The best engagement ring: how to pick and buy the perfect ring

Next, you’ll dig into the specific styles available in an engagement ring.

Look at engagement ring styles

Selecting the perfect engagement ring begins with understanding different ring styles. Generally, the more popular styles (in the UK and US, at least) are the solitaire diamond ring, the halo or cluster diamond ring and the five-stone or half hoop ring. Let’s take a closer look at your options:

• Solitaire: Classic and timeless, a solitaire ring features a single stone, usually a diamond, making it a popular choice for engagement rings.
• Two-Stone: Known as 'toi-et-moi' (you and me), two-stone rings are rare and romantically named, symbolising the union of two souls.
• Three-Stone: Featuring three stones side by side, either of the same size or with smaller side stones accentuating the centre, three-stone rings are traditional and pair well with wedding rings.
• Five-Stone: Particularly cherished from the Victorian era, these rings feature scrolled sides and tiny rose diamonds between the stones, creating a delightful visual appeal.
• Cluster: Cluster rings focus attention on a central stone, are versatile and wearable, and provide protective settings for more fragile stones like emeralds.
• Eternity: Available in half (stones across the front) or full (stones all around) eternities, these rings traditionally symbolise ongoing commitment.

Choose your precious metal

Choosing the right metal for your engagement ring is the next step. It’s important to consider your partner's current jewellery preferences, as we mentioned earlier. Do they mostly wear yellow or white metals, or do they mix and match?

• White gold engagement rings: A timeless choice, white gold is a popular and traditional option that complements diamonds beautifully.
• Yellow gold engagement rings: Classic and evergreen, yellow gold offers a warm, rich hue that never goes out of style.
• Rose gold engagement rings: Trendy and romantic, rose gold has a pinkish hue from its alloy metals and has gained popularity recently.
• Platinum engagement rings: A strong and durable option, platinum goes with almost any gemstone.
• Silver: An elegant choice that, like platinum, suits a range of stones and settings.

Each metal varies. You’ll see various colours, grades, strengths and prices, so consider your budget and your partner's preferences before deciding. Keep in mind that some metals may be more prone to scratches and require more maintenance (platinum is the hardest).

Ultimately, the right metal is one that suits your partner’s style and can withstand everyday wear and tear.

Choose your gemstones

Now, it’s time to pair gemstones with your precious metal. When buying an engagement ring, consider the four Cs of stone valuation. Here, we apply the four Cs to diamonds as an example:

• Colour: Less colour is more valuable, but coloured diamonds can offer an eye-catching alternative.
• Clarity: Fewer natural blemishes (inclusions) increase a stone’s value, so a higher quality diamond will be more expensive.
• Carat: Heavier diamonds generally cost more. But remember to consider your partner's lifestyle and comfort, as bigger is not always better — a smaller diamond is still an excellent choice for many.
• Cut: Round or princess cuts are popular, but many variations are available.

While diamonds are an extremely popular engagement ring choice, there are many other gemstones you could consider:

• Sapphire rings: traditionally blue but available in various colours.
• Emerald rings: green but softer and requiring careful wear.
• Ruby rings: ranging from pink to blood-red.

Of course, there is a whole range of stone options out there. For the best choice, call us and we can help you choose a gemstone.

So, you’ve got the perfect engagement ring in mind. How far in advance of the big day should you buy it?

The answer depends on your choice, of course. If you’re going to design a new, bespoke ring, then you’ll need plenty of notice for production, delivery and alterations.

Buying a vintage engagement ring generally means you can buy closer to the proposal date. The ring has already been made, after all. This allows you to get your hands on your engagement ring much faster, without a delay in popping the question.

While considering the timescales involved is important, remember that the most important thing is to buy the right piece.

Consider different antique and vintage styles

While “antique jewellery” might conjure visions of classical pieces, remember that there are many different styles and eras. Antique and vintage rings are unique — and their value often depends on individual factors that may not be directly comparable.

Whether it’s the charm of a Georgian cluster or the slick geometry of an Art Deco design, we have great vintage and antique engagement rings from all eras. Consider the following periods, for example:

• Georgian (1714 - 1830): Georgian era rings are characterised by early cut stones such as old mine, rose and table cut diamonds, along with foil-backed gemstones such as pink and imperial topaz, old Ceylon sapphires, and Burmese rubies.
• Victorian (1837 - 1901): Marked by romance and grandeur, Victorian rings are often set with cameos and intaglios, with beautiful five-stone rings and rare gemstones aplenty. For the ultimate romantic gesture, consider the Queen Victoria and Prince Albert snake engagement ring story.
• Edwardian (1901 - 1915): Edwardian rings saw the birth of platinum jewellery. Expect delicate, ornate designs (think laurel wreaths and bows) contrasted with the decadent, poetic style of Art Nouveau.
• Art Deco (1915 - 1945): Art Deco era rings feature clean, geometric designs and new stone cuts — baguette diamond shapes and industrial designs created a stylish aesthetic that feels as fresh now as it did in the 1920s.

How to buy an ethical engagement ring

Today’s shopper is increasingly looking for a more ethical and eco-friendly choice. Buying an ethical engagement ring can be challenging but is well worth the effort.

To start, ask your retailer about the origins, supply chain and backstory of pieces you have in mind. In some cases, this will lead you to a more sustainable piece.

If you’ve chosen an antique engagement ring, you’ve already made an eco-friendlier choice. Vintage and antique rings avoid much of the intensive mining methods, ecosystem damage and worldwide supply chain of the modern jewellery trade. As they’ve already been made, they also don’t contribute further to ecological issues. This makes vintage pieces a fantastic choice for an ethical engagement ring.

Finding the perfect engagement ring

Using our guide, you can narrow down — and hopefully pick — your perfect engagement ring. While there are many things to consider, remember that your partner will be wearing it. Above all, you are buying for their pleasure — prioritise choosing the ring they will like the most, and let that guide you.

Don't forget, you can always ask us for advice. Feel free to get in touch — no question too great or small, we promise. You can also browse our selection of antique engagement rings to find the perfect piece.