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Shopping together for an engagement ring may seem like the perfect solution to a common problem for most men: how could you pick out an engagement ring for them when you can’t even buy them a pair of jeans? But then there’s that pesky societal expectation that the proposal be a surprise. Does this mean you can’t go engagement ring shopping together? We don’t think so. In fact, our experience with couples getting engaged has given us the belief that there are several benefits to ring shopping with your fiancée-to-be.
Do Couples Look at Engagement Rings Together?
Absolutely! If the idea of an engagement has been on the table for a while many couples choose to explore engagement ring options together long before the proposal actually happens. Whether it’s window shopping jewelry stores at the mall or looking at rings together online, there are many couples who talk openly about the ring. And the pros to engagement ring shopping together are simple: if they are involved in the process, it guarantees they’ll love the ring they’ll be wearing the rest of their life. It’ll also get you both on the same page in regards to budget, style, and stone choices. Furthermore, you’ll empower them to have a say in the thing they’re going to have to wear and look at every day for decades to come. Regardless of what they may say about “not really caring” what the ring looks like, everyone has opinions – especially on something that is so personal and meaningful.
What Does the Shopping Process Look Like Together?
If starting the engagement ring process seems like a good option for your partner and you, we recommend heading to different jewelry stores and looking online for ideas. They may have an idea of what they want, but once they really begin to try on rings and compare them, they can see which stone types, stone shapes, stone sizes, design elements, and metal preferences they like. They’ll also get a feel for what ring weight is comfortable. Would they rather have a sturdy, thick ring or is delicate and dainty more their style? Remember, don’t feel pressured to buy the first ring they like, you can just enjoy the shopping process. And don’t forget to take notes and pictures!
Will Ring Shopping Together Take Away From the Proposal?
Shopping for an engagement ring together is a romantic adventure in and of itself. If you take them shopping and it’s a total surprise, they’ll be thrilled by the spontaneity. If you plan out a trip together, they’ll still get to gush about it to their friends and look forward to it. We definitely don’t believe shopping together has to ruin the fun of finding the perfect engagement ring. In fact, it may make the process much less anxiety-ridden for you. The shared experience of hunting for or creating that dream ring will help you bond and enhance the moment. The reality is, if you’ve been dating for a while and it’s clear both of you intend on marriage, your partner is already expecting the eventual proposal This means, even if you bring them in on the rock hunt, you won’t actually be taking away from the magic of getting engaged. After all, you can keep the when, where, or how of the proposal a total secret.
What are My Options for Ring Shopping Together?
Lucky for you, you have a couple of options. First, simply bring it up to your partner. Let them know you’re ready to get engaged and that you would like to them to partake in the entire process of ring shopping, whether that’s going to jewelry stores or dreaming up a ring in a custom design studio. Another option, if you’re hoping to hold onto an element of mystery, is for you and your partner to initially go shopping or start a custom design together, but then push them out after you get an idea of their preferences. You’ll be able to know exactly what she wants, but there are certain design decisions that will be totally up to you, and you can keep the timeline of the proposal a secret. This is a great way to hold onto the surprise factor.
Still Not Sure if You Should Go Ring Shopping Together?
The bottom line: do what you believe is best for you and your partner. An engagement is a big step in any relationship, and you deserve to have a proposal that is special and memorable. Creating an engagement ring together may add a layer of the adventure, romance, and meaning to the process.
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Previously published here and reprinted with the author’s permission.
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