BEND THAT KNEE

18k White Gold Engagement Ring with 1.56 Carat Fancy Yellow Oval Center Diamond, Surrounded by .40 ctw Round Diamonds, $10,500.

by JENNIFER BRUGH

THEY SAY WHEN YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW! AND WE NOW KNOW THAT LIFE CAN CHANGE IN AN INSTANT. SO, IF YOU KNOW WHAT WE KNOW, THEN IT’S TIME TO SEIZE THE MOMENT, BEND THAT KNEE, AND POP THE QUESTION! DON’T WAIT ANOTHER MOMENT. THESE COUPLES DIDN’T!

BRING PARIS HOME

They don’t call it the City of Love for nothing: Many couples dream of a starry night in Paris and an illuminated Eiffel Tower proposal. But not all plans come together like they should. So, if you’re itching to propose sooner rather than later, bring Paris to her. Some couples are getting creative with miniature Eiffel Towers made of roses or even chalk outlines drawn on the sides of brick buildings.

PICTURE PERFECT

Look out digital cameras, Polaroids are making a comeback! Many couples are rediscovering a love for these images, and some are even using them in their proposals. Want to really surprise your partner? Date the photos and take your partner on your love journey right before you pop the question. They’re sure to freak and be so touched that you captured all the best moments leading up to this one. Don’t forget to tuck the photos away in an album to share with people at the wedding!

From the Couture Collection, ring in rose gold and platinum features round-brilliant center stone accented with diamonds, by Verragio.

PATH LESS TRAVELED

This year, city streets aren’t as crowded, and you can probably find a quiet place just about anywhere. So why not make this the perfect time to pop the question? Have some fun: venture off the sidewalks and take in the city sites from the middle of the streets! Don’t forget to hire a photographer to capture the moment from afar, and propose right there between the dotted lines! What could be more spontaneous than this?

THE CELEBRATION CARAVAN

Plans can change instantly, and your elaborate proposal may be off the table, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it unique. Surprise your better half with an intimate moment while you’re at home, and then blow his or her mind with a celebration caravan of family and friends! Have them make signs, get balloons, and be ready to honk their horns in celebration! It’s the best of both worlds.

L’Amour Criss-cut oval diamond ring, by Christopher Designs.

14k White Gold Engagement Ring with 2.26 Carat Round Center, Surrounded by 2.48 ctw Diamonds, $30,875. Henri Daussi ring features a delicate pavé halo and Signature Daussi Cushion™ cut diamond. The accompanying band features bead-set round brilliant white diamonds and blue sapphires with milgrain detail.

Platinum 3-Stone Diamond Ring Featuring a 2.02 Carat Emerald Center Diamond and .74 Carat tw Trapezoid Sides, $42,000.

14k White Gold 1 1/10 Carats tw 3-Stone Oval Engagement Ring, $3,199.

A MISSING PUZZLE PIECE

Puzzles are a great way to stay occupied and spend some quality time with the one you want to spend the rest of your life with (even though they don’t know that yet). If you’re a master puzzler, then you know an image is not complete when a piece is missing. But in this case, you’ve hidden the piece on purpose. Let your partner think it’s gone forever, and then surprise them when you’ve claimed you found it. When they go to complete the puzzle, they’ll have found the ring in its place, because they’re your missing puzzle piece.

14k White Gold 1 1/10 Carats tw 3-Stone Emerald Engagement Ring, $3,199.

Love Story Diamonds 14k White Gold 2.5 Carats tw Engagement Ring, $6,995. Love Story Diamonds 14k White Gold 2.5 Carats tw Engagement Ring, $6,995.

Love Story Diamonds 1 Carat tw Engagement Ring, $3,095.

Fire & Ice Diamonds 18k White Gold 1.50 Carat Round Brilliant Center, Surrounded by 1.57ctw Round Diamonds, $23,880.