Choosing an engagement ring can feel like one of the biggest decisions you'll make — and with so many options for metals, settings, diamond shapes and budgets, it's easy to feel overwhelmed before you've even started. Here's how to break it down into manageable steps.
Start With Their Style, Not the Trends
Before looking at diamonds or settings, think about the everyday style of the person you're buying for. Do they wear delicate, minimal jewellery, or bold statement pieces? Are their other rings gold or silver-toned? A ring that suits their taste will always mean more than whatever's trending that season.
Understand the Basic Setting Styles
- Solitaire — a single diamond on a plain band, timeless and versatile.
- Halo — a centre stone surrounded by smaller diamonds, giving extra sparkle and the appearance of a larger stone.
- Trilogy — three stones, often said to represent past, present and future.
- Vintage-inspired — detailed bands with milgrain or filigree work, for those who love a bit of history in their jewellery.
Choosing a Diamond: The Basics of the 4Cs
- Cut — affects how much a diamond sparkles. This matters more than size for overall brilliance.
- Colour — graded from D (colourless) to Z. Most engagement rings use near-colourless stones, which look bright and clean without the highest price tag of a truly colourless stone.
- Clarity — refers to internal marks invisible to the naked eye at most grades. You rarely need to pay for "flawless."
- Carat — the weight of the diamond, not necessarily its visual size, which also depends on cut and shape.
Lab-Grown or Natural?
Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically and optically identical to natural diamonds — the only difference is where they're formed. They typically offer significantly more carat weight for the same budget, which is why they've become a popular choice for engagement rings without compromising on brilliance.
Getting the Ring Size Right
If you're planning a surprise proposal, borrow a ring they already wear on that finger, or ask a close friend or family member for help finding out discreetly. Don't worry too much about getting it exact — most rings, including ours, can be comfortably resized afterwards.
Setting a Budget That Feels Right for You
There's no rule that says an engagement ring must cost a certain amount — old "salary" guidelines are outdated and not something to feel pressured by. Set a budget that feels comfortable for your circumstances, and choose the diamond shape, size and setting that gives the best look within it.
Ready to Start Designing?
Whether you want to build something completely your own, choose from our pre-designed collection, or pick a ready-to-ship piece, we're here to help at every step — including free consultations, in person or by phone, wherever you are in the world.