Choosing an engagement ring is one of the most personal purchases you will ever make. It is also one of the most exciting. This guide walks you through the key decisions — style, setting, metal, size and budget — so you can shop with clarity rather than guesswork.
Start with their style
Look at the jewellery they already wear. Do they favour clean, minimal pieces or something more ornate? Yellow gold or white metals? Delicate or bold? Their everyday choices are the best clue to a ring they will love wearing for decades.
Popular setting styles
- Solitaire – a single diamond on a plain band. Timeless, elegant and it lets the stone take centre stage.
- Halo – a circle of smaller diamonds around the centre stone, adding sparkle and making it appear larger.
- Three-stone – often said to represent past, present and future; a beautiful way to add side diamonds or coloured gems.
- Pavé shoulders – tiny diamonds set along the band for continuous shimmer.
- Bezel – a smooth rim of metal wraps the stone, offering a modern look and excellent protection for active lifestyles.
Four claws or six?
Four claws show more of the diamond and give a slightly squarer outline. Six claws hold the stone more securely and create a softer, rounder silhouette. Both are excellent choices — it comes down to personal preference.
Choosing the metal
950 platinum is naturally white, dense and hypoallergenic, making it the most durable choice for a ring worn every day. 18ct gold (75% pure) comes in yellow, rose and white and offers a rich colour with a slightly lighter feel. White gold is usually finished with rhodium plating, which can be refreshed every year or two to keep it bright.
Tip: if you plan to wear a wedding band alongside it, choose the same metal for both so they wear evenly over time.
Getting the size right
In the UK, ring sizes run alphabetically from A to Z. If a surprise proposal makes measuring tricky, borrow a ring they wear on the right hand (usually a touch larger) or ask a close friend. Most of our rings can be resized after the proposal.
Setting a budget
Forget old “rules” about monthly salaries. Decide what feels comfortable, then use the 4Cs to get the most from it: prioritise cut, choose a near-colourless grade and an eye-clean clarity, and consider a weight just below a popular milestone. Always ask for an independent grading report on the centre diamond.
Consider going bespoke
A bespoke ring lets you choose your exact diamond and design every detail, often for a similar price to a high-street design. We create sketches and a 3D preview before anything is made, so there are no surprises.
Explore our collections or book a consultation to begin designing yours.
