You are at : Site Map > Education and Guidance > Engagement Ring Guide for Brides An Engagement Ring Guide For Aspiring Brides Every marriage proposal is different. For some men it is an intensely personal moment and they won’t want to speak to anyone else about it in advance; for others it is an altogether more collaborative effort, perhaps involving parents or friends. In our experience there is no right or wrong way to do it: romance is not predicated upon such decisions. Here are some helpful pointers that we hope will guide you along the way. With a ring or without a ring? Some men will propose with a ring and others without. A proposal with a ring simply implies that your partner feels certain that you will love the ring he has bought for you; if he proposes without a ring, he wants to ensure that you get exactly what you want. Even as jewellers we see an engagement ring as of secondary significance, a symbol of the bond you propose to make rather than the bond itself.     Hinting Dropping hints is a recipe for disaster. If you have a strong opinion on what you want to wear on your finger, share this opinion.   Get to know diamonds It might also be helpful to find out a bit more about diamonds. Just take a look at the Education and Guidance section of our website. With this information under your belt, you’ll be well-placed to guide your friends, family and the man himself if need be. But remember this is meant to be the most romantic thing he’ll ever do, so revel in it and don’t turn your research into anything too scientific.     Looking for a ring together This can be every bit as romantic as a surprise proposal, and we suggest that while you browse you enjoy all the champagne on offer. Do remember, though, that a pushy salesman does not always tell the whole truth. Traditional vs Contemporary If your partner is more traditionally-minded he may not want to involve you in the process of choosing a ring at all. No one is better placed than you to know whether or not he’ll want to make this choice on his own. Our only advice would be that if you feel the need to intervene, make sure you do so at the right time. In summary, do what feels right for you. Why not look at our engagement rings to find that dream ring while you’re thinking.