WSPhead,
First off, congratulations. I hope things work out for you. In perspective, you should consider your relationship. i.e. have you been talking about this and thinking about these things or is it a surprise. Two distinct paths. It's been a lot of years for me, but we had talked about it and we were reasonably sure we would do it and talked about the rings. My wife, Cindy, wanted to have the traditional engagement ring and wedding ring but also an uncommon ring and we went and looked at a couple different ones together. She decided that she liked interlocking rings so we went to a local silversmith and saw what they had to offer. I didn't have much money back then, all but 15% of my money went into the things, but I was more into quality rings than focused on the diamond. My hippy wife did not want a big rock, but we were doing a lot of hiking and climbing back then so had a special mount also. It had a lot of meaning and has lasted well over these 25 years.
If you are together and in for the long haul, this is as much a shared event and the moment is just as sweet when you pop the question. It takes two all the way and there is a stage there, it just depends on how the script reads. Think about your relationship and how you interact, then follow.
Best of luck and a good life to you.
Regards,
Dave
The river keeps a talkin'
