Proposals have looked the same way for a long time in the collective imagination. Most people automatically think of a man down on one knee, offering a little black box out to his surprised lady love. But times, and our preconceptions of romance, are changing.
More and more women are considering proposing to their boyfriends, and, of course, if both partners in a relationship are men, one partner would be proposing to his boyfriend. Still, this shift in marriage dynamics has left some people with questions about how the proposal should play out.
Do you offer a ring when proposing to your boyfriend? After all, for a long time men did not really wear engagement rings. Then again, men weren’t expected to receive proposals. So how do you know if you should march into your proposal armed with a engagement ring or not? And if you do decide to get a engagement ring, what should you be looking for to get the perfect ring?
Focus on Your Partner
Proposing is about asking the person you love to be with you for the rest of your life. Take everything you know about your partner into consideration when trying to decide whether you should purchase a engagement ring.
Does your partner wear jewelry? Have you spoken about marriage already, and, if so, about his feelings on rings?
A ring can be a symbol that you and your partner are dedicated to one another. But if your partner doesn’t wear rings, or appears not to like the idea of an engagement ring, you could offer something else during your proposal. You could consider:
- Diamond Cufflinks
- A Personalized Photo Album
- A Hand-Selected Watch
Select a Ring that Reflects His Taste
Most stores don’t offer a dedicated section for engagement rings, but the truth is, any ring offered in a proposal is an engagement ring. While looking to buy the perfect ring keep these factors in mind:
Metal in the Band
Jewelers use a wide variety of metals to make rings now, far beyond gold and silver. Some men like the idea of a band made from tough, durable metals like:
- Titanium
- Tungsten Carbide
- Stainless Steel
You have a wide range of options that can ensure you pick something your boyfriend will love.
Select the Perfect Stone
Some men prefer a plain band for an engagement ring. However, a beautiful diamond can look great on your boyfriend’s finger. If you decide to go for a diamond, make sure you consider the 4Cs:
- Cut
- Color
- Clarity
- Carat
You can also consider the Diamond fluorescence. Diamond fluorescence determines how much a diamond glows when exposed to UV light. Diamond fluorescence can improve the visual quality of some diamonds, while lowering the value of other stones.
Deciding to Propose with a Management Ring or Not
Love is love, and there’s no wrong way to propose. The status quo on proposals – with a man dramatically asking a woman for her hand in marriage – does not fit every couple, nor should it. You can take charge of your romantic destiny by proposing to your boyfriend. If you do, you can be sure that the perfect engagement ring is out there for you.