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Depending on how she would take it, you could propose to her without a ring on hand, and take her shopping for a ring. That way, you know she'll be happy with it.

Ok, my husband never actually proposed to me at all. One day, we just started looking for rings. Of course, that was after a discussion that went something like, (him) "I can buy you a ring now, using my grad student salary (not much). Or, we can wait until I have a real job and can afford a nicer ring. Which do you prefer?"

But I very much appreciated having input on what ring I would be wearing for the rest of my life.

I'm a bit of an odd bird in some ways, though. This all fit my personality perfectly. If you are preparing to propose, you should have a good feel for how your lady would respond to something like this.
LST

ETA: BTW - I told him I didn't need a diamond. A sapphire would be fine with me. HE is the one who insisted I deserved and needed a diamond. And yes, he's continued to treat me just as well ever since then.