[srinivgp]

If I may interject, no surprise with stakes that high is actually worth the downside risk. Just communicate. Unless you're sure your partner would have agreed that the surprise was worth not communicating, I suggest discussing things like this.

[verroq]

If they have decided to take your hand in marriage then I doubt they'd mind your choice of a ring.

[klyrs]

Some care. I'd be pissed if my partner blew 30k on a few grams of carbon that frankly looks like cut glass unless you shove your face into it. I'd rather be handed a box with a loop of string, a symbolic offer to go ring shopping together.

[MandieD]

All of this - I’m very glad my husband did not surprise me with two months’ salary worth of ring.

[sukilot]

Half the population of any neighborhood is women. You don't need to speculate about this. Ask a few.