What more romantic time of year could there be than winter for becoming engaged? The parties, the food, the busy social whirl, and sparkling lights nestled in the amazing garlands and wreaths that adorn mantle and chimney piece in this festive season - peace and goodwill are caroled from every corner, parties abound with fabulous food and rich, enticing egg nog.

Sleigh rides on a crisp, snowy evening, quiet nights in front of a crackling fire, red velvet and snowy white furs... The scent of evergreen boughs and cinnamon-laced candles fills the air. This is the perfect ending to a perfect day.

...and when he pops the question, he will tender a small velvet box. You raise the lid and behold a perfect, blue-white princess-cut diamond engagement ring.

What could be more romantic than a simply elegant, classic diamond solitaire?

This ring exemplifies enduring style. In your choice of 10 karat white or yellow gold, it showcases a single 1/10 carat princess-cut diamond.

The polished gold band tapers gracefully where it meets the stone held securely in its V-shaped four-prong setting.

With understated elegance and impeccable grace, this lovely ring is sure to make her Christmas season a happy one.

Christmas wishes come true with these lovely diamond earrings and pendant.

The perfect accessory for any holiday occasion - in fact, no jewelry wardrobe is complete without a classic pair of diamond stud earrings.

Simple enough for daytime wear, yet radiant with evening attire, they offer sophistication and versatility all in one beautiful package.

My son surprised me one Mothers' Day with a pair of diamond studs set in white gold.

I must admit, they are my favorite earrings, and believe me, diamonds do go with everything from blue jeans to an elegant evening gown.\

These classic post-back studs are available in 18 karat white or yellow gold. The single, princess-cut 1/2 carat diamonds are secure in their in four-prong settings.

These exquisite rings feature brilliant cut diamonds and such detailing as caviar beading, raised carved filigree, and pierced bands for a truly vintage look.

Two of the rings are crafted in Italy with platinum bands in spectacular, antique styling.

The diamonds are of excellent clarity, cut, and brilliance, and are carefully hand-set by experienced craftsmen to the highest standards of the jewelers art.

An inexpensive to the full-meal deal, yet still maintaining the true vintage appeal, these lovely rings in Sterling silver with cubic zirconium center stones are elegant yet budget conscious.

Beautifully crafted with the same attention to detail as their much pricier cousins, they offer the look of vintage without the expense.

Available in a wide variety of styles, these lovely promise rings will enhance the hand of any young lady of discerning taste.

These three lovely rings just illustrate the point that you can spend a modest amount on an engagement and still be able to purchase a truly beautiful ring.

When you pop the question, you need to know you have a purchased a quality diamond to adorn her hand, but without breaking the bank.

Any of these rings fill that bill admirably.

Carefully crafted in 10 to 14 karat white gold, they feature modestly sized diamonds, but are crafted with the same precision and attention to detail as much more expensively priced rings

If your lady loves antiques, you can't go wrong with a lovely diamon engagement ring purchased from an Estate sale.

Very often, such jewelry would fetch a good price at auction, but with some careful research and a bit of luck, you can often find an overlooked piece fro a great price.

Knowing that your engagement diamond has enriched the life of another lucky bride only adds to its luster.

Though purported to be "a girls' best friend," not every girl wants a diamond engagement ring. I remember wishing for something different. My heart yearned for a lovely antique band richly carved and set with fire red garnets (my birthstone) - or better yet, a cameo ring.

Unfortunately cameo rings were not popular at that time, and I am still searching for my carved garnet band. I am sure when I find it, it will be just as lovely as the two gem-stone rings pictured to the right.

Now then, that deep, rich green tourmaline would have been just the ticket.

I was given a lovely silver Claddagh ring, not as a promise, but as a gift, and during the many years I wore it, I found it to be quite a conversation starter.

Once relatively unknown outside of Ireland, this lovely symbol of commitment is fast gaining popularity in main-stream America as an alternative to the traditional diamond engagement ring.

Available in white gold, yellow gold, or as shown here, in sterling silver, this ring is equally beautiful plain or set with gem stones.

According to some, the ring may be turned to indicate whether the wearer is promised, or has already pledged their love. If the ring is worn with the crown down, facing the wearer, then their heart is taken. If the ring is worn with the crown up, and the two hands offering the heart, then the wearer's heart is free.

Set with sparkling pink diamonds these dainty pendants are a lovely addition to any bride-in-waiting's jewelry case.

The rose and white gold intertwine in harmonious pairing, creating the perfect setting for lovely and unusual pink diamonds.

As beautiful as they are affordable, they would make a lovely gift to slip into the Christmas stocking of that special lady.

Though these gorgeous chocolate diamond bands are listed as anniversary bands, any one of them would make a beautiful promise ring.

Crafted in white as well as yellow gold, these rings feature fiery white and rich chocolate brown diamonds.

Set beautifully in precious 14k gold, this and beautiful diamond ring is the most perfect expression of the love you share.

Every time she looks at this unique ring, she will remember this day, and your magical Christmas engagement.

Though not Princess cut, I just had to share these amazing rings with you.

The stones are canary yellow diamonds, some of the most sought after diamonds in the world.

The first is radiant cut in a round shape. The center stone is surrounded with brilliant cut white diamonds, set in 18 karat gold.

The center ring features four perfect radiant cut canary yellow diamonds surrounded with round ciut white diamonds, set in 10 karat white gold.

The third ring showcases a magnificent full karat natural yellow diamond in a radiant cut, set in 14 karat white gold. The diamond pave band makes this an exceptional value and a true one-of-a-kind offering.