Here is our guide to the perfect engagement ring as choosing the perfect engagement ring is really important. An engagement ring is given with the intention that it will be worn for life, so it needs to be perfect!

Purchasing an engagement ring is something that we will probably only do once, so it’s not something we’re likely to know much about. Where do you even begin to figure out how to find THE ring? Read on to find our guide to the perfect engagement ring. As with finding the perfect wedding ring, there are few things you need to think about.

Buying the perfect engagement ring

Although a lot of your decision will come down to individual taste, there are a few things you need to be aware of when it comes to buying the perfect engagement ring.

Let's talk about style

Style is an incredibly personal thing. Do you prefer a more subtle ring? Or is the large, shiny diamond ring more your style? Perhaps you won’t know what you like until you start to look into buying an engagement ring. As well as how the ring looks, you need to think about the practical side of things. If you’re in a manual or a caring job, a huge diamond ring may get in the way of your work. That said, you may be required to remove an engagement ring altogether for work, in which case you’re free to choose the style you love. There are so many different options when it comes to the style! If you like the idea of a plain band and diamond, then opt for a classic solitaire ring. Alternatively, you could choose a ring with a twisted setting around the stone. Whatever style you choose, make sure that it will sit comfortably with a wedding band in the future.

What are the types of settings

As with styles, there are numerous options when it comes to engagement ring settings.

Solitaire Setting

The classic setting is the solitaire setting. This traditional setting features a clasp hold around a single diamond. This setting works well for any diamond shape, providing a timeless look and a stronghold around the stone.

Tiffany Setting

Perhaps the most popular setting in modern times, the Tiffany setting was introduced in 1886. It features a raised claw so that the diamond sits proudly on top of the band. 

Bezel Setting

The bezel setting is often thought of as the perfect choice of engagement ring for those leading an active life. With this setting, the diamond sits firmly within a metal casing, making it secure and less likely to catch on things.

Tension Setting

This setting is more unusual and gives a really unique look. With the tension setting, the diamond appears to be suspended between the two ends of the band.  The Diamond (the 4 c’s) When it comes to buying the perfect engagement ring, the choice of diamond is really important. You might be surprised to hear that there is a huge choice out there! Diamonds are stunning, no matter what you choose. But it’s worth spending some time researching what will work best for your engagement ring. You’ll need to consider four main things when choosing your diamond, widely known as the 4 c’s – cut, clarity, carat and colour.

Diamond cut

The way a diamond is cut or finished impacts on how well it shines, and whether it gives off that wow factor that many of us look for in the perfect engagement ring. When you’re shopping for your engagement ring, you’ll be thinking about the shape of the diamond (often referred to as the cut). There are many different options, but the most popular diamond cuts are:

• round
• princess
• oval
• marquise
• pear
• cushion
• emerald
• asscher
• radiant
• heart

You will need to think about how you want your diamond set into your engagement ring too – some cuts won’t work well in certain settings.

Diamond Clarity

All diamonds are graded for clarity. When diamonds are formed underground, the extreme pressure and imperfections in the diamond structure can cause variations in the overall clarity. The clearest diamonds will inevitably be the most expensive. Most diamonds used in jewellery will have some level of imperfection, but often they are invisible to the naked eye, so you may not even notice them within an engagement ring.

Diamond Carat

Diamond carat is the measurement of how much the diamond weighs. The bigger the carat, the heavier the diamond. Therefore it is only to be expected that higher carat diamonds will be the most expensive. If your idea of the perfect engagement ring is a huge stone, then you’ll be looking for a diamond with a larger carat.  Bear in mind though, that the carat doesn’t necessarily correlate with the quality of the diamond. You’ll need to bear all four c’s in mind when you’re diamond shopping.

Diamond Colour

Pure diamonds are colourless, but natural defects often occur and result in beautifully coloured diamonds. If you’re looking for something a little different to the traditional, then a coloured diamond could be the perfect choice for your engagement ring. Natural imperfections result in red, grey, white, blue, yellow, orange, green, pink, purple, brown and even black diamonds!

Metal Types

You may already know which metal type best suits your skin tone. Or you may have a strong preference for a specific precious metal. If not, you have a few options when buying the perfect engagement ring. Yellow Gold This is perhaps the most traditional precious metal for engagement rings. Yellow gold is easy to clean and can suit a range of budgets. 24-carat gold is the purest available, making it the most expensive option, whilst 9-carat gold is popular for those with a smaller budget. White Gold White gold has grown in popularity over recent years and gives a clean, crisp look. Rose Gold Rose gold is a beautiful choice for engagement rings, giving a really feminine twist to the more traditional yellow gold. Platinum Platinum is the most expensive metal for engagement rings. Well known for its durability, making it a great choice for rings worn every day for decades. Buying the perfect engagement ring is such a personal thing that it can seem incredibly daunting. But, when you break it down and look at your preferences for each part of the ring, it makes the choice so much easier. And that's our guide to the perfect engagement ring! Get in contact at any time with any questions or thoughts.