engagement ring, surprise her with one or have her pick it out

[alkemyst]

One does not have to buy a diamond.

 

[edro]

Marriage should be heavily discussed well before engagement discussions. If you both know you are getting married, you should at least understand her likes and dislikes in ring styles.
What if she Hates a style and you pick it? Your engagement would be tainted.

We went ring shopping and found out she really liked oval cut and a wedding band with diamonds all the way around. I never would have guessed either of those.
6 months or so later, I got the ring and proposed.
She was still very surprised but also loved the ring.

 

[OogyWaWa]

do some window shopping with her... get a feel for what she likes. She should be expecting the proposal to come soon...

ask her friends... show them some samples

finally, buy it at a place that has a good return policy, like bluenile.com. After the engagement and emotions have settled, ask her if she really likes it. If not, just return it for a different one she does. Don't let your pride get in the way because she'll be wearing it the rest of your marriage/life.

I spent around $4k for mine and got exactly what I wanted and she loved it.