They’re shopping for an engagement ring- and Vanessa knows EXATLY what she wants, a close pal told The ENQUIRER.

“Vanessa has always wanted a cushion-cut diamond. But at the Kentucky Derby in May, Vanessa changed her mind after she aw an emerald-cut engagement ring on another Derby-goer’s finger,�? said the friend.

The ring Vanessa fell in love with has a platinum band with a large emerald-cut diamond in the center and two smaller emerald-cut stones on each side. And as soon as she saw it, the 26-year-old former “Entertainment Tonight�? personality gave Nick shopping instructions, says a pal. Buying the sparkly bauble is the next step toward sealing the deal between Vanessa and 33-year-old Nick. The couple, who began dating a year ago, bought a million-dollar two-bedroom condo in New York City’s luxury Atelier building in April.