Popping the Question? Here’s How to Pick the Perfect Engagement Ring
Choosing an engagement ring is one of the most meaningful purchases you will make. With so many different styles, metals, diamond cuts and settings available, it can feel daunting.
In this guide we will walk you through everything you need to know to choose the perfect engagement ring - from selecting the right metal, to understanding diamond shapes and finding a ring that suits your partner's style.
How to Choose the Right Engagement Ring
The best engagement ring is one that fits your partners personal style. While trends can help inspire you and give you some ideas to get your journey started, the most important thing is to choose something they will love wearing everyday.
Things to consider before you start shopping:
- Preferred jewellery colour (gold finish or silver finish)
- Personal style (classic, vintage, modern, minimalist)
- Lifestyle and practicality
- Your budget
- Diamond shape and size preference
Choosing Metal
9ct or 18ct?
Many people choose 18ct gold engagement rings. Whilst 9ct is essentially harder, 18ct gold is much more durable - hence why it is often used for pieces of jewellery that are designed to be worn for a long time.
Yellow Gold Engagement Rings
Yellow gold is timeless, warm and traditional. It has become increasingly popular again in recent years thanks to vintage-inspired jewellery trends.
Best for:
- Classic and vintage styles
- Warm skin tones
- ‘Traditional’ engagement rings
Pros:
- Timeless appearance
- Lower maintenance
- Rich, warm colour
White Gold Engagement Rings
White gold is one of the most popular choices for modern engagement rings. Its bright, silvery finish enhances the sparkle of the diamonds beautifully.
Best for:
- Contemporary styles
- Minimalist jewellery
- Those who love silver toned jewellery
Pros:
- Elegant and modern
- Enhances diamond brilliance
- Bright and sparkly look
📝 Note: White gold may require occasional re-plating to maintain its bright finish.
Platinum Engagement Rings
Platinum is known for its strength, durability and luxurious feel. It's a naturally white coloured metal and extremely hard wearing, making it ideal for everyday wear.
Best for:
- Active lifestyles
- Long-term durability
Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Hypoallergenic
- Naturally white in colour, so will not need replating
Diamond Cuts
The cut of a diamond is one of the biggest factors affecting the overall appearance of an engagement ring. Different cuts can have different levels of sparkle and have an impact on the style and personality of the ring.
Round Brilliant
The round brilliant is one of the most popular choices for engagement rings due to its simplicity, timelessness and exceptional sparkle.
Why people love it:
- The most sparkly diamond cut
- Never goes out of style
- Works with almost any setting
Princess
Princess cut diamonds are square shaped with a sharp, angular, contemporary look.
Why people love it:
- Clean, modern look
- Strong brilliance
- Popular amongst younger buyers
Emerald
Emerald cut diamonds are known for their sleek ‘hall of mirrors’ effect. It was developed specifically for cutting emeralds as they are naturally brittle but, despite the name, emerald cuts can be used on any gemstone.
Why people love it:
- Clean, refined appearance
- Elegant and luxurious
- Highlights clarity beautifully
Oval
Oval diamonds offer a modern twist on the classic round cut while also creating the illusion of longer, slimmer fingers.
Why people love it:
- Looks larger than round diamonds of the same carat
- Soft, elongated shape
- Very contemporary, trendy style
Pear
A pear cut diamond combines round and marquise shapes into a unique teardrop design.
Why people love it:
- Elegant and distinctive
- Unique and eye-catching shape
- Vintage inspired style
Cushion
Cushion cut stones combine square or rectangular shapes with rounded edges.
Why people love it:
- Soft, elegant appearance
- Timeless
- Suits all types of settings
Marquise
The marquise cut is recognisable by its elongated shape and pointed ends.
Why people love it:
- Appears larger than other diamond cuts of the same carat weight
- Creates and elegant, elongated look
- A distinct alternative to traditional diamond shape
Setting Types and Ring Designs
Claw set
A classic stone setting, the diamonds are held in place by metal prongs.This setting allows a lot of light to pass through the stone, enhancing its brilliance.
Bezel set/ Rubover set
A more contemporary look, diamonds are secured with a continuous metal rim surrounding the stone. This setting is considered to be one of the most secure. It can also make a stone look larger, if a white diamond is set in a white metal.
Halo set
A central gemstone, usually claw set, is surrounded by a border of smaller accent stones. The centre stone often looks larger due to this type of setting and the ring has an increased sparkle.
Solataire
A single diamond, with a timeless and elegant appearance.
Trilogy
Three stones, often thought to represent the past, present and future.
Pavé
Small stones set along the band for extra sparkle and brilliance.
How Much Should You Spend on an Engagement Ring?
There is no correct amount to spend on an engagement ring. The most important thing is choosing a ring that feels meaningful and suits your budget comfortably.
Today, many couples focus on:
- Quality over size
- Personal meaning
- Long term wearability
- Ethical and sustainable choices
Finding the Right Ring
An engagement ring is more than just jewellery - it's a symbol of your commitment and future as a married couple.
There is no ‘right’ ring, each engagement ring is unique and chosen to best represent your partner and the relationship you share.
At Wrights the Jewellers we can guide you through each step of the process, helping to make the perfect ring for your loved one.
FAQ
What is the most popular engagement ring metal?
18ct white gold and platinum are currently very popular for engagement rings.
What diamond cut sparkles the most?
Round brilliant cut diamonds are known for producing the best sparkle.
Is platinum better than white gold?
Platinum is more durable than white gold and naturally white. White gold is lighter in weight and may be more comfortable for everyday wear.
What engagement ring shape looks biggest?
Oval and pear shaped diamonds often appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight.
More questions about diamonds? Take a look at our diamond buying guide for information on how to shop for your diamonds.