Set a romantic, candlelit table for two at home for a quiet romantic dinner. (or get caterers if you are not talented in the kitchen) Serve her a glass of champagne with the diamond ring in the bottom or tied with ribbon to the stem.

If your beloved likes dogs, bring home an enthusiastic new puppy with a ribbon for a collar. Have the ring in the bow for her to find as she cheerfully greets the cuddly pup.

Order a dozen red roses and pick them up yourself at the florists. Write the card to say, Will you marry me? and put the ring in a presentation box with the roses. Present the flowers during a candlelight dinner for two at home.

Take the engagement ring and tie a thread to it. Tie the other end of the thread around your finger. Tell your partner, I have a present for you, but there's a string attached.

Arrange for a quiet day at the beach together, strolling along and looking for shells. On the night before, write a love poem on a piece of parchment paper, roll it into an antique bottle with a cork, and hide it in a well marked spot where the tide won't wash it out to sea. Be sure you find the bottle as you walk together. Open and read the poem, then present the diamond from your pocket and ask her for her hand in marriage.

Take her for a surprise picnic at the beach or in the woods. At the picnic spot, spell out Will You Marry Me with stones, flowers or seashells. Put the diamond in her hand when she says yes.

Memorize a short French poem and recite the poem to her at a French restaurant as you offer the ring. Be sure to know what each word means so you can demonstrate your savoire faire. Have the ring ready in a presentation box.

Arrange to have dinner together at your favourite Chinese restaurant. Have the waiter give her a special fortune cookie with Will you marry me? in it. And present the diamond in a box.

During dinner at your favourite restaurant, arrange with the waiter to have the diamond in a box as one of the choices on the dessert tray. Tell her she is the sweetest thing you know and you can't resist her any longer.

For the chocoholic: Dip the diamond box in melted chocolate, and present it to her when you are alone for the evening. You can add fun to the evening by having some chocolate body paint lying around!