You're getting ready to propose to the girl of your dreams and you need an engagement ring. Congratulations! You love your future wife and you appreciate her unique personality and style. That's why you should take some extra time to make sure that her engagement ring isn't the same one that millions of other women have. 

Style: Think Big. A solitaire engagement ring, while beautiful, will seem like peanuts when compared to other options. Think big with this important purchase. Take a look at rings with multiple diamonds and side stones. A three stone engagement ring is a great option, as are rings with even more side stones. A popular ring trend is a platinum ring with a large round diamond, with channel set smaller diamonds all the way around the band. Beautiful at any angle! Or, for something she won't see every day, take a look at split shank rings. This style is when two or three small bands protrude from the crown (the central portion, where the stone is) of the ring. These bands then join together to form the main band of the ring. Finally, a timeless option is to choose an antique inspired ring. These rings are fancy styles with lots of floral work, carving, or filigree. All of these options are great ways for a more unique style.

Stone: Have Fun with the Diamond. The most noticeable thing about her engagement ring will probably be that diamond. If you choose a solitaire engagement ring, think about unexpected shapes. Sure, round stones are classic, but why not think different? Even the princess cut is a bit expected. A trillion cut stone is a triangular cut with 44 brilliant facets. A marquise cut stone, also referred to as a navette, is another option. It is similar to an oval, but with pointed ends. And of course, a heart-shaped stone adds a sense of whimsy to any ring. If you are going with a ring with multiple diamonds, think about alternating cuts! A ring that alternates baguette and round shaped stones is truly breathtaking. Finally, have you thought about colored diamonds? While they tend to be pricey, there are few things more unique than a blue diamond.

Setting: Think Beyond the Basics. The basic prong setting is functional, but a little bit boring. The stone is held to the band by small metal claws. Why not think more creatively? U-shaped prongs, while similar to normal prongs, are curved and a little more daring. Or, think outside of the box with some totally different settings. The technique where diamonds are secured by small bars, with the sides of the stone left open, is called the bar setting. Because of the open sides, the diamonds reflect plenty of light. For a breathtaking and modern setting, take a look at tension set rings. This is when the diamond is held tightly in place by a high level of pressure, between the band itself. The diamond looks like it's floating between the sections of the band!

Don't settle for a boring engagement ring. Your dream girl is unique, and her engagement ring should be, too!