The last thing that you want is to pull out a ring that does not suit her or one that you regret buying. All too often men head into the jewelry store without doing some serious thinking and planning beforehand.

So, if you have decided that you want the engagement ring to be a complete surprise and not take her shopping with you, then there are some things to consider before you hand over your hard-earned money.

Although you may have just decided to ask her to marry you, do not go out and buy a ring if you can't afford it right now. Have a good long look at your finances and if you do not have the funds, then start saving. First of all, decide what your engagement ring budget will be and then arrange for a weekly or monthly savings plan such as an automatic payment from your checking to savings.

Basically, it is important to have a price in mind that you want to spend rather than going into a jewelry store and being sold a ring that will take you many months to pay off. So, begin doing some research to see what kinds of rings are available in your price range.

Is she more traditional or the type of woman who is always on the edge of current trends? Are her tastes more understated or does she have a penchant for the flamboyant? Although diamond engagement rings are still very much in style (and will not be thrown back in your face), there are other options like gemstones that are growing in popularity. The ring should also be something that fits her personality. Luckily, she is not a stranger and you have probably over the years have bought her jewelry, so buying an engagement ring that suits her should not be that difficult.

Shop Around

You may think that you have found the right ring many times, which is all the more reason not to commit to the first couple of engagement rings you see. Plus, you might lose out on a bargain if you do not shop around. A general rule of thumb is to take your time and assess the different type of rings available in your price range. Different stores will have different selections. Give yourself a couple of months.

Take Someone with You

Don't go shopping alone if you really have no clue. It would be great to take someone who has gone through the process of buying an engagement ring. Or you could ask her best friend to come along. It's a good idea to have some support, especially when you are down to the wire and are about to pay for your final choice.

Know Her Size

It goes without saying, but make sure that you are have her right size. It might involve taking one of her rings with you, something that she will not miss easily. You can compare the ring against ring size charts in the store. It always best to shoot for the bigger size if it comes down to choosing between two different sizes, as you can always have the ring resized.