Engagement ring: i am stumped!

So the time has come to propose. We are going on a trip at the end of next month so that would be a great place to do it.

The problem is I have no idea what type of ring to buy.

My gf isnt into bling. All of her jewelry is very tasteful and minimal. The rings she wears are basically just metal, no stones or engravings.

Also, im just guessing. I dont know what she likes, im assuming I cant just ask her?

I had a look around some shopping malls and they were all blingy types and insanely expensive. I cant afford to buy a really expensive one, plus it makes no sense that I’d need to do that then pay for more wedding stuff after. If I do that …I’m gonna be out of money. Plus I doubt she would want that anyway.

Any ideas? Im thinking to ask her sister but im not encouraged by everyone else I’ve asked so far saying buy ‘cartier’ or whatever it was.

I think you have the answer here in your text…

Better to spend more later on a wedding ring as then you can chose it together…

But I got married 30 years ago, so my advice might be slightly outdated :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Buy secondhand… even then the price you pay will be a much higher than the value of the metal and stone/s.

Propose to her without a ring. Then take her to a shop to get the ring that she wants. That way you’re covered. You don’t get her a ring she doesn’t like, but one that she has to pretend to like so as to not hurt your feelings.

That’s how I did it very unromantically with my wife back in the day. After a nice day of surfing, I drove us to a jewelry shop. She asked why we were there and I said, “So you can pick out your engagement ring and wedding ring!” We went in and she got exactly what she wanted. Not very romantic, but practical.

congratulations! I would ask the sister for a suggestion, and not be shy to say your budget.

The wedding if in Taiwan, might turn a profit as gifts (in cash mostly) can sometime exceed the cost. (Though over time you pay it back if singles get married, they keep a record how much each person/family gives)

If she isn’t into bling another option is to only have wedding bands, some women that aren’t into bling practically never wear their engagement ring.

You can, OF COURSE, just ask her.

Ring Pop

My answer is pretty different

If you’re wanting to surprise your g/f with the proposal, then ffs don’t let her sister in on it. If her sister is close enough to give good advice, then very likely she’s too close to keep your secret.

Not being sexist or objectifying or whatever, just pointing out human nature.

If the surprise means nothing to you, then it may not be a bad idea. You’ll almost certainly find out in time to cancel the trip if the answer will be “no.”

You could always take her to a goldsmith or silversmith and you can make your engagement/wedding rings.

Seems much more meaningful if it’s something y’all made for eachother rather than just getting it from the store.

I asked my wife what type of ring she wanted. She said a plastic night market ring.

I knew I had found a keeper.

You can think of buying something with a big stone, synthetic diamond or other stone. Don’t buy a natural diamond way too expensive for no reason.

Unless you want it to be a surprise, of course!

Congratulations, by the way @RickRooney !

There are jewelry shops in Taiwan, such as AMC, ALUXE and others, that will let you pick and buy a diamond, and then set it on a temporary ring in the style of your choosing for your proposal, but since it’s set using a type of glue, you have to bring it back with your fiance to either set it on permanently if she likes the ring you picked, or choose a style for herself.

That’s what I did.

Thats not a bad idea

Yeah, did that with my ex… :smirking_face:

Diamonds are definitely overrated. :expressionless_face:

Synthetic diamonds are way cheaper and nobody can tell the difference . Or another cheaper precious stone could be a nice choice. Cos if money is an issue , which it is ..you can be smart about it . Keep it as a surprise don’t be asking the sister .

Jewellers should provide 7 year leases with option to buy.

Like what? (The other stone)

And why cant sisters here keep secrets? I can tell her its a secret right?