1. Find Out What She Wants
Unless she's flat-out said, “I don’t want an engagement ring”… she wants an engagement ring. So first step: “Browse traditional and online jewelry stores to get a feel for what’s out there,” suggests Sarah Rose, Jewelry Specialist for James Allen, an online luxury jeweler. Then, think about what suits her personality and what kind of other jewelry she likes. “Is she more old-fashioned or does she love modern styles? That’ll help you figure out if she’d prefer a classic round diamond solitaire or an antique cushion cut with pavé-set diamonds.” (Don't panic: you can get a translation for those terms at the store.) Even easier: “Ask her best friend or a relative about her engagement ring preference,” says Rose.