The Bling ... Let's Discuss.

Let's talk diamonds. {Do I have your attention?}

Ian and I made no secret of the fact that we knew fairly early on that we would end up gettin' hitched.  Lots of references made to "the future", some rather vague and some downright straightforward. 

One day, as it was apparent that we were moving into the proposal zone, Ian nonchalantly* asked if I wanted to pop into a jewelry store** to check out some rings.

*nonchalantly = tried to cover the nervousness in his voice and mostly succeeded
**he already knew the answer to this one, duh!

So I guess it's a bit non-traditional that we went shopping for my engagement ring together, but he knows what a big jewelry lover I am, and he wanted to make sure that I tried on a lot of different styles, took the store up on their offer of free wine, and found a ring I'd be comfortable wearing foreverandeverandeveramen.

Our first trip was nothing special -- we didn't click with the sales rep we were paired with, the store was hot and packed to the gills, and nothing really caught my eye.  We went to a second store, and again -- nothing special.  On the third trip (which was actually back to that first store), we got paired up with a fantastic sales rep, one that was straightforward and diamond-savvy.

I described to her the look I wanted.  I wanted sparkly, I wanted feminine, I wanted something that could be mistaken for an estate piece.  Antique jewelry just really strikes my fancy.  She thought for a second, told me she knew she could find a ring like what I wanted, and then said "Let me just bring over one setting that I think is not what you are looking for -- maybe a little too much for your small hand."

Well, folks, that was the one.  Hook, line and sinker, I was sold.  I looked up at her, said "You may think I'm crazy, but this is it!" and Ian agreed completely -- he loved it on my hand.

At that point, we left the store and I told Ian that it was most definitely the ring for me, but the rest of the process was completely in his hands.  I told him I didn't care if our engagement happened in one day or one year.  That way, there was still the element of surprise for me.  And you can read our engagement story here.  We selected this ring in December (if I'm remembering correctly) and we got engaged in May.

So, I'm curious, what do you think about shopping together for a ring?  If you are engaged or married, what route did ya'll take?  Or are you a traditionalist, maybe drop a hint here and there (or make sure your sister, mom, and best friend know what you love) but leave it in the hands of your man?

And ... just for fun ... which ring above strikes your fancy?  I adore my oval-cut stone, but I think #1 is such a stunner as well!