If you’re one of these guys, who relies on the cliche of popping the question on Valentine’s Day, brace yourself because around 15,000 women will say ‘Yes’ to a marriage proposal – and 3,000 of them will accept an engagement ring they actually hate!

While researching his best-selling book on how to pick the perfect engagement ring for your partner, diamond jewellery expert Lewis Malka found that a fifth of all women were less than impressed with the ring they were expected to wear for life.

Not that it came as a surprise to Lewis. He wrote ‘The Engagement Ring’ because over the years he had been asked by so many women to make alterations to the ring their fiancé had given them. With St valentine’s Day just around the corner, Lewis says guys need to do lots of research before making a purchase.

A new, up to date edition of the book has now been published and contains a wealth of straightforward, clear advice to help people through the decision-making purchase.

Lewis, a well-known figure in Hatton Garden where his workshop is located, said:  “The book is an essential guide for people looking to buy their dream ring and goes behind the scenes in the diamond trade in an attempt to dispel the myths around engagement rings and guide purchasers on their journey.

He added, “After a house and a car, an engagement ring is often the most expensive purchase you’ll make in your life. Choosing the perfect ring doesn’t have to be complicated. It requires a basic understanding of what to look for in the diamond and its setting – and a comprehensive understanding of the person you’re asking to marry you.

“I can help you with the first bit. The second bit is down to you!”

The Proposal

If the ring is naff and the proposal is on the most obvious day of the year, you better make the actual engagement special. How about whisking her away to a romantic city break?

It’s the ultimate Valentine’s gesture. A romantic weekend away in a chic hotel, a delicious candle-lit dinner followed by a marriage proposal. What could go wrong? The surprise could be ruined at the airport. Not intentionally of course. Hand luggage searches in security could accidentally unveil the ring.

This is where East Midlands Airport (EMA) step in. Anyone taking an engagement ring with them through security at EMA can now contact the airport in advance of their travels to obtain a ‘secret code’. When this is mentioned to security staff on arrival, the passenger carrying the ring will be directed to a separate security lane, away from the glare of travelling companions.

Matthew Quinney, East Midlands Airport’s Head of Security, says: “It would put a big damper on someone’s meticulously planned romantic trip if their big surprise was revealed even before they’ve boarded the plane. Arguably, there are more romantic places to be proposed to than in our security hall. So, out of courtesy to those who have been planning this moment for weeks or months, we have put in measures to ensure we’re not the cause of failed marriage proposals. After all, we want customers to return again and again.”

To find out the secret code, passengers should email love@eastmidlandsairport.com in advance of their travel or, alternatively, send a direct message on Twitter to @EMA_Airport.