by Kate Gilbert

You don’t have to bankrupt yourself before you pop the question (the wedding will do that for you!)

Ladies please turn away now – this one is for the boys.

Right, now they’ve gone. If you’re planning to give your girlfriend a Christmas to remember by popping the question – we have a bit of advice about buying that all important ring.

Do your homework

Not on her – on diamonds. Before you hit the jewellers, make sure you understand what it all means. Cut, clarity, colour, carat – it’s all ring jargon. Know what you are buying.

Pay attention to your girlfriend

If she is the love of your life – you have to prove you know and understand her by getting this right. No pressure.

What does she like? What’s her style?

If she usually wears discreet simple jewellery – buying her an enormas intricate rock may not be the best move.

Likewise, two dolphins encircling a sapphire is not for everyone.

Does she love vintage and pieces with history? If so, go antique instead of Tiffany.

Use your observations to help you decide the places to go shopping.

Don’t panic about ring sizing

If your beloved has a ring that fits the right finger and you can stealth like steal it to get it sized – then great.

However you may find a lot of jewellers would prefer to size the ring after you’ve proposed. That way they can make sure it fits her hand perfectly by measuring it themselves.

Money isn’t everything

There’s a lot of rubbish spoken about how an engagement ring should cost two months salary and blah blah blah. Ignore that.

Be realistic about what you can afford, and go ring hunting knowing how much you are prepared to spend.

You don’t have to bankrupt yourself before you pop the question (the wedding will do that for you!)

Getting her something that she will like as opposed to being ostentatious is the most important thing.

And if you are a high-roller, don’t use her finger to prove how much you earn. Unless she’s a WAG wannabe – she might not appreciate it.

Trust one friend and one friend only

If you need a second opinion or just need to unload the burden to someone – choose one trusted friend.

But remember this is your decision alone, and nothing will ruin a proposal more than your intended finding out before-hand.

She will also not thank you for stealing her thunder if all her friends know.

Insurance

Does your ring shop provide insurance cover? If not, get it sorted.

Now what?

Once you’ve bough the ring – Breathe. With all the pressure on ring buying, you may forgotten that now you actually have to propose! Don’t worry. We’re sure she’ll say yes…

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Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.