So you're on a mission to find the perfect diamond engagement ring to complete your romantic proposal… while trying to keep the whole thing a surprise, of course.
But no pressure!
Engagement ring shopping is a stressful endeavor, no matter how well you know your girlfriend's preferences. It's a big and meaningful purchase, so you want to make sure she loves the ring.
Unless you already have an exact photo of the ring she wants, this means you're going to have to do a little detective work.
You're in luck because your girlfriend has already put together an in-depth visual record of her style and taste in pretty much everything.
It's called her Pinterest profile, and you'd be wise to spend some time getting to know it inside and out. It will help you make an educated decision as you're browsing affordable engagement rings.
If you're feeling intimidated, ask her sister or one of her close friends to help you interpret the data and crack the code (this is a good rule of thumb for ring shopping anyway).
Jewelry
Obviously, if you find a Pinterest board called "THIS IS THE DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING I WANT," you don't need to read the rest of this post.
But if not, look for any boards or pins that feature jewelry she likes. Pay attention to the captions she includes on pins. Which ones does she gush over or use multiple exclamation points for?
Look for trends and themes in the styles she gravitates toward. Does she have a weakness for white gold or vintage accessories or lots of sparkle?
Weddings
Many women create "someday" Pinterest boards for wedding ideas they love. These will give you valuable insight into her ideal wedding style.
Has she pinned a lot of classic, storybook wedding dresses or rustic-chic, laid-back reception venues? How would you define the overall vibe of her wedding pins - elegant, glamorous, simple, vintage, traditional?
Fashion
Your girlfriend's clothing Pinterest boards might not have anything to do with affordable engagement rings, but they will give you the inside scoop on what she aspires to wear. What types of clothes are most pinned? Red-carpet ball gowns? Chic pencil skirts? Romantic A-line dresses? Everyday casual outfits?
Does she admire the look of certain celebrities? (If these ladies have engagement rings, Google those styles immediately!) Use all these pins to flesh out the style profile you're putting together.
Other Interests
Browse her other boards - music, books, home decor, travel, etc. - for any other clues. Does she have a long list of 1920s books she wants to read? Is her travel bucket list full of quirky, off-the-beaten-path destinations?
After you complete your Pinterest stalking, you should have a well-rounded view of what your girlfriend's unique style is and what diamond engagement ring she will love.
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