Solitaire
Hidden Halo
Three Stone
Cluster
Bezel
Pave
Vintage
Toi Et Moi
Round
Oval
Cushion
Pear
Emerald
Radiant
Princess
Marquise
Engagement Ring guide
How to buy an engagement ring
1. Do your research
Before diving into budgets and technical details, think about your partner’s lifestyle and taste. This is key to finding an engagement ring that not only reflects their personality but also suits their day-to-day wear. Take note of the metals they typically wear, the kind of jewellery they love, and how practical the design needs to be. Once you have a sense of what they’ll love and feel comfortable wearing every day, our guide will walk you through the rest – simplifying what can feel like a complex decision.
2. Get to know your engagement ring basics
Understanding the diamond fundamentals, especially the 4Cs (cut, colour, clarity and carat), is an essential part of buying an engagement ring. These are the globally recognised standards for diamond quality. But that’s just one piece of the puzzle. You’ll also want to think about metal options, ring settings and overall style to create something that feels personal and lasting.
3. Determine your budget and find a place to buy
When it comes to how to buy an engagement ring, setting a realistic budget is key. The “three months’ salary” rule is outdated. Today, it’s about finding the right balance between your finances and your priorities. So, that’s the overview. But you can read more in our guide on buying an engagement ring on budget here. Now, let’s dive deeper into all the things you should know before choosing an engagement ring.
I. Choosing a diamond
Engagement rings are the ultimate romantic gesture and one of the most meaningful purchases you'll ever make. Taking the time to research everything you need to know before buying an engagement ring will help you find the perfect diamond for you or your loved one. Whether you’re browsing diamonds online or in-store, understanding the 4Cs – cut, colour, clarity and carat weight – is crucial. The cut determines brilliance, the colour ranges from colourless to light hues, clarity measures internal flaws and carat weight reflects size. Additionally, selecting the perfect diamond shape, from classic round to elegant emerald, will influence the ring's style and appearance.
Diamond shapes & cut
Diamonds can be cut into a wide variety of shapes, each possessing a unique character and its own way of emitting bright and lustrous sparkle. From classic rounds to contemporary Asscher cuts, find your diamond shape with the handy guide below. Discover more about each diamond shape and find the perfect one for you:
Round Cut
Round Cut
Round
The round cut diamond is the most popular and classic shape, renowned for its exceptional brilliance and fire. Its 58 facets are symmetrically cut to maximise light reflection, creating a dazzling sparkle that captivates the eye. Symbolising eternal love and commitment, the round diamond is perfect for those who appreciate timeless elegance.
Oval
The oval cut diamond is an elongated version of the round cut, offering similar brilliance with a unique twist. Its shape enhances the diamond's size and lengthens the appearance of the finger. Stylish and bolder than a round diamond, the oval cut is perfect for those who want a distinctive yet elegant look.
Emerald
The emerald cut diamond ring features a rectangular shape with step cuts, creating a hall-of-mirrors effect. Its open facets highlight the diamond's clarity and overall quality. Symbolising clarity and sophistication, the emerald cut is ideal for those who appreciate understated elegance and refined style.
Pear
The pear cut diamond combines the brilliance of a round base with a pointed tip, forming a sparkly teardrop shape. Its unique silhouette offers a blend of traditional and contemporary styles. Symbolising uniqueness and elegance, the pear cut is ideal for those who desire a distinctive and modern ring.
Radiant
The radiant cut diamond mixes the elegance of the emerald shape with the brilliance of the round cut. Its trimmed corners and 70 facets create a stunning sparkle, making it a versatile choice for various ring styles. Representing modern elegance and fiery brilliance, the radiant cut is perfect for those who desire a contemporary yet timeless look.
Cushion
The cushion cut diamond blends a square shape with rounded corners, resembling a pillow. Choose from the large, clearer facets of a chunky cushion cut for vintage charm, or the glitzy look of a crushed ice cushion diamond for something more modern. A characterful alternative to the round diamond.
Marquise
The marquise cut diamond features an elongated shape with pointed ends, maximising the spread of carat weight and creating a striking look. Its silhouette enhances the diamond's size and finger coverage. Representing opulence and grandeur, the marquise cut is perfect for those who love a dramatic and bold style.
Princess
The princess cut diamond features a contemporary square shape with pointed corners. Its sharp edges and brilliant sparkle make it a favourite for simple engagement rings. Representing simplicity and sophistication, the princess cut is ideal for those who seek a stylish yet classic appearance.
Create Your Own Ring, Your Way
Endless Combination
Designed to capture your unique love story, our Ring Builder allows you to create an engagement ring that complements your partner style perfectly.
Simply select your setting and stone, and craft one-of-a-kind to last a lifetime
II. Choosing the style of your ring
What do we mean by your ring's style? Primarily, the choice between solitaire, diamond band, trilogy, halo or toi et moi, the engagement ring core styles. Explore how these styles differ along with other design elements like metal colour and embellishments that can help create a truly personal ring. Your choice of diamond shape will also have a big impact on the overall look of your ring, but you may prefer to first look at the type of diamond you choose or you may prefer to first establish the right engagement ring style.
III. Choosing ring metals
Rings are crafted in a selected range of fine and precious metals: platinum, yellow gold, rose gold and white gold. Each metal offers its own unique aesthetic and qualities, influencing the overall look and style of the ring. Understanding the characteristics of each metal will help you choose the perfect setting for your diamond.
Platinum
Platinum is a rare and durable metal, known for its natural white sheen that does not tarnish over time. Its strength makes it an excellent choice for secure settings, and its hypoallergenic properties are ideal for those with sensitive skin. Platinum's luxurious feel and enduring quality make it a popular choice for engagement rings.
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold offers a timeless and classic appeal, characterised by its warm, rich hue. Available in 18k, yellow gold is both beautiful and durable. Its traditional look complements vintage and classic ring styles, making it a favourite for those who appreciate a classic aesthetic. Yellow gold has had a resurgence in popularity in recent years.
Rose Gold
Rose gold is renowned for its romantic blush hue. Created by alloying gold with copper, this metal has a unique colour that adds a modern twist to traditional designs. Rose gold's warm and flattering tone makes it an appealing choice for those seeking something distinctive and elegant.
White Gold
White gold is a popular alternative to platinum, offering a similar silvery-white appearance. Created by alloying gold with white metals like palladium or silver, white gold is typically plated with rhodium to enhance its shine and durability. It’s a versatile metal that complements various diamond shapes and styles. Be aware that white gold needs replating every so often, as the rhodium fades to reveal a yellowish tint.
IV. Choosing the right ring size
Selecting the perfect ring size is crucial to ensure a comfortable and secure fit, but rest assured that at Queensmith we offer free resizing for 60 days after you receive your ring, and low-cost resizing thereafter. Ring sizes in the UK are measured using alphabetical letters, ranging from A to Z+. The average woman's ring finger size is L, and men's is T. Discover how you can gauge yours or your partner's ring size below.
How to find their ring size
Whether you’re planning a surprise proposal or shopping together, knowing the correct size will make the moment even more special. Here’s a brief overview of how to find the ideal ring size, with expert tips to help you along the way.
Find one of their existing rings: Borrow a ring they won't miss and have it measured by a jeweller, but be aware that each of our fingers measure differently so you’ll need something they wear on their engagement ring finger. Alternatively, use Queensmith’s downloadable Ring Sizer Guide to measure it at home.
Ask friends or family: Enlist help from friends or family who can casually find out the size by bringing up ring sizes in conversation.
Ask your married or engaged friends for help: Have friends let your partner try on their ring or casually discuss ring preferences to gather size information.
Ask an expert: The easiest way to find your partner’s ring size is to have your jeweller estimate. All we need is their height and clothes size to make a solid estimation. And remember, we offer free resizing if it’s slightly out!
V. Setting the budget
Understanding how much diamonds, gemstones and the metalwork of your ring cost should give you a good idea of what will work for you and your personal budget. Setting a realistic budget is crucial to ensure you get the best value without compromising on quality.
Several factors influence the cost of an engagement ring, including the 4Cs: cut, colour, clarity and carat weight, with higher quality and larger diamonds commanding higher prices. Gemstones, such as sapphires, emeralds and rubies, vary in cost based on their type, quality and size. Additionally, the complexity of the design, including custom settings, intricate details and extra features like hidden halos or an engraving, can increase the overall cost. By understanding these factors, you can set a realistic budget that aligns with your financial plans and preferences.
What factors influence the cost of the engagement ring?
This pie chart breaks down the average cost of an engagement ring and presents how expenses are distributed among key components to help inform your decision-making when considering budget allocation for this meaningful purchase. Factors such as a complex design or diamonds set along the ring's band will increase the cost.
