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The best way to buy an engagement ring is to let her pick it out herself! After all, your fianc* will wear this ring every day and it must feel good on her finger and it must suit her lifestyle. It may take trying on many diamond shapes and setting styles in gold or other precious metals to determine the best ring for her.

But perhaps you want to choose ring? If surprise is a factor of if you don't want your fianc* to be involved with pricing and payment then here are tips to that may help you to pick the right ring.

1. Pay Attention to Her Choices

Notice what jewelry she likes and dislikes. This is the first big step towards finding perfect engagement ring. What metal color does she wear? Most women have a definite preference. If she loves white gold or platinum, don't even look at a diamond.

What style of jewelry does she wear? Does she like contemporary-looking jewelry with bold styling? Or does she enjoy wearing vintage looking rings, or classic jewelry that never goes out of style? The best indicator is the jewelry that she wears all the time, not the items that she wears occasionally.

2. What are Her Likes and Dislikes

Has your fianc* ever mentioned her favorite jewelry styles or pointed out engagement rings? If not, take her shopping. It won't be hard to steer her towards the jewelry stores. Say you're looking for a new watch, but pause at the engagement ring counters.

Perhaps a friend is engaged. Does she like her friend's engagement ring? Why or why not? Find out and you will have some more clues.

Does she like diamonds? Some women don't. Sapphires and rubies are both durable gemstones for women who don't like to wear diamonds.

3. What Looks Best on Her?

An elongated diamond * such as a marquise or oval -- makes short fingers look sleeker. However, don't try to overdo the look or it could have the opposite effect.

Wide bands make fingers appear even shorter. Think proportionally: Women with long fingers easily wear bold ring styles. Also, a gemstone setting that's extremely delicate could get lost on large hands, over-emphasizing size and making the ring look smaller.

4. Choosing the Right Shape and Setting

Round diamonds are the number one shape chosen by brides. Other preferences include elongated marquise, oval or pear-shaped stone, or a square or emerald cut diamond.

You can also consider fancier shapes such as hearts. How about a solitaire diamond, set alone in a band or a cluster of stones? Her current jewelry choices can give clues about her preferences.

5. Consider Her Lifestyle

Will the ring fit her lifestyle? Does she work in a profession where certain jewelry would look out of place? If not, remember that pointed gems with high prongs could snag clothing and people and they are also harder to keep clean. Save that type of ring for gifts that are worn on special occasions.

6. Determine Her Ring Size

Does she wear different rings on her engagement finger? Get hold of one of these long enough to have it sized.

7. Consider a Loose Diamond

If you think you know the diamond shape she likes, buy a loose diamond when you pop the question. You can both shop together later for the ring setting.

If possible let your fianc* pick out the engagement ring. If that is not an option then take the help of the seven tips in this article.