Buying guide
How to Choose an Engagement Ring: A Simple Guide
Choosing an engagement ring can feel like a lot — but it comes down to a handful of decisions. Work through these in order and you'll land on a ring you both love, without second-guessing.
1. Set a comfortable budget
Forget the old 'three months' salary' rule — it was a marketing line, not financial advice. Decide on a figure that feels comfortable to you. Because lab-grown diamonds cost less than mined stones of the same size and quality, a sensible budget often stretches further than people expect.
2. Learn their style
The setting is what gives a ring its character. A few of the most-loved styles:
- Solitaire — a single diamond on a clean band. Timeless and never dates.
- Halo — smaller diamonds circling the centre stone, adding sparkle and apparent size.
- Three-stone — a centre diamond flanked by two, often symbolising past, present and future.
3. Pick a metal
Metal sets the mood. Platinum and white gold suit a bright, contemporary look; yellow gold is warm and classic; rose gold is soft and romantic. If they wear other jewellery, matching that metal tone is a safe, thoughtful choice. See our guide on platinum vs gold for the full comparison.
4. Find the ring size
You'll need their finger size. Borrow a ring they already wear and have it measured, or ask a friend to help discreetly. Don't stress about perfection — most rings can be resized, and our ready-to-ship rings include a complimentary resize.
5. Give yourself enough time
If the proposal has a date, plan ahead. Ready-to-ship rings dispatch within a day or two, while made-to-order and bespoke pieces take longer because they're crafted for you. If you're on a deadline, start with our ready-to-ship range.
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