Banner Photo by Ticha & Jessica Photography
So, you’ve reached the pivotal moment of realization that this is your person, and you want to spend the rest of your life with them. But now you have a proposal to plan. Traditionally, you find the perfect ring, and then decide the how, what, where, and when of it all. But finding said perfect ring is not always as cut and dry as you might think. Sure, you could just go down to the jewelry store and pick the one that just screams your significant other’s name. But let’s be honest, unless you already know the exact ring they want, it rarely works out that way.
Which brings us to one, very important rule. Choose the ring your intended fiancé wants, not the one you think they should have. Clearly budget is a deciding factor, but once you know what you can afford, the other details should be based on their preferences. Why? Because they are the one who will conceivably be wearing this ring for the rest of their life. Examples: you like platinum, but all she wears is rose gold; you want to get him something with diamond studs, but he’s the alternative type who’d prefer wood. It is imperative to consider your partner’s lifestyle, personal flair, and overall preferences. Some people want outright discussions about ring choices, and others prefer to be surprised. Assuming you know your intended well enough to understand which direction to go, pay attention to these things, ask them relevant questions, and look at their existing jewelry for inspiration.
To illustrate varying cuts, metals, and styles, here’s a collection of real couples' engagement rings and wedding bands—engagement bands often transition into the actual wedding ring—for every gender.
