How do you tell your partner exactly what engagement ring you want without sacrificing the element of surprise? We’ve got the pro tips you’re looking to drop a hint.
So your engagement is in the air! Maybe you’ve talked about it at length, maybe you just know that the time is nigh, but however you know – you need a ring to get it done.
Many people, although they know exactly which ring they want, aren’t sure how to get the message across to their partner without spoiling the surprise. That “OMG!” face just can’t be faked, after all!
It’s a tricky tightrope to walk between planned and unplanned. On the one hand, it’s crucial that both partners are on the same page regarding wanting to get married. On the other hand, popping the question – as the phrase implies – is an exciting, explosive event. To many, it’s just as crucial to creating the toe-tingling, je-ne-se-quois atmosphere of an unexpected proposal.
Most of the below tips can be dropped subtly or obviously, and we’ll tell you how.
Good for when:
JamesAllen.com comes with a ready-made suggestion feature. Above each ring on the site is a small heart-shaped icon. Simply click on this “Drop a Hint” icon and you’ll be prompted to choose a platform over which to send your hint: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Gmail. Or, you can simply copy the link and send it however you’d like.
Good for when:
Sometimes it’s hard just to pick one ring! If you’re in love with more than one exquisite sparkler, here’s what you should do:
Pro tip: This is a way to get the best of both worlds: you get a ring you love + you don’t know which one you’ll get! Surprise ensured.
Good for when:
Pinterest is an incredible tool for dropping a hint! There are two ways to use Pinterest to drop a hint:
Let’s focus on option #2. For each characteristic, make a titled board. For example, you may want a yellow gold solitaire engagement ring with a high, diamond-encrusted basket. In this case, you’ll make 4 boards: “Yellow Gold Rings,” “Solitaire Engagement Rings,” “Rings with High Baskets,” and “Rings with Diamond Baskets.”
Don’t forget to get your partner to follow you on Pinterest! Either tell them up-front what your profile name is, or get a good friend to tip them off.
Pro tip: For specifics on how to use Pinterest to the fullest, read up on Using Pinterest To Find Your Partner’s Dream Ring.
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Are you and your partner both on Instagram? Or do you have a good friend who can pass along your messages? Whenever you see a choice engagement ring on IG, tag your special someone.
Pro tip: Here’s a good start: follow @jamesallenrings on Instagram. Every James Allen post includes the specific model name and number so your follower(s) know exactly what to look for.
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Go out on a double date with engaged/married friends, preferably ones who are in on your drop-a-hint plan. Now it’s go time: strike up a conversation about engagement rings! Compliment the ring they chose, ask them what they like about it, and most importantly: talk about the specific elements of their ring that you love. Your partner will definitely get the hint.
Feel free to punctuate this conversation with heavy winks and emphatic throat-clearing.
Pro tip: this doesn’t necessarily have to be a date with an engaged friend. It also works with a mutual friend, so long as you talk about engagement rings in general.
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Enlist a good friend’s help to drop a hint! Tell them exactly what you want. Include links, photos, and celebrity engagement ring examples, as well as a sub-list of ring elements that you definitely don’t want in your ring.
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Ok, so your partner needs a little help. Writing a list is a good way to drop a hint and let your partner know the nuances of your ring preferences. This is more than a simple collection of rings; writing a detailed list lets them know where they have a bit of wiggle room to be creative.
Elements of a good engagement ring list:
Pro tip: Accompany your list with a little love note and get creative with how you deliver it; text, email, or a hand-written letter! No miscommunications, no way.
Choosing a ring while keeping the mystery alive is no easy feat. But there are ways to do it – and well. Use some of JamesAllen.com’s built-in features to virtually wink-wink at your partner, use social media, recruit friends, or write an old-fashioned list!
And if you’re really in a pickle, don’t hesitate to reach out to our legendary customer service team. They’re available 24-7 and have a trove of ring ideas.
No matter what, diamonds are a huge investment. However, there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer. James Allen has a wide range of engagement rings to suit all budgets.
The most popular diamond size chosen for engagement rings is a 1.0 carat center stone. However, couples can opt for both smaller and larger diamonds. Another great and more affordable option at James Allen is lab grown diamonds. Lab grown diamonds are the next generation of diamonds that give you the benefit of purchasing a larger size diamond at a more affordable price.
There is a selection of diamond shapes to choose from. These include round, princess, cushion, emerald, oval, radiant, asscher, marquise, pear and heart shaped diamonds.
There are several methods available to determine your ring size (or the ring size of a loved one). Please click here for a full list of the options available to you.
The 4Cs include carat (size), color, clarity and cut, and are the globally accepted standards by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) used to assess the quality of the diamond.
