Engagement Ring 101 For Him!

This is strictly for helping guys pick an engagement ring for those who have allowed themselves to become ensnared by that most dangerous and ferocious of beasts; the female of our species.

I kid you not; choose an engagement ring at your own considerable, personal peril and those around you. If you want the very best advice for choosing an engagement ring it is to take a pull ring from a Coke can, go down on one knee (it used to be two but beheadings are no longer legal) and using your prosthetic engagement ring propose with that on the strict undertaking you will allow her to go choose a ring she wants for herself.

If you are still reading this we can see why you are bent on this path down to matrimonial bliss - you are obstinate, foolhardy, deaf to advice and stubbornly determined; so herewith is the font of our wisdom when it comes to YOU choosing an engagement ring for her and may God be with you!

Rule One: Look at What She wears Now

Yes we know you probably have never done this before but you need to make a start!

Look at her jewelry she owns now and particularly what she claims are her favorite pieces but a hint for you will be to assess what she wears regularly. You should not be overt about this as men taking too close an interest in jewelry tends to unnerve ladies because they are so unused to this attention plus it is a dead giveaway you are planning "something" - be careful!

Consider the types and colors of metal she likes; there is gold, silver, platinum, white gold and other variations. Does she prefer diamonds or other gemstones such as sapphires or rubies; think about the style of jewelry such as whether it is modern, bold or subdued, maybe classical or ornate.

You will also easily get her ring size by using a bar of soap and imprinting one of her rings into it!

Rule Two: Her Opinion

Be prepared for this, once you are married there are two opinions - hers and whatever opinion she gives you.

The best way to find out her opinion is to take her shopping; if this is an unknown concept to you can simply take her to one of the big shopping malls and she will automatically guide you through the process. You are looking to see what catches her eye, what she looks at most closely or tries to wear while she makes up her mind - a great way to engineer the situation is to go to a jeweler and tell her you need some help in choosing a new watch. Nature will do the rest for you as she gravitates to the good stuff on display for ladies and you can sit back and watch; if possible you may contribute by saying something vaguely intelligent but best to keep quiet.

Rule Three: Exercise Your Judgment

Now we are on very dangerous ground here not least because exercising your judgment after you have judged she is the one for you can and will get you into a lot of hot water very quickly.

You will have to judge whether a ring will look good on her hands and fingers and some tips here are if she has short fingers, go for an elongated diamond shape such as an oval or marquise which will accentuate them and they will look longer. Wide ring bands will make her fingers look shorter though if your intended has long fingers she will be able to get away with bold ring styles though delicate ring settings will look lost on large hands.

You will also have to decide on the shape and setting for your engagement ring and most women choose a round diamond above all others. This popularity may not translate to your lady and she may prefer a square cut (also known as emerald cut), oval (pear shaped) or even a cluster of stones as opposed to a solitaire. This is where her existing jewelry will guide you in making the decision.

All that can now be said is "Good Luck!" - you are going to need it!