High-flying New York Knicks Captain Amar'e Stoudemire didn't let his team's quick ouster in the NBA playoffs keep him down. The six-time all-star has been on cloud nine since he proposed to longtime girlfriend Alexis Welch during their recent trip to Paris. Looks like this basketball superstar knows a thing or two about being romantic... and about choosing an awesome engagement ring. According to People magazine, Stoudemire picked the romantic city of Paris as the backdrop for the perfect proposal during which he presented Welch with an 8.5-carat radiant-cut custom diamond ring designed in 18-karat white gold. The setting includes 3.5 carats of flawless diamonds. The estimated price tag is a cool $1 million. Stoudemire revealed to US Weekly that he had been planning his proposal for a while. "Overlooking the entire Paris skyline seemed like a perfect place," he said. "I am so happy she said 'yes' and now we can continue to build our life together as husband and wife." Los Angeles-based celebrity jeweler Shayan Afshar told People that Stoudemire poured his heart into the design and details. Afshar had flown to New York to meet with Stoudemire to discuss various design concepts. “It was important for Amar’e that the ring was classic but modern at the same time,” Afshar told People. “He wanted to ensure that the setting complemented the stone rather than take away from it.” Amar'e texted the designer from Paris, moments after the proposal. "[He] texted me to say it was perfect,” said Afshar, whose design team had rushed to finish up the ring so Amar'e could take it to Paris. The couple has been dating since 2002 and have three children together. They plan to wed in 2013. Tweeting his excitement about the engagement, Stoudemire wrote, "Paris, the food, & lights were very romantic. When she said yes, it was surreal. I'm still floating. #engaged #blessed." Visit Ben David Jewelers on Facebook Visit BenDavidJewelers.com