The Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Engagement Ring

Planning a proposal is exciting… and slightly overwhelming.

For most people, buying an engagement ring is something you’ve never done before, yet it suddenly becomes one of the most meaningful purchases you’ll ever make. You want the moment to feel right, the ring to feel personal, and - most importantly - for your partner to truly love it.

The good news? You don’t need to understand jewellery in detail. You simply need a clear approach.

This guide walks you through everything that actually matters - from styles and diamonds to discreetly finding a ring size - so you can choose with confidence and enjoy the experience.

Step 1: Start With Your Partner, Not the Ring

The most common mistake is choosing a ring based on your own taste. You’re not just buying a piece of jewellery. You’re choosing something your partner will wear every day for years to come.

Before you even look at diamonds, consider:

  • Do they prefer classic or modern style?
  • Do they usually wear gold or silver-coloured jewellery?
  • Are they minimalist or do they enjoy statement pieces?
  • Are they practical and active, or fashion-focused?

A simple trick is to look at the jewellery they already wear:

  • Yellow gold jewellery → they will likely prefer a yellow gold ring
  • White metals (silver, white gold or platinum) → choose white gold or platinum
  • Delicate or vintage jewellery → solitaire or halo designs suit well
  • Bold jewellery → trilogy rings or larger stones may suit their style

Step 2: Choose the Ring Setting (The Style)

The setting is the design of the ring itself and it is just as important as the stone.

Solitaire

A single centre stone.

Best for: those who appreciate simplicity, elegance and timeless design.



Halo

A centre stone surrounded by smaller diamonds.

Best for: someone who enjoys sparkle and a more eye-catching look. It also enhances the apparent size of the centre stone.

Trilogy

Three stones representing past, present and future.

Best for: romantic and sentimental personalities. For those who like meaning within their jewellery.

Modern / Wavy

Clean lines and contemporary design.

Best for: a sleek, fashion-forward or minimalist aesthetic.

Bezel

A stone surrounded by a smooth rim of metal.

Best for: those with an active lifestyle or who prefer a secure setting

Tulip

Claws curve upwards in a petal shape, like a tulip holding the stone.

Best for: someone who appreciate fine detail and soft, feminine design.

Step 3: Understanding Diamonds (Simply Explained)

You may have heard of the 4Cs. They matter, but they don’t need to be complicated.

Cut (the most important factor)

Cut controls how much a diamond sparkles. A well-cut diamond will appear brighter and more lively, even if it is smaller. This is the one area worth prioritising.

Carat (the size)

Carat refers to weight, not visible size. A balanced, well-proportioned ring often looks more elegant than simply choosing the largest possible stone.

Colour

Diamonds range from colourless to slightly warm tones. For a bright, white appearance, aim for G–H colour. To the eye, this looks beautifully white and offers excellent value.

Clarity

Clarity refers to natural internal markings. The key point: most are invisible without magnification. An SI1 or VS2 clarity diamond will normally look flawless to the naked eye.



Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds

Both are genuine diamonds with identical physical and optical properties.

Natural Diamonds

  • Formed naturally over billions of years
  • Chosen for rarity and tradition
  • Often valued for symbolism and heritage

Lab-Grown Diamonds

  • Created using advanced technology
  • Allow a larger stone within the same budget
  • Fully traceable and often chosen for sustainability

There is no correct choice, only the one that feels meaningful to you and your partner.

Step 4: Selecting the Diamond Shape

Shape influences the character of the ring more than people expect.

Round

The round diamond is the most traditional and widely chosen shape.


A round diamond is cut to reflect light beautifully, offering exceptional brilliance. Its symmetrical shape suits almost every setting and hand shape, making it a safe and enduring choice.

Best for: Those who appreciate classic design and maximum sparkle.

Oval

The oval diamond offers a similar brilliance to round, with a more elongated silhouette.

The elongated shape can create the illusion of longer, more slender fingers. Oval diamonds combine tradition with a slightly more distinctive appearance.

Best for: Those who want classic sparkle with a subtle twist.

Pear

The pear shape (sometimes called a teardrop) blends the round and marquise styles, tapering to a single point.

A pear-shaped diamond draws the eye and creates a flattering, elongating effect on the hand. It suits someone who appreciates individuality while maintaining a timeless feel.


Best for: Those who prefer something unique yet elegant.

Emerald

The emerald cut features long, clean lines and step-cut facets rather than brilliant sparkle.


Emerald-cut diamonds emphasise clarity and structure. Their hall-of-mirrors effect offers a refined, vintage-inspired look that appeals to lovers of minimalist or Art Deco style.

Best for: Those who prefer clarity and elegance over intense sparkle.

Cushion

The cushion cut is square or slightly rectangular with softly rounded corners.

Cushion-cut diamonds combine brilliance with a softer outline. They suit those drawn to traditional elegance with a subtle antique influence.

Best for: Those who like classic design with gentle character.

Princess

The princess cut is square with sharp, clean corners and strong brilliance.

Princess-cut diamonds offer excellent brilliance in a geometric form. They appeal to those who prefer a modern aesthetic while still wanting strong light performance.

Best for: Those who like contemporary design with bold sparkle.

Step 5: Finding the Ring Size (Without Spoiling the Surprise)

This often causes the most concern, but it’s manageable.

Helpful methods:

  • Borrow a ring worn on the correct finger
  • Trace the inside onto paper
  • Ask a close friend or family member
  • Visit a jeweller together casually at an earlier date

If uncertain, choose slightly larger. Resizing smaller is usually easier than enlarging.



Step 6: Setting a Comfortable Budget

There is no real rule about spending a certain number of months’ salary, that idea originated from advertising campaigns.

Instead, choose a budget that:

  • Feels comfortable
  • Avoids financial pressure afterwards
  • Still allows you to enjoy your engagement

A thoughtful ring always matters more than a costly one.

Step 7: Think About Lifestyle

An engagement ring is worn daily, so practicality matters.

If your partner:

  • Uses their hands frequently
  • Exercises often
  • Travels regularly

Consider:

  • Lower profile settings
  • Stronger bands
  • Durable metals

Platinum is especially durable for everyday wear.

Why Designing the Ring Makes a Difference

Choosing a setting and then selecting the stone allows you to create something genuinely personal.Rather than a display-case ring, you are shaping a piece that reflects your partner’s taste and your relationship. Many couples later say the most meaningful part is knowing the ring was chosen specifically for them.

Final Advice

Shape influences the character of the ring more than people expect.


Your partner will not remember:

  • the exact carat weight
  • the clarity grade
  • the certificate details

They will remember the care you took in choosing it.

Take your time.

Notice the details they love.

Trust your instinct.

If the ring reflects them, you have chosen well, and when you open the box, you will feel it immediately.