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.
Use James Allen’s Drop-A-Hint Feature
Good for when:
- You know exactly what you want
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.
“Everyone was impressed with the ring. It was simple but elegant. The tension band highlighted the diamond.” -Karine I.
Try James Allen’s Wishlist Feature
Good for when:
- You and your partner are looking for a ring together
- You love more than one ring
“Photos don’t ever do rings justice, but let me say this ring sparkles even in the darkest of nights. You will have heads turning.” -Monica L.
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:
- Create a JamesAllen.com account
- Browse ring candidates
- Click on the heart icon beside the “select this setting” button on any ring page to add that particular model to your wishlist
- Give your partner your JamesAllen.com password
- They see your wishlist and surprise you with one of your dream rings!
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.
Use Pinterest To Drop A Hint
Good for when:
- You’re an avid, organized researcher
Pinterest is an incredible tool for dropping a hint! There are two ways to use Pinterest to drop a hint:
- Save specific rings to your “Engagement Ring” Pinterest board, just as you would on your James Allen wishlist.
- Save engagement ring characteristics on different boards, and then let your partner choose the ring themselves.
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.”
Diamond Pave Basket Engagement Ring
“Beautiful, blindingly shiny! The pave on the basket is so unique, we love how it lets the solitaire diamond take center stage when viewing the ring from the top, but adds extra sparkle from the side.” – Joshua L.
Pave Adorned Cathedral Engagement Ring
“As it glistens on her hand, she smiles. This ring was everything she wanted, and it makes me happy to see her happy. Looks great, fits great, and putting it on for the first time is unforgettable.” -Marcus S.
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.
Drop A Hint On Instagram
Good for when:
- You’ve got a good community on social media.
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.
Triple Diamond Engagement Ring
“These diamonds dance with the light with the slightest movement of my finger! The triple white diamonds on each side are the perfect compliment to the yellow diamond. The package box my beautiful ring came in is like none I have ever seen!” -Debra H.
Graduated Pavé Engagement Ring
“My ring is even more stunning in person compared to the photos online. I whole-heartedly recommend this style for someone who loves antique/traditional styles but still wants something different.” – Anne S.
The Double Date
Good for when:
- Your partner’s perceptive
- You’ve got mutual friends with good taste.
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.
“The diamonds in the channel are the perfect petite size but still dazzle. Paired with the main stone it turned out better than I had hoped. She fell in love with the ring. Couldn’t be happier.” – Edgar L.
“This ring is gorgeous! The diamond sits up much higher than I thought it would. It looks fantastic though. The way the ring is put together, with the diamond sitting so high, really makes the diamond stand out.” – Amber L.
Tell a friend
Good for when:
- Your partner is well-meaning, but not so perceptive.
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.
Cathedral Pavé Engagement Ring
“Absolutely stunning ring. Everyone who sees it is complementary and thinks it is much larger than it is!” -Meagan L.
“I love how the princess cut diamond is put cocked, it makes it look so different than other rings I’ve looked at!” – Kay M.
Write a list
Good for when:
- Your partner really doesn’t want to make a mistake!
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:
- Specific ring models. You can rank your list of preferences or let your partner know that you love them all equally. Either way, be sure to specify your level of desire for each ring.
- A list of must-have ring elements
- A list of must-NOT-have ring elements
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.
Channel Set Diamond Engagement Ring
“Spoiler Alert! This ring is bold and makes quite the statement. IF you like flashy rings, this is perfect for you. I am very happy with it, just know it’s a lot of bling!” – Maxine L.
Three Stone Scroll Undergallery Engagement Ring
“I really love this ring, simple but stunning. I just can’t stop looking at it, especially those 4 perfect heart prongs around the middle diamond.” -Jane O.
Ring In The New
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.
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