Engagement Rings: When you're ready to play in the Big Leagues (Ellis K Adams)

It is always a big deal when it is time to go shopping for engagement rings; nobody is denying that. It is a major step in the process of two people going from individuals to becoming a couple. This piece of fine jewelry signifies permanence to the relationship and a commitment to each other. This commitment was already there but now everyone, even total strangers, can see it. Conversations switch from "if we get married" to "when we get married." All of this adds up to a lot of pressure when it is time to step through the door of that professional jeweler and start looking at all of the options.

The thing is, though, that even if it is the first time for a guy to be getting engaged, it isn't the first time he's been through this situation. It is a tradition born out in relationships from the first time we ask a girl if we can carry her books to the next class. Relationships, even first crushes, are marked with some traditional exchange. When we are just kids, it may be as simple as giving her something small and affordable of ours that she likes. In High School, more class rings are probably worn around a girl's neck on a chain than on the finger of the guy who bought it. Even when we are on our way to getting engaged, there is the promise ring or pre-engagement ring.

In other words there have been many steps that have taken us to this place. Think of it like the career of a baseball player. He starts as a kid, just learning to play the game and discovering he likes it. As he grows older he works his way up through the minor leagues, each time the stakes being a little bit higher, until that one day he makes it to the big leagues. He's ready for it now because he has had lots of practice.

Just like the equipment he plays with in the big leagues is going to the best quality, better than anything he's had before, now is the time to make sure that the gift you give her is the best available. There are so many choices of engagement rings to choose from, make sure that you take your time and ask the right questions so that when you do ask the question, you can be sure to hit a home run.

Ellis is an entrepreneur and freelance writer, specializing in consumer education topics like engagement rings and the latest trends in diamond jewelry. Her background in marketing and sales helps add a flavorful punch to her writing.