't use this as any indication!

Also do you know her ring size? It can be an issue making it larger or smaller depending on the setting.

Simple, classic, at least 1 karat, you can't go wrong.
Halo settings are very pretty and popular in a platinum or white gold setting.

Think about the shape of her fingers, long thing fingers, or shorter wider fingers. That will help you determine the shape.

I didn't pick out my ring (I was very surprised) and I know he spent a ton of time picking out my ring, so I would never say anything to him about it. The band of the engagement ring is GORGEOUS. He ruined the ring though by putting a .25k diamond in it. Yes, .25. The diamond is barely as wide as the gorgeous band, so it is lost. It needs a half karat to balance out. Even the jeweler said something to me when I had it sized. I asked what size the diamond is and he said, "I'm sorry, it's .25 karat" He went on to tell me how excited my fiance' was about the ring and finding the right band, which was so important to him, but when it came to the diamond, he have any preference and went with the smaller option.

Makes me a little sad, but again, I wouldn't say anything to him. I love him and am happy having him.

you should know what she likes. Does she know you plan to propose are you certain she will say yes. You absolutely should talk about marriage before proposing.
Just get her a single solitaire, round, at least one carat. Timeless, always. Get it on Blue Nile and save our self a bunch of money

What does her mom wear?

Anonymous wrote:To get a woman who doesn’t wear much jewelry? She’s beautiful, dresses well, but doesn’t wear a ton of jewelry on a daily basis. What is an appropriate style and carat? I am proposing to my girlfriend of a year soon.

Just go classic with 1.5-2.0 carat solitaire in a platinum or gold band, matching plain band for later. Congrats!

Plus do it on BlueNile so you can return if she admits she wants something else.

Plus, you do not have to propose with ring in hand or some overly planned trip, venue. Just do it some cozy night out! We have several friends who did that.

Anonymous wrote:

gentry wrote:-White gold
-One carat round cut solitaire with high clarity and color
-Don't spend $10k. A woman that doesn't pride jewelry probably wouldn't see a high price tag as reasonable or practical. Shoot for $3-4k.
-A simple solitaire will also allow you to let her pick out a wrap as her wedding ring.

I love Reeds Jewelers personally. ie- https://www.reeds.com/classic-round-diamond-solitaire-engagement-ring-1ct-plu18962472.html

I disagree. I don't wear a lot of jewelry and never have. I value my ring and appreciate the quality, cut and clarity. It's a little less than a carat but stunning (to me) and simple. I don't like what I consider big flashy jewelry or intricate designs. I did not pick out my own ring nor did he confer with friends as they would have told me.

Not sure where you disagree,...you validated simplicity, quality/clarity and relative stone size.

OP, how much can you afford to spend? I didn’t wear much jewelry prior to getting engaged, and don’t wear much now. I did want a nice ring though. My now husband proposed with a 1.5 round brilliant with a white gold band. I love it! Every woman wants a nice ring, so just because she doesn’t wear much jewelry, doesn’t mean she won’t want a nice ring. She simply may not wear much jewelry because she doesn’t have any nice pieces. I say stick to something classic with like a round ( 1-2C) with a white gold band. If you want something flashy or more sparkle, get a pave band.

I never wear jewelry. My engagement ring which I LOVE is a simple solitaire. Emerald cut just under 2 carats. It’s exactly what I wanted.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You will save yourself a lot of grief if you let her pick out the ring.

That runs the surprise. Unromantic.

Well, ruining the surprise is about a 5-minute thing. Buying a ring she hates, well, it will be a lifetime thing. Choose carefully.

gentry wrote:-White gold
-One carat round cut solitaire with high clarity and color
-Don't spend $10k. A woman that doesn't pride jewelry probably wouldn't see a high price tag as reasonable or practical. Shoot for $3-4k.
-A simple solitaire will also allow you to let her pick out a wrap as her wedding ring.

I love Reeds Jewelers personally. ie- https://www.reeds.com/classic-round-diamond-solitaire-engagement-ring-1ct-plu18962472.html

I disagree. I don't wear a lot of jewelry and never have. I value my ring and appreciate the quality, cut and clarity. It's a little less than a carat but stunning (to me) and simple. I don't like what I consider big flashy jewelry or intricate designs. I did not pick out my own ring nor did he confer with friends as they would have told me.