How to choose the perfect engagement ring

Choosing the right engagement ring is one of the most important purchasing decisions you'll make. The ring is the visual symbol of a lifelong commitment, and the right one fits your partner's taste, your budget, and your values all at once.

This guide walks you through every decision: which stone to pick, which metal suits everyday wear, what size makes sense, how to figure out your partner's ring size discreetly, and how to choose a style they'll still love in twenty years.

Moissanite is a popular alternative to diamond. It's a lab-grown gemstone with many of the same properties as a diamond but at a fraction of the price. Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond, which means more fire and sparkle, and at 9.25 on the Mohs scale it's harder than most other gemstones and well suited to daily wear.

Pros of moissanite:

• Significantly more affordable than diamond at the same visual size
• More fire and brilliance than diamond
• Ethically lab-grown, no mining
• Durable for everyday wear

Why couples choose it: moissanite gives you the look and durability of a diamond without the mined-diamond price tag. Many young couples prefer it because it's ethical, sustainable, and lets the same budget go further on metal, setting, or carat size.

Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds created in a controlled lab setting using the same processes that form natural diamonds underground. They're chemically, optically, and physically identical to mined diamonds. Even gemologists can't tell them apart without specialised equipment.

Pros of lab-grown diamonds:

• Same physical and chemical properties as mined diamonds
• Significantly cheaper than mined diamonds at the same grade
• Ethically created, no supply chain concerns
• Available in a wider range of colours and shapes

Lab-grown vs natural diamonds: for the same grade and size, a lab-grown diamond is typically 30 to 70 percent cheaper. Natural diamonds carry rarity and traditional emotional significance. The trade-off is purely budget vs sentiment.

Gold is the most common engagement ring metal, but not all gold is the same. The difference between 14k and 18k comes down to gold purity.

14k gold is 58.3 percent pure gold mixed with stronger metals. It's more affordable and, in thin bands, can actually be more resistant to bending because the alloy is harder.

18k gold is 75 percent pure gold. It has a richer, deeper colour and is the more premium option. With a 2mm or thicker band and properly sized prongs, 18k holds up to daily wear without bending.

Which to choose: if you want a brighter, more luxurious gold tone and budget allows, go 18k. If you want value and durability in a slim band, 14k is the smart pick.

Platinum and white gold look almost identical but they're very different metals.

Platinum is naturally white, dense, and rare. It doesn't tarnish, doesn't need re-plating, and is more scratch-resistant than white gold. It's also heavier on the finger and more expensive.

White gold is yellow gold mixed with white metals (palladium, silver) and finished with a rhodium plating to keep its bright white colour. It's more affordable and lighter, but the rhodium plating needs refreshing every few years.

Which to choose: if your partner is hands-on and wears the ring constantly, platinum is the lower-maintenance option. If budget matters and you don't mind a re-plate every couple of years, white gold gives the same look for less.

Bigger isn't always better. The right stone size depends on your partner's lifestyle, hand size, and personal style.

Larger stones make a statement, look luxurious, and photograph beautifully. They cost more and can catch on clothing or fixtures, so they need a more protective setting.

Smaller stones are more practical for everyday wear, often more affordable, and can be paired with elaborate settings (halo, pavé, three-stone) for visual impact beyond their size.

Which to choose: if your partner wears jewellery to events and likes a statement piece, go larger. If they want something they never take off, lean smaller and invest the savings in a beautiful setting.

Watch what they already wear. Pay attention to whether their other jewellery is yellow, white, or rose toned. Whether they prefer minimal or ornate. Big or delicate.

Get their ring size. Borrow a ring they wear (not on the engagement finger) and trace it or have a jeweller size it. Or ask a friend or family member discreetly. We can resize most rings within 4 sizes after the fact, so close is good enough.

Match their personality. A bold person might want a halo or three-stone setting. A minimalist might prefer a clean solitaire. A vintage lover might want milgrain detailing or a unique cut like emerald or marquise.

Stay within budget. A common rule of thumb is one to three months' salary, but the right number is whatever you can spend comfortably without financial stress. Moissanite and lab-grown diamonds let your budget go further.

Cleaning. Soak the ring in warm soapy water for 20 minutes, brush gently with a soft toothbrush, rinse, and dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners if the setting has delicate side stones.

When to take it off. Gardening, gym sessions, deep cleaning, and rough manual work. The stone is hard, but the prongs that hold it can bend.

Annual check. Bring the ring in once a year for a professional inspection. We'll check the prongs are tight and the stone is secure. Free with any ring purchased from us.

Insurance. Specialist jewellery insurance covers loss, theft, and damage. It's typically affordable, well worth it for a piece you'll wear daily.