How to Choose a Surprise Engagement Ring

Use the following tips to help you choose a surprise engagement ring that your partner will love to wear.

Understand Your Partner's Style

Understanding your partner's style is key to choosing an engagement ring that they'll adore. Every detail of the engagement ring – from the band to the setting – speaks volumes about the wearer. Consider the jewelry they already own and wear daily. Do they have one type of jewelry or experiment with different styles? Do they prefer vintage heirlooms with intricate side stones or more sophisticated, contemporary designs? Is there a prominent diamond shape or metal color, like platinum? Do they gravitate toward larger stones and flashier jewelry, or minimalist, simpler designs? These preferences will lead you to the perfect ring. If they don’t frequently wear jewelry, consider what type of ring would be easy for them to wear with their lifestyle. Don’t shy away from enlisting the help of their friends or family, especially if you don’t have access to their jewelry collection. They can offer further insights into your partner's jewelry preferences or any previously mentioned favorite engagement ring styles.

Navigate Diamond Selection

Diamond selection is exciting but it can also feel stressful. The diamond is the centerpiece of the engagement ring after all, so it’s important to choose a high-quality shape that your partner will adore. When selecting the shape, consider its style and meaning to match it with your partner’s personality. Shape aside, quality ensures a long-lasting diamond with optimal brilliance. This is where the famous [4Cs](https://www.vrai.com/journal/post/diamonds-defined-the-ultimate-4cs-guide) come into play (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat). Each C plays a crucial role in determining the diamond’s allure and value. Cut is usually the most important C for maximizing a diamond’s sparkle. Carat weight is important, but how big a diamond looks often depends on the diamond shape. For instance, elongated shapes like the Oval or Emerald can appear larger than an equivalent carat [Round Brilliant](https://www.vrai.com/engagement-rings/round-brilliant-cut) or [Princess shape](https://www.vrai.com/engagement-rings/princess-cut). Prioritize the diamond grade and carat weight that suits your size and budget preferences while creating a beautiful, eye-clean diamond.

Narrow Down the Ring Setting

The choices are endless when it comes to engagement ring settings, but not every setting is right for your partner. This part of the journey is all about securely matching the setting with the chosen diamond and your partner's style. A [classic Solitaire setting](https://www.vrai.com/engagement-rings/solitaire-setting) is a timeless and versatile engagement ring for surprise proposals (it’s the little black dress of ring settings). Solitaire settings let the center diamond take center stage, with fewer details or embellishments than other designs. If you're leaning towards a statement-making ring with a bit more glamor, consider a vintage-inspired, diamond-forward setting. Romantic halo settings with handset pave diamonds surrounding the center diamond create a dazzling effect. If their style mixes tradition with trends, consider contemporary, modern settings, like Bezel settings. There are also styles with sleek lines, unexpected angles, and settings that make the diamond look like it's floating. Ultimately, the setting should match their personal style.

Discreetly Get the Right Ring Size

Before finalizing your surprise engagement ring purchase, confirm you have the correct ring size to avoid any mishaps while proposing. You can measure their existing rings to secretly find their size, or have a loved one find out for you.