📅 When to Buy an Engagement Ring

A Guide to Proposing – Planning, Timing & Choosing the Right Approach

💍 Introduction: Timing Is Everything (But It Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful)

Planning to propose? Whether you’re dreaming of a surprise moment or making it a shared decision, timing your engagement ring purchase is a key part of the process. But how early is too early? Should you buy the ring before you ask—or after? And how long does it actually take to make one?

This guide will help you:

• Choose between a surprise proposal or picking the ring together
• Understand the ideal timeline
• Avoid last-minute panic and common mistakes

🤔 Surprise Proposal vs. Choosing the Ring Together

In Ireland, around 60% of couples choose the ring together, while 40% go for a traditional surprise. Both approaches are completely valid—what matters most is what suits your relationship.

🎁 Option 1: The Surprise Proposal

Perfect if:

• You want that WOW moment
• You know her style (or have good help!)
• She’s dropped subtle hints (or shown you a Pinterest board…)

Pros:

• Romantic and personal
• Feels spontaneous and heartfelt
• Great if you’ve planned a destination or public proposal

Things to Consider:

• You’ll need to be more discreet
• Make sure the ring is returnable/resizable
• Choose a timeless style that’s versatile (e.g. solitaire or oval with plain band)

💡 Tip: Involve a close friend or sibling for stealthy style and size research.

💬 Option 2: Choosing the Ring Together

Perfect if:

• She wants to be part of the decision
• You want the ring to be 100% her style
• You’d prefer to choose the diamond and design as a couple

Pros:

• Takes the pressure off guessing
• She gets something she truly loves
• You can focus the proposal on the moment, not the jewellery

Things to Consider:

• You can still surprise her with a temporary or proposal ring and shop together after
• Let her try on styles she wouldn’t normally consider—many people are surprised by what they love

💡 60% of couples in Ireland now shop together—it’s completely normal and doesn’t take away from the romance.

📆 When Should You Buy the Ring?

Here’s a realistic timeline for Irish buyers, whether you’re buying off the shelf or going bespoke.

🛒 If Buying a Ready-to-Wear Ring:

• Ideal timeframe: 2–4 weeks before your proposal date
• What’s included: Fully finished rings in standard sizes
• Can still resize or modify afterwards if needed
• Perfect for shorter timelines or surprise trips

🔨 If Designing a Bespoke Ring:

• Ideal timeframe: 6–10 weeks before the proposal
• Custom-made = more time for:
  • CAD design approval
  • Diamond sourcing
  • Hallmarking, polishing, and quality checks

💡 Need it sooner? We offer express services for certain designs—just ask!

🛫 Planning a Proposal Abroad?

If you’re proposing during a trip:

• Plan at least 6–8 weeks ahead for travel insurance, resizing, and proposal prep
• Make sure your travel insurance covers the ring, or ask us about adding temporary coverage
• Carry it in your hand luggage, never in checked bags!

🧠 Final Tips for Timing It Right

• ✅ Have a date or season in mind? Start planning sooner than you think—especially before Christmas, Valentine’s or summer holidays
• ✅ Not sure of her size? Choose a design that’s easily resized (plain bands are easiest)
• ✅ Choosing the ring together? You can still make the proposal special with a placeholder ring, love letter, or a symbolic piece like a birthstone
• ✅ Think of the ring as the beginning—not the end—of the proposal story

🏁 Final Thought: It’s Her Ring—But It’s Your Moment, Too

Whether you go all-in on a surprise or plan every detail as a team, buying an engagement ring is a meaningful milestone. The key is to give yourself enough time, clarity, and confidence to make the experience enjoyable—rather than stressful.

💍 Plan with intention, propose with heart—and the rest will fall into place.