New York, NY July 30, 2008 -- Once upon a time a man would get down on one knee to ask his girlfriend the most important question he will ever ask: the proposal of marriage. It was tradition, but these days "untraditional" has become the new tradition. Today, according to a survey by I Do Now I Don't it has become completely acceptable for a woman to propose marriage to a man and to help split the cost of the engagement ring.

The study conducted by http://www.idonowidont.com found that 47% of Americans believe it is completely acceptable for a woman to ask a man for his hand in marriage, 34% think its fine but only under certain circumstances, and a mere 18% felt it was wrong. When asked about engagement rings 63% of respondents thought that it was OK for the bride to be to split the cost of the engagement ring with her fiancé.

In the past, women were only allowed one day to propose marriage to a man: the 29th of February, which only happens every four years. Some legends say that this tradition began in Ireland during the 5th century when St. Patrick pronounced that a woman can propose to a man during a leap year. We know for sure that in 1288, Scotland made it legal for women to do the proposing during a Leap Year.

Men traditionally pay for the engagement ring. This tradition originated when the man had a family heirloom to give to his bride. Today the ring is usually purchased prior to the proposal. With so many couples are already sharing a home and expenses, there is no reason why they shouldn't be sharing the expense of the engagement ring as well. In fact, I Do Now I Don't survey found that 2 out 3 people believe it's okay for a woman to split the cost of the ring especially if the groom-to-be can't afford it.

Whenever and however these traditions started one thing remains true, we've sure come a long, long way! In this generation, not only are men not getting down on one knee to propose marriage, they may not even have to do the asking. Future brides are taking matters into their own hands. Whether its setting the date, asking for his hand in marriage or picking on the ring, women are taking charge.

At I Do Now I Don't we say no matter who is doing the proposing we want to know one thing: who is buying the engagement ring? Visit http://www.idonowidont.com to learn more about the survey results and the history of marriage.

ABOUT I DO NOW I DON'T
I Do Now I Don't is unlike any online auction or ecommerce site you've ever seen. It all starts with a simple premise - put buyers and sellers together where both end up with a great price for their jewelry and other collectibles. The site offers an outlet for people ready to unload their leftover "assets" from a failed relationship or a diamond ring they have not worn in years. Items for sale at any time range from diamonds, engagement rings, vintage and antique engagement rings, wedding rings to wedding dresses and collectible watches. Many items come with great stories like Aunt Rosa's ring that transforms a generic gem into unique shopping experience. Buyers, in turn, get a great discount and the opportunity to own higher quality jewelry than they thought they could afford. During an economic recession, consumers are looking for ways to be smarter about everything they buy.

Key to I Do Now I Don't is providing buyers and sellers with security, simplicity and superior service. A trained gemologist to assure its authenticity inspects each diamond sold on the site. The buyer's money is released to the seller only when the diamond certification process is complete. In a world where so much is uncertain, I Do Now I Dont's process allows everyone to buy and sell jewelry in 100% safe, secure and trusting environment.

CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information, please contact Mara Opperman at Mara@idonowidont.com