Brad Pitt designed Angelina Jolie’s engagement ring, dedicating a year to the romantic project. Jewellery Robert Procop said the actor was ‘heavily involved, overseeing every aspect of the creative design evolution’ that went into the half-a-million-dollar dazzler.
But what if she hadn’t liked it?

Granted, it would be difficult not to love the piece, with its large emerald-cut centre stone framed by rows of baguette diamonds. It’s likely to spawn just as many copycat versions as Kate Middleton’s sapphire ring last year. But choosing an engagement ring for your intended is a risky step for men. A quick-fire question round in the ELLE office leaves opinion divided: if you hate it but pretend you like it, isn’t that a bad foundation for a marriage? On the other hand, appearing high maintenance or ungrateful after you’ve just been asked the most important question of your life could be unbecoming of a newly affianced lady.

A close friend described it as ‘a sexy risk’ for men: if he gets it right, he’s confirmed as a knight in shining diamond armour. If he get it wrong—ever so slightly less sexy.

There are precautions you can take, as suggested by various bridal guides: some women leave pictures dotted around the house (one even stuck a magazine tear to her man’s dashboard – this is not recommended), some talk loudly about the kinds of jewellery they love, and some suggest hypothetical conversations such as ‘IF we were to ever get engaged, I’m sure my sister would love to help with picking out a ring.’ Carrie Bradshaw staged an intervention when she spied the ring that Aidan planned to propose to her with, and Samantha stepped in to save her from pear-cut panic.

If the deed is already done, the important thing is not to burst his bubble. Enjoy the proposal, call your family, drink champagne, and allow the ring to sink into the background at least for a couple of weeks, until you are sure that you can address him honestly to tell him how you feel.

But whatever crafty solution you come up with, it’s important not to forget the underlying message beneath the sparkle. As actress Leelee Sobieski said when speaking on the topic last week, ‘It's not fair to the man. When you're married, you should get the rock, and when you get engaged, you should get a simple band. Of course, the real prize is the love."

See what we think Angelina Jolie should wear for her wedding