The Ultimate Guide to Buying an Engagement Ring

Choosing the perfect engagement ring is an exciting and meaningful journey, it's also a big purchase, and with such an important buy, it’s helpful to seek expert advice beforehand. There are various considerations, from styles, diamonds, and settings, and whether you’re looking for a classic solitaire, a dazzling halo, or something unique, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. 

Right in time for Valentine’s Day and proposals, here are some handy tips from The Diamond Store to ensure you select the perfect engagement ring. 

Remember an engagement ring is all about your partner

When shopping for an engagement ring, it’s all too easy to get caught up in diamond qualities and cuts. Take pause and remember this: the person who’ll be wearing the ring for the rest of their life is your partner. For them, the ring’s style is likely the most important factor. Take into consideration their tastes, as well as their lifestyle, and what kind of ring would suit their hobbies and job.

Figure out exactly what engagement ring style they want

If you have an eye for fashion, look at your partner’s existing jewellery for clues. Then simply choose a ring that matches their existing jewellery style – you’ll be sure to pick a winner. If they usually wear big, statement jewellery pieces, then their engagement ring should be sizeable and sparkling. If they’re more into delicate items with a classic look, then choose something understated.

Find out the right engagement ring size

How do you measure someone’s finger in secret? It’s a tricky one, but here are a few solutions:

• Use a ring sizer app.

• Take a look at some of their other jewellery and note down the size (or take one of their spare rings to a jeweller)

• Ask your partner’s friends to find out their ring size in secret.

• If you have to guess, make sure the ring can be resized later (some eternity rings can’t be resized – a plain band is usually easiest to resize).

• Get a “stand-in ring” from your jeweller in an estimated size to propose with, which you can then exchange for the correct size ring later.

  
  

Buy the best engagement ring for your budget

There are no rules as to what you should spend on an engagement ring. But it’s best to go for the best quality you can afford, because an engagement ring will be exposed to a lot of wear and tear. Your partner will wear it on their hand, every day, for life, so it’s worth buying quality that can withstand that.

Pick a metal for their engagement ring that suits their complexion

For a piece that will be worn daily, it’s best to invest in gold or platinum, because they’re the two hardest precious metals you can use in jewellery. Choose the colour of the metal according to other jewellery your partner already likes to wear:

• Platinum, silvery-white in colour, is the most durable, but also the most expensive.

• Gold is a versatile choice for engagement rings. It’s available in 3 different colours including white gold, yellow gold and rose gold. Plus ,you can buy it in 18K and 9K qualities to match your budget.

  
  

  

  
  
  
  

Choose the engagement ring’s diamond

Firstly, read up on diamonds, and how to choose the best quality and shape. But if you’re unsure on which shape to go for, a round solitaire is a classic for a reason. It’s the sparkliest of all diamond shapes and looks stunning on any finger. And for anything up to half a carat in size, you’re safe to choose quality H/Si for a great quality-price ratio. Take a look at our article about the 4C’s of buying a diamond – but remember, how the diamond looks to you is the most important. No matter what exact specifications you go for, as long as you love the diamond you pick, your partner is sure to, too.

Read the engagement ring’s small print

Always make sure you have understood your jeweller’s refund and exchange policy – and any resizing terms. Don’t rush, read them carefully before the big purchase.

Check for a guarantee period for your engagement ring

Always check that your jeweller offers a craftsmanship guarantee against any manufacturing faults. That way you’re covered for any damage that’s caused by a fault in the ring’s structure.