It’s been a few months or maybe a few years and you’ve finally made the decision: it’s time to pop the question. But first, you need a ring. Not just any ring will do; you’d like to customize a design for the person with whom you plan to spend the rest of your life.
Jewelry isn’t really your thing, though, and you’re nervous and uncertain about what to choose. Do you rely on your own instincts? Trust guidance from the staff at the jewelry store? Or do you bring along a loved one to help give you advice on what to pick?
Bringing Along a Loved One
A lot of people opt to bring a friend or family member along to help them customize an engagement ring. This accomplishes a few things – it can help lighten the mood during an otherwise nerve-wracking situation, and it can also help provide a useful perspective on styles that you hadn’t considered.
How do you choose who should come with you on such an important outing? First of all, decide what kind of perspective you need. If you’re a guy choosing for your girlfriend, consider bringing along a married friend who has been through the process before. They’ll be well-schooled on different band and diamond styles.
Another possibility (and don’t laugh): bring along your mother. Assuming that the engagement isn’t something that you’re keeping a secret from everyone, you can trust your mother to provide a feminine perspective on jewelry styles. (Note: only bring along your mother if she likes your partner and is on board with the engagement.)
Whoever you bring, make sure it’s someone who can easily put aside their own opinions and tastes in jewelry in order to consider what your partner would like.
Choosing a Ring Alone
If the engagement is a complete surprise or if there’s no one you’d like to bring, you may need to head to the jewelry shop alone. Don’t be discouraged! Consider this: you know your partner better than anyone, so who better to choose such an important symbol of your love?
Ask for guidance from the staff at the jewelry store. Do not be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to understand exactly what type of ring you’re choosing. Have confidence in your own choices and remember that there’s no right or wrong ring choice. Simply consider your partner’s likes and typical style of dress and you can’t go wrong.
Bringing Your Partner
Only you can decide if your partner would enjoy being a part of the ring-choosing process. Bringing them along doesn’t mean that you have to forgo an exciting proposal. It allows your other half to choose exactly what they want and takes the pressure off your decision. Your proposal can still be a surprise but you’ll know you have the perfect ring waiting.
Alternatively, imagine taking a spontaneous stroll will them that suddenly ends at the jewelry store. There, you pop the question and invite them to help you choose the perfect ring. Not only would this be a romantic and memorable proposal, but it’s all the more special that your partner gets to be a part of the ring design process.
As you decide how to go about designing a ring, think of your partner and trust your gut. Your instincts won’t lead you wrong.
