Guys, this message is for you. If you are about to “pop the question” by proposing marriage to your honey, then you need to do a little research first before going out and buying that engagement ring. Assuming that you want to do this without her help or knowledge, then you've got your work cut out for you. Shopping for an engagement ring isn't an impossible task, but it is much easier to do if you know what you're doing.

She Wants Diamonds, Yes!

A diamond is a girl's best friend and, yes, the engagement ring you select must have at least one diamond in it. The ring is your statement that you will be committed to her until death do you part and it should reflect your personal relationship with her as well as her one-of-a-kind personality.

Some women are died-in-the-wool traditionalists and will desire an engagement ring much like the ones her mother and grandmother wore. Nothing but a lovely diamond solitaire for her, set on a simple, but elegant setting. Other women are carefree and want a modern look, a ring that looks much more like a fashion statement than an engagement gift. That's all right, jewelry designers have been keeping up with the trends and have designed a ring just right for her.

What's “In” Is What She Wants

Fashion trends come and go and the same can be said with jewelry trends. However, when it comes to engagement rings, what she wants is what she'll get, but let's examine some of the popular trends of today:

Vintage Styles – That engagement ring handed down by your grandmother could be the exact style that she wants. Ornate, romantic, and timeless, antique rings are very much in vogue, something many young women desire. One option: present the ring to her “as is” and have it resized or remounted later. She may prefer the diamond and not the band, or her heart could be set on the band so in that case you'll be doing some diamond shopping after you propose marriage. No ring handed down? No worries – you'll find plenty of antique-looking styles when you shop for an engagement ring.

Fresh Colors, Different Gems – Pink engagement rings are prized for their unusual color as well as for their value. Extremely rare, they are also very expensive and given only by the bridegroom who has very deep pockets. Less expensive then pink diamonds, but still unusual are yellow diamonds. Three diamond rings with a center yellow diamond and white diamond side stones has a special look some brides favor.

Various Shapes, Stylish Bands – Round cut stones are still the most popular, but cushion, radiant, square and heart-shaped cuts have a following too. As far as the band itself, your espoused may be open to an attractive white gold twist tension band or a designer band such as a Danhov MicroPave.

Seeking Help from Friends and Family Members

Of course, narrowing down the styles can be difficult if you aren't already familiar with her tastes. Dropping hints or asking her friends or a family member to help out can be useful, provided that they are people who won't spill the beans.

Ultimately, your engagement ring selection will reflect your desire to please her and prove that you patiently took the time to find a ring you believe she will prize forevermore. She already loves you and the ring you present to her will be your outward demonstration of your love for her.