Choosing the Perfect Engagement Ring: A Modern Man's Guide

Question
I understand the serious mistakes that i am about to make, and yet, i feel oddly justified in my brash perseverance.  I would like to ask my special lady-friend to take that next step (and yes, i know the foolishness with which i proceed)  I am very afraid.  Now to the point. I want a ring that expresses my simple view of what i think others have over-complicated.  I want white-gold/palladium/platinum.  nothing yellow, of course...we're not rappers.  hehe.  simplicity and grace are the ideals i hope to convey. I am a humble man that has to always check my outlandish talk.  My sense of humor is intact, but the frailty of the bond that two people can be blessed to share is something i don't take for granted.  That ...and nudity. Please help me design or point me in a direction.  I was just gonna get one of those gumball machine rings, but i assumed the humor of it would only go so far, and the finality of the reaction would only lead to my new found lonlyness.  Feel free to be creative.  My children's lives are in your hands (thoughts);  that is...if you do well.  or else, no kids.

Answer
HI PETER,

I MUST SAY A VERY ROUND ABOUT QUESTION ON STYLE. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT 'YOU' MUST FIND THE PERFECT RING. ONLY YOU CAN SATISFY YOUR SIMPLE TASTES AND OF COURSE YOUR COMPANION. LOOK IN ALL JEWELRY STORES AND BRIDAL MAGAZINES TO GET SOME IDEAS. YOU MAY WANT TO ONLY GO WITH A PLAIN PLATINUM BAND OR A SOLITAIRE. THESE ARE YOUR CHOICES I CAN HARDLY MAKE THEM FOR YOU BUT I CAN SUGGEST THAT YOU TAKE THE TIME TO SPECIFICALLY LOOK AT RINGS. SET TIME JUST FOR DOING THAT. YOU MAY ALSO JUST HAPPEN UPON A JEWELRY STORE WITH YOUR LADY-FRIEND AND SUGGEST YOU GO IN AND LOOK AROUND. TRY TO GET HER OPINION ON WHAT YOU MAY THINK SHE WOULD WEAR. IT MAY SURPRISE YOU? IN ANY EVENT THIS IS AN IMPORTANT DECISION AND TIME MUST BE DEVOTED TO IT. GOOD LUCK.

PETER