Does she like any jewelry? A diamond pendant? It does not have to be a ring but I am thinking that if she does not like a ring she probably would not like other jewelry. My kids got me a beautiful white gold locket. Maybe something like that with your picture in it? It would be special, can be expensive but not as much as a ring can be so it would be more practical. Me...I am waiting for the ring. LOLs.

Pete...are you SURE she REALLY means it??? We women tend to say "oh, no, no, no,....I don't really want that...." when we really mean "you better get that...didn't you read my mind"??? LOL....
In all seriousness, I'm with beasely....maybe there is something else she really likes...
but double check on that ring thing...! best wishes...Jill

Pete, you can propose, and then, ask if she would like to go shop for a ring. Tell her it mean alot to you, she might just want to simple band, but I'm sure she will want something to mark the occasion.

Great news, best of luck,
Paula

Jill, I will check (step two of communication "Check for Understanding"), I could be totally wrong, lols.

Let me explain a little about the scenario, Sue and I had had a few casual dates when she invited me to go with her on New Year's eve to a Yacht Club where she was the entertainer.I had a wonderful evening and at midnight kissed her for the first time, actually the first time I had kissed a women other than my wife in 40 years! There was a real spark and I had hope that she was "the one". I now know that she is and plan to propose at the same event this year just before midnight and there will be a crowd so it might seem odd if I do the whole proposal thing and don't put a ring on her finger.

Thanks all, I'm so excited.

-Pete-

Odd to hear that a " no " might mean a yes. Thought that was settled years ago. A double check and explaining your wishes and then see what happens. Hate to think that a guy would ignore a female wish if that is what she wants.. Plan talk is the answer here and in the future. Doing something like this with out approval could be getting into " no man's land " at the start of a relationship. Would never ignore a wish at this point in our lives...communicate...communicate

Peace Bob

Bob,

I like your point. Yes, no does not really mean yes. (How's that for confusing?) By the time a woman is past the mid-century mark, let's hope she knows her own mind and says what she means.

Pete--I love your excitement. Perhaps if you tell her it means a lot to you to have a token of commitment between you, the two of you could come up with something special together. A lot of young people these days both wear rings when they get engaged.

Congratulations on your happiness and on deciding to get married!

Hugs,
Amy

Had friends with the same issue years ago. They decided to design her ring and, yes, it does have diamonds but mounted almost flush on the ring......and it doesn't look like a traditional wedding band. She used it for an engagement ring and then removed it right before the wedding and he placed it back on her finger after the vows. Worked for them and it is a lovely ring and even more special because they "designed" it together.

Congratulations to both of you.

Congratulations, Pete! I think everyone has some valid advice...and I agree the best way is to just talk to your lovely bride-to-be about what it means to you. Maybe you could ask her if there is another kind of ring besides the "typical" engagement ring that she'd wear...it could have her birthstone, or just her favorite gemstone in a channel setting or any number of options...I like MrsJRS' suggestion....but ring or no ring, Sue is a lucky lady...and you are a lucky guy...God has smiled on you both!
Best Wishes, Blessings & Hugs!

WOW, the check for understanding is soo important. I totally misunderstood! The "stupid, impractical, etc." was aimed at a particular style of ring, the traditional solitare with the diamond sticking way up. Turns out there are antique and art deco styles that she really likes.

Now I have some work to do.

Thanks all for the advice.

-Pete-

I'm really smiling; it is so easy for misunderstandings to occur! I'm so glad that you checked back with her. This sounds like a situation where you will both be happy. :) Amy

Pete...what woman doesn't want a ring!!! When proposing (does she know your going to do this?) a ring is a show of intent and commitment. I am so happy for you. (There are some beautiful ones at Costco!!!!)