Brilliant Proposals

Making a romantic proposal.

Like every man who is about to propose to the woman he loves, you want to make it a truly special moment – a moment you'll both remember forever. Getting it just right may seem like a formidable task, but it's really not that difficult.

Be prepared with the diamond of her dreams.

Before making your proposal you'll have learned all about diamonds – from the 4Cs to certification – so you can choose the most beautiful diamond you can afford and know you've made a wise choice. (If not, hold it right here and go back and do your homework!) You'll also have found a retailer you can trust, one who will give you confidence in your diamond buying decision and provide excellent service.

That was the easy part, now for the difficult decision: choosing the diamond that tells her how much you love her and literally takes her breath away.

If you're a couple who like to approach decisions together, then you could simply take her to a jeweler and let her express her own feelings about different diamonds and diamond shapes. Another way is to let her page through magazines with advertisements for diamonds and show you which diamonds appeal to her.

However, if you want the whole proposal to be a complete surprise – and a pleasant surprise -- here are some undercover approaches to discovering which diamond engagement ring will bring about the desired effect:

• Ask her family and friends what they think would appeal to her

• Take note if she comments on a friend's diamond or a diamond she's seen in an advertisement

• Consider her style. Does she dress in an understated or traditional manner? Or, does she project a more flamboyant image? Learn about diamond shapes to see which shapes appeal to different women.

• Look at her other jewelry: does she prefer simple design or more elaborate pieces? Her preferences will help you determine what style of setting she'd like best.

• Which metals does she choose? If all her jewelry is silver, she would probably like a diamond set in platinum or white gold, rather than yellow gold.

• Exceed her expectations! If you really want to make her happy, this is no time for holding back!

Next step, find out her ring size! Remember, a woman's ring size is different for each finger. If she leaves her rings lying around, make an impression in a bar of soap or trace the inside of the ring on a piece of paper. You might try one of her rings on your own finger. Push it down as far as you can, mark the spot with a pen, then go straight to the jeweler and let him measure it for you. Alternatively, her friends may be able to help you out by asking her for her ring size or trying on one of her rings to compare it to their own. Best of all, slip one of her rings into your pocket and show it to a jeweler…if you can do it without arousing suspicion.

Know your bride before you decide.

Do you know your bride-to-be very well? Of course, you do. So, stop a minute and think about what makes her truly happy. If she loves to laugh more than anything else, then a proposal with a sense of humor may be the best road to take. If she's hopelessly romantic, you'll need to set the stage for a real tear-jerker. If she prefers intimacy, then a quiet, intimate proposal will be just perfect. If, on the other hand, being the center of attention thrills her, then a more public proposal will truly win her heart.

Next, think about setting the scene in a place that has meaning for both of you. It could be anywhere from the location of your first date – a restaurant, an amusement park, a beach, an art gallery or even movie theater – to a place you've both always wanted to go, such as a city in Europe or high in the sky in a hot air balloon. If the place holds wonderful memories – or promises to - then you could make your proposal there.

Speak from your heart.

Wherever and however you propose, remember you needn't spend a fortune to win her heart. You could simply rent your favorite movie, watch it at home, and give her a bowl of popcorn with a diamond ring in it – or you could hire a three-piece band to serenade her with your favorite song. But however you do it, the most important part is to voice your proposal with love, sincerity and appreciation for how much she means to you.

Be creative - here are some proposal ideas to get you thinking.

Good fortune…

For the fun-loving girl, how about a fortune cookie that says, “I'll love you forever, will you marry me?” Or better yet, a fortune cookie with a diamond ring inside? This is an easy proposal to arrange. Via the internet you can order fortune cookies – or even jumbo fortune cookies – with personalized messages. Even easier, buy a fortune cookie, wrap it in a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 30 seconds. The cookie will soften and open up, allowing you to insert your message, or diamond, inside. Quickly remold and let it cool, then reserve a table at your favorite restaurant and arrange for the waiter to bring it to your table - or just cook your own Chinese dinner at home and serve the cookie for dessert.

Give her a clear sign…

Giant banners are easy to find at any large chain store specializing in copying, printing and graphic design. Have some printed with your proposal then hang them all over town. It's a sure way to tell her – and everyone who knows her – how much she means to you.

Stars in her eyes…

For the traditional romantic, there's nothing like wine, roses, a bended knee and a starry night for a very personal proposal. But it's not always a starry night…and besides, that's a little ordinary. So, here's twist on tradition. Most children's stores sell glow-in-the-dark stars that will turn any room into a romantic, starlit night. Arrange the stars on the ceiling to create your “Will you marry me?” proposal. Then, turn off the lights, and take it from there!

Speechless…

If you have a hard time with sentimental words, find another way to do the talking :

• Write her a proposal poem, and ask her to read it out loud
• Compose a personalized song and hire someone to sing it for you
• Take out an ad at your local cinema and watch her surprise when your picture and message appear on the big screen (pose for the shot on bended knee)
• Buy her a box of her favorite chocolates and replace one with a diamond engagement ring
• Make a videotaped proposal and pop it in the VCR at the appropriate time

Or, just be yourself.

If you're not into the creative approach, a simple statement of enduring love and a desire to be with her forever – through thick and thin – will undoubtedly do the trick! So, stop worrying and just present her with the diamond of her dreams.

© 2003 Leo Schachter Diamonds, LLC Diamond Wholesalers
The Leo Diamond® is a registered trademark of Leo Schachter Diamonds, LLC.

Your Privacy is Guaranteed. We will never give, lease or sell your personal information. Period!

© 2003 Leo Schachter Diamonds, LLC Diamond Wholesalers
The Leo Diamond® is a registered trademark of Leo Schachter Diamonds, LLC.

Your Privacy is Guaranteed. We will never give, lease or sell your personal information. Period!