Which way is better to propose: with a diamond engagement ring that might not meet my girlfriend's taste or without a ring so she could pick it herself after I propose?

Well, you could either go together to pick the ring, of you want the added element of surprise, then why don't you buy her a cubic zirconia or another "fake"diamond ring so that she will at least have something that resembles a diamond. They you can both go and pick out one together.

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Let her pick the diamond ring!

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I think it's ok to propose without a ring if you aren't sure what her taste is. You can always go together to buy the ring once you propose. Even though she might be disappointed, it's better to make the right decision when buying rather than the wrong one and also risk disappointment (as far as the ring of choice). I think she'll understand and might actually appreciate your thoughtfulness.

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The best suggestion I could give you is to purchase your diamond engagement ring at a reputed jewelry store that has very reasonable return and exchange policies, so you have that option to fall back on in case your girlfriend doesn't like her diamond ring. Make sure that the jewelry store you decide to buy your diamond ring from has a wide selection of diamond jewelry for your girlfriend to choose from. Although the jeweler might hear this all the time, explain to him about your delicate situation and the fact that you are worried that your girlfriend will not be fond of the engagement ring you purchase her. The jeweler will most likely explain that you have a certain period of time where you could come back to exchange the engagement ring with your girlfriend. My advice to you would be to purchase your girlfriend a standard round brilliant cut diamond (no fancy shapes) with a classy and timeless design, which she might end up loving anyway. In my opinion, there is no doubt that the proposal has to certainly be done with the presentation of a diamond ring. If by any chance your girlfriend expresses the fact that she's not fond of her diamond engagement ring after you proposed, you could always go back with her to the jewelry store and exchange it for something she likes. Just remember that you're not the first guy who dealt with this dilemma and certainly not the last, and there's really nothing to worry about because a brand new diamond engagement ring could easily be returned or exchanged at the jewelry store.

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Buying an engagement ring without knowing what your girlfriend's exact specifications are is understandably difficult. If I were you I would avoid the risk of buying your girlfriend an engagement ring she won't like, even if you can later return the ring, she may be disappointed. If your girlfriend is as picky as you say she is then consider proposing using an empty ring box. That way, the representation of a ring will be there and she can later pick out her own engagement ring. She could even design her own engagement ring using jewelry stores' online tutorials or by hiring the services of a jewelry designer. A diamond engagement ring isn't a necessity when it comes to marriage proposals. It's perfectly acceptable to propose without an engagement ring. You shouldn't feel embarrassed or hesitant when proposing without a ring, and you shouldn't feel pressured into getting an engagement ring simply for the sake of proposing.

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