A guy who needs advice on proposal!

That's a very sweet idea! And, honestly, if it were me, it would be the thought that counted. Do you have a family heirloom ring or something else that would be sentimental that you could propose with?

Hi Fred! Congratulations on hopefully getting engaged soon! It's so sweet you want to get your girlfriend a ring she loves and go shopping together (although I do agree with Paige that it's the thought, time, and effort you put into it). If you just want to get something to give her to wear until you go shopping together, just get something inexpensive, perhaps from Amazon. Maybe something like these, that are pretty and symbolize your commitment, but aren't too expensive:

https://smile.amazon.com/Infinity-Knot-Sterling-Silver-RNG14788-8/dp/B00X12N268/ref=sr_1_5?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1485027502&sr=1-5&nodeID=7141123011&keywords=promise+ring

https://smile.amazon.com/Sterling-Vintage-Solitaire-Engagement-Wedding/dp/B01H2BJ9Q0/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1485027476&sr=8-4&keywords=inexpensive+engagement+rings

Maybe a CZ solitaire ring?

If you want a place holder ring id honestly get a fake one or a cheaper promise ring.

I imagine if it's real and a promise ring she'll wear it on her right hand once you pick the real one...I'd also have a firm budget in mind for when you both go looking for a ring.

Thanks for everyone's thoughts so far. My gf is a simple girl yet happens to be really particular about jewelry. Some girls spend on clothes, handbags, fancy dinners... her thing is she saves money to get herself perfect pieces. And any piece of jewelry I've ever gotten her - she's moved and thankful but I know her well enough to see that she doesnt truly like them.

1. I was hesitant about a fake ring because it might imply a lack of thought. Also, I'd want her to wear it until the actual ring is chosen.

2. I do have family heirloom rings but her fingers are tiny and I'm almost sure they won't fit correctly.

3. What about a ring from somewhere that I could exchange for wedding bands we'd later have anyway? (Although I wonder: is there a huge range in the cost of wedding bands such that I wouldn't want to be captive to a single jeweler?)

4. Oh wow - never thought about the empty box idea...

I love Fall Bride's idea of proposing with the empty box. But if you are looking for a placeholder, I would steer toward a colored gemstone or pearl and away from a cz or other fake diamond.

Pandora has some gorgeous rings. My FH surprised me with this ring for our first Christmas and I will wear it on our wedding day as my "something blue". I wore that ring on my ring finger for 2 years until he replaced it with my engagement ring.

I don't think a fake ring implies lack of thought depending on how quickly you'll be shopping..

You could also get a simple birthstone ring too.

Or like I said earlier, you can get a simple, cheap, promise ring and then she can wear it on her right hand if she wanted.

Why not just go look at rings together before you propose?

I may be in the minority on this - it's strange to me to choose a ring together before the actual proposal. It's like having someone help plan their own surprise party. I know plenty of ppl shop together beforehand but it's just not for me because I think it takes away from the element of surprise a little bit - I don't want her to see this coming. Though I really appreciate your suggestion

My FH proposed to me at Texas Road house. That's our favorite place to eat. He used a peanut. (Texas road house is a steak house that provides buckets of peanuts at the table fyi if you don't have one in your area) he got down on one knee and everything with the peanut. And then that weekend we went ring shopping. My ring is custom made with an Opal that I picked out.

I remember seeing this on pinterest a while back. PSA, know nothing about this website/company. It has a place for you to add a love letter or something like that.

http://www.oneoriginjewelry.com/shop/i-thou-love-letter-ring

ETA: also etsy probably has a ton of cute rings, could get one that says "love" or something else.

Or, if you know she's planning on changing her name and she likes monograms, could get a ring with her new monogram.

Oh wow! I didn't even know what a birthstone was. Hers is a pearl and I already know she likes pearls

I know Pandora has birthstone rings too, they are pretty simple and inexpensive. At least that would be personalized to her

I also like the idea of proposing with an empty ring box and saying something like "You have to say yes first ;-)" and then "Let's go ring shopping together."

What if you propose at a jewelry store? I'm sure that's not in your plans, but its an option. Then it's still a surprise for her and she gets to pick out her perfect ring.

I don't think a cz is a good idea. I like the idea of her birthstone in a ring. She can wear it on the other hand when you pick out the engagement ring.

Fred,

I sold fine jewelry in an independent jewelry store for 9 years in high school and through college and a bit afterward. I am extremely picky about my jewelry and I have very definite taste that is perceived as "hard to please". I have no other vices than jewelry. I recommend getting a beautiful pearl ring from Pandora like this one. It is her birthstone and it's something she can cherish and pass down as an heirloom. The company has good quality pieces and I'm very pleased with their prices and customer service.

I love the pearl idea or a a sapphire for her something blue on y'all's wedding day.

You're so thoughtful! No matter what you choose, it will be perfect.

@GoingBALDwin That's so cool that he proposed at Texas Roadhouse!

Good luck OP!!!

Yes, love the birthstone idea that she can wear afterwards!