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by Quentin Fottrell

Who said diamonds were just a girl's best friend? In these prosperous times, many jewellers are now discovering grooms-to-be are lured by the sparkle and status of that precious stone much like their prospective brides. It's just a matter of packaging. In fact, when it comes to buying any gift for the groom - from rings and cufflinks to gadgets and romantic surprises - the only limit is your imagination.

For the bride who may want to lavish the groom with something extra special, don't rule out gems. The bride's engagement ring may take pride of place in the pre-wedding spotlight, but more grooms are being dazzled by the shimmer of diamond encrusted wedding rings. Smart retailers have even begun showcasing rings alongside more masculine accessories like watches, cufflinks and money clips.

Some even sell rings with diamonds on the inside. "It's a romantic secret," says Maeve Lynch of Rudolf Heltzel jewellers in Kilkenny. It costs around £500 to £600 for a simple ring with a small diamond (2mm in diameter) on the inside. "Men are becoming a lot more demanding. Some will even wear a small diamond on the outside. They're more aware of shape, skin tone and what suits them."

Platinum, which is more precious than 18-carat gold, is also making a comeback. An average pair of platinum rings for him and her cost around £800 to £1,000 compared to £500 to £800 for 18-carat gold. Lynch says: "An increasing number of people are willing to spend an awful lot more. A bride will only wear a wedding dress for eight hours. With rings, we're talking about a lifetime - hopefully."

Men's rings are also shaking off the staid signet and rectangular shackles of the past. They're bigger and bolder. Jewellers are producing exciting free-form rings with unusual textures, asymmetrical shapes and sculpted twists such as Celtic engravings - without the tweeness of the Claddagh. Turquoise, mother-of-pearl, lapis and other lesser known gems are also novel alternatives to rubies and sapphires.

Apply the same principles of inclusion to the wedding list. It's important that the groom doesn't feel left out, both in terms of the choice of household goods and, of course, luxury items. Wedding co-ordinators at establishments like Brown Thomas and Roches Stores will always advise brides to bring the groom along. When it comes to selecting china and crystal, grooms may often get the short shrift.

Unlike the Italians and French, Irish men will run a mile from any gift with a hint of a woman's touch. Leather-handled purses or small satchels, for example, are only used by Continental Romeos. As bride-to-be Melanie Clulow, who's getting hitched on August 19, says of those so-called "red-blooded" grooms, "Who wants to hold the hand that holds the handbag?"

"Don't the words bridal registry annoy you?," says Melanie's fiancé Russell St-Cyr. "It makes it sound like it's just about the bride. It's supposed to be her dream since she was six years old, so the groom has to wait for the bride in a dull tuxedo until she floats down the aisle. It strikes me as astonishingly sexist. The industry is totally bridal-centred. They should call it a wedding registry."

Unsurprisingly, therefore, grooms are taking a more hands-on role. According to one recent US-based survey, 75% participate in bridal registries and up to 40% are actively involved in the wedding details. Some co-ordinators reckon those figures may be conservative. "I've yet to see a groom turn down going on a cake tasting or food tasting," according to one co-ordinator.

High-tech gadgets, in particular, always add pizzazz to the traditional wedding list. Although most stores will have electrical departments, on-line shopping facilities like redenvelope.com are perfect for brainstorming and are usually on the cutting edge. A global satellite positioning tool, for example, ($189.99) will ensure that you never lose each other, especially if you're involved in outdoor pursuits.

But don't be fooled by the electronic stud finder ($38). It isn't as foxy as its name suggests. The stud finder is both a useful and eccentric tool ideal for newlywed house owners. It detects wood, metal studs, and live electrical wires in your new home. So, in addition to reducing the chance of shock - or worse - when hanging your wedding pictures, it also makes it easier to pinpoint the centre.

Finally, a "do not disturb" kit ($45) makes a perfect bachelor party gift just on the acceptable side of racy. It's a veritable treasure chest of innuendo with its spice-scented candle, massage oil, bubble bath and "icy-hot" breath mints. And, for a bride and groom with a sweet tooth, edible body frosting ($24) comes in three flavours: chocolate, strawberry and - you guessed it - passion fruit.

Buying Tips for the Groom

Be subtle. The glitzy 1980s are now over. When it comes to men's rings, stay away from anything flashy or shiny. Sleek, modern finishes of sterling and oxidised silver, and vermeil are preferable.

Consult with the groom. If you're a bride buying "rings for two", it's safest to query your partner first before spending your hard-earned money. Asking a silversmith to design personalised rings, for example, is expensive and, once chosen and paid for, there's no going back.

Play detective. Although it's nice to buy a novelty bride-to-groom gift, don't be afraid to pry a bit. He may, for example, already have a pair of sport motif cufflinks that he never wears and you don't want to buy him a second set if he doesn't like them.

Be creative. Why buy a tie clip if, apart from your wedding day, the groom never wears a suit? Remember, you can't go far wrong with a gift that's ornamental, novel and practical.