Engagement Ring
Buying Guide
Buying the perfect engagement ring for the one you love can feel like a daunting prospect. Learn everything you need to know about the various details to consider so you can make the right choice and find the ideal engagement ring with our expert advice.
Shop all engagement ringsHow to choose the perfect engagement ring
There are many different factors to consider when choosing an engagement ring - especially if you’re planning a surprise proposal for your partner. Here are some tips to think about when making a decision.
1. Calculate the budget
Working out how much to spend on an engagement ring can be tricky. Traditionally it has been said that you should spend 2-3 months salary on a ring. Nowadays, however, this figure is much more flexible.
Rather than trying to save a full 3 months worth of salaries before you’re able to propose, make use of our engagement ring calculator to work out how much you can reasonably afford to spend. Diamonds Factory also offers finance options for when you find the perfect ring.
2. Choose the ideal style
Choosing “the ring” should be a truly personal experience, where style is carefully considered to create the design of your partner’s dreams. Take their style and hobbies into consideration when choosing a ring. Are they very active or play a lot of sports? This may affect the size of the stone or ring that you end up choosing.
It is also a good idea to take notice of what jewellery your partner already wears if any at all. For those who like to swap and change accessories based on trends, opt for a more traditional engagement ring such as the classic solitaire setting or princess cut stone. These will work with every look they pull together. For those who like to stick to staple pieces every day or prefer to keep a carefully curated capsule wardrobe, a more creative, stand out design may fit with the styles they are already used to wearing.
Women's engagement rings
If you’re choosing an engagement ring for the woman in your life (or someone who would appreciate a bit of sparkle before the wedding), there are many different styles, shapes and gem types to choose from.
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Men's engagement rings
Women aren’t the only ones who can wear engagement rings and there are plenty of options for men as well. Flush settings feature diamonds set into the band itself, channel settings see the jewels set into a track between two strips of metal, while a prong setting holds the diamond in place away from the band.
Shop men's engagement rings3. Get the ring size right
We know that not everyone knows their ring size - and that’s ok! Here are some ways you can find the perfect ring size for you or your partner.
Get it sized professionally
The best way to find out your or your partners’ ring size is to either get professionally measured at a jeweller or request one of our free ring sizers to get a clear measurement. Book a consultation either in any of our stores or in an online video appointment to speak with a professional.
Book a consultation
Do it in secret
If you are planning a surprise proposal, it can be tricky to find your partner’s ring size but there’s no need to worry - learn all about how to get the right ring size to help you find the perfect fit in secret. And if the ring is still the wrong size, Diamonds Factory offers free resizing of our rings within 30 days of purchase for your peace of mind.
Request free resizing
Use a ring sizer
If you’re not able to book a consultation with us or visit our stores, you can use one of our ring sizers to help you find the perfect fit. Order a Free Ring Sizer today to ensure a comfortable fit.
Once you’ve worked out your budget and size of the ring you’re looking for, the next step is to consider the finer details of the ring itself.
4. Choose the ring setting
The term “setting” refers to how the gemstones are set, or mounted, into a metal band. The ring setting aims to fully highlight the beauty of the diamond or gemstone and can be one of the first things that someone notices about the ring.
Solitaire
Perfectly fitting its namesake, a solitaire setting showcases a single diamond or gem on a simple band. While a round cut diamond is the most popular stone for solitaire engagement rings, any shape makes for a beautiful centrepiece in this classic, minimalistic setting.
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Halo
The halo setting features a large, beautiful centre stone surrounded by a circle of smaller ones. This is a really popular style because the halo maximises the visual impact of the centre stone. Round and pear cut stones work particularly well for this setting.
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3-Stone
The 3-stone engagement ring setting showcases a lovely trio of stones balanced in perfect harmony. Round and fancy shaped centre gems are often paired with complementary stones on either side to create a ring of utmost beauty.
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Cluster
In a cluster setting, a few smaller stones are set closely together to resemble one larger stone. A cluster ring can include a large centre gem with smaller ones around it or consist of a group of small stones all equal in size. Either way the sparkle of these rings is unparalleled.
Shop Cluster Engagement Rings5. Choose the diamond shape
The next detail to consider is the shape of the stone. The shape of a stone takes into account how well the diamond has been cut. Proportional, well-cut diamonds deliver the highest amount of sparkle.
Diamond shapes are categorised into two groups: round diamonds and fancy shape diamonds. Round diamonds are the most traditional diamond shape while fancy shape diamonds refer to any diamond that is not round. Diamonds Factory offers princess, cushion, emerald, oval, pear, marquise, heart, Asscher, and radiant fancy shaped stones so it's worth browsing through them all to find something your partner will love.
Oval
An oval-shaped diamond is a really elegant stone. Cut into an elongated circle, this cut features shimmering facets that make the light dance and can create the illusion of longer fingers. Bold and sophisticated, the oval diamond is a unique shape for a wearer who likes to express their individuality.
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Emerald
Emerald-cut stones are sought after for their understated glamour and eye-catching depth. The octagonal step cut features parallel, rectangular facets, and the large, open table (top face) highlights the stone’s colour and clarity. The emerald cut is a great choice for those seeking an Art Deco-inspired ring style.
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Princess
Loved for decades for its contemporary style and gorgeous sparkle, the princess cut is one of the most popular fancy shapes. Princess-cut diamonds are square-cut stones with pointed corners so are perfect for those who love a contemporary style.
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Pear
The pear shape features a round shape that is tapered into a teardrop and offers an extraordinary display of light. Like oval and marquise diamonds, the flattering pear shape helps to elongate the finger—especially when worn with the point facing towards the nail.
Shop Pear Cut Engagement Rings
6. Choose a precious metal
Aside from the gem itself, the metal of the ring band is another important detail to take into consideration.
If you’re buying for someone else, it's best to ask them what they like or what suits them as different metals suit different skin undertones or pay attention to the colour of metal they wear on a regular basis.
If you’re buying for yourself, stay true to your tastes and pick something that speaks to you - it’ll be with you for a long time after all.
Platinum
Platinum is a durable silver-coloured metal that pairs perfectly with diamonds and coloured gems alike.
Shop our Platinum Rings
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold is a traditional precious metal great for those who tend to wear gold jewellery every day.
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Learn about the differences between each of our precious metals in our metal guide
7. Choose a precious stone
Arguably the most important part of the ring, you next need to choose the gemstone. Diamonds are considered the most traditional stones for an engagement ring but if your beloved leans towards less-than-traditional tastes, there’s a plethora of alternative stones for your to choose from.
Diamond
Engagement rings traditionally feature beautiful, sparkling diamonds. They are the top choice for proposals as they are hardy, durable, and as long-lasting as your love for your partner. They offer gorgeous sparkle and depth and you can even find them in different colours so can be suitable for anyone’s individual tastes.
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Emerald
Emerald jewellry can trace its roots back centuries and is a highly sought-after stone. These deep green gems make for a really unique engagement ring and they have exquisite depth to them and have long been considered the stone of love and truth.
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Sapphire
Giving your loved one a sapphire engagement ring is a great choice for those who love to show off their individuality. Sapphires are almost as hard as diamonds, are considered to be rarer, and are utterly unique, so are just as precious and durable and the perfect alternative to diamonds.
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Ruby
If you’re looking for the non-traditional in every aspect for your wedding and marriage, rubies pave the way for a beautiful and unique ring. Although not as durable as rubies or sapphires, rubies are still one of the most hard-wearing gemstones, enabling your loved one to wear it for years to come.
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8. How to buy
So you’ve got the right size, you’ve chosen the setting and shape, and found the perfect stone for your ring - how do you go about purchasing it? You have a number of options to consider.
Ready-to-buy
Ready-to-buy rings are like buying clothing from a shop - they’re easy to find and you know exactly what you’re getting. They don’t offer any kind of customisation or personalisation but they boast the quickest delivery times as they’re already made and ready to be shipped out to you.
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Custom made
Custom made rings are created using existing elements brought together in a personalised fashion. With our custom made rings you can not only choose the size of the ring band but also the quality of the stone, whether the diamonds are natural or lab grown, and the size of the stone, as well as a host of other details to make their ring perfect. Almost all of our rings are custom made to your specifications.
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Bespoke
If, however, you’re looking for a ring that is truly unique - or you have a great idea in mind - get exactly what you want by using our bespoke engagement ring services. Our jewellers will talk you through your vision, draw up a design, and then craft your ring to your exact specifications. This option offers the most individuality and creativity.
Create your own Bespoke Engagement RingsFinally, when you’ve worked out whether bespoke, custom made, or ready-to-buy is right for you, decide where you’d prefer to purchase the ring. Choosing whether you buy your ring online or in-store comes down to personal preference.
Buy online
Our online service is fast (depending on the ring you choose) and reliable with expert customer support available around the clock. It’s the stress-free way to buy a ring and perfect for those who know exactly what they want.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE
Buy in-store
Alternatively, if you prefer a more personalised service with an expert consultant, we have a variety of stores across the UK - perfect for a more personal service and the ability to try on our rings in person.
BOOK A VIEWING AT ONE OF OUR STORES
9. Insure the ring
It’s better to be safe than sorry. Insure your engagement ring to make sure that no matter what life throws your way, you won’t be without your ring for long. If you’ve lost your ring before and were wondering how to make sure it doesn’t happen again, check out our guide to
What to do when you’ve lost your Ring >Acquire a free ring insurance quote >
Engagement ring FAQs
Here’s a selection of carefully curated FAQ’s to get you through picking an engagement ring for your partner:
There are a number of finance options available depending on the repayment period that suits you. If you wish to take out engagement ring finance, apply by selecting the finance method of payment during checkout or speak to a member of our sales team who will be able to help.
Our quick delivery rings can be delivered in 3-4 days. A custom ring is made and shipped to you in around 2-3 weeks, and our bespoke rings can take up to 4-6 weeks to arrive due to them being made to your exact specifications.
Our quick delivery rings can be delivered in 3-4 days. A custom ring is made and shipped to you in around 2-3 weeks, and our bespoke rings can take up to 4-6 weeks to arrive due to them being made to your exact specifications.
Tradition aside, the amount you choose to spend should be based on personal preference and budget, as there are numerous ring styles and stones available at a range of prices.
A good understanding of the specifications that affect an engagement ring's value, such as diamond carat and cut, will help you find the perfect ring. Check out our engagement ring buying guide for more information on how to choose the best diamond for your budget.
The cost of the engagement ring you buy should be based on your annual salary, monthly expenditure, current savings, and the amount of time you have before you want to pop the question. Our engagement ring budget calculator can help you determine how much money you will be able to save for your ring based on your proposal timeline. Whatever your budget, there is a ring out there for you!
Engagement ring inspiration
Looking for more? Continue reading to find inspiration on choosing other rings to pair with their engagement ring as well as what to do once they’ve said ‘yes!’
