Buying Engagement Rings - A Complete Guide on How to Choose & Buy an Engagement Ring

You’ve found the one and are now ready to take that unforgettable next step. Before the magic unfolds, you would like an engagement ring as unique as your love. Finding the perfect ring is a journey filled with excitement and anticipation, where diamond solitaires, vintage cluster rings, and gemstones in every shape and shade await your discovery. While it can feel overwhelming, the search for the perfect piece should be nothing less than exhilarating.

That’s why we have created this “how to buy an engagement ring” guide—to accompany you on this path. Read on for our insider advice, designed to help you find your perfect engagement ring, whether you’re shopping online or by in-person appointment.

Start with Thoughtful Research 

Once you’ve set your budget, it’s time to dive into some insightful research. Pay close attention when you pass by shops together—do they linger over unusual Art Deco designs, vintage jewellery pieces, or perhaps something more classic? Look for clues in your partner’s style and preferences—whether it’s browsing their social media for jewellery designers they admire or scouring Pinterest boards for inspiration. Close friends and family can also provide subtle hints to help you discover the engagement ring that will truly speak to them.

It's Time to Start 

When planning your engagement ring purchase, timing is everything. If you’re considering a “bespoke engagement ring”, it’s ideal to begin 8-12 weeks before your desired date. This allows for an in-depth consultation, personalised design, and careful craftsmanship, resulting in a piece tailored to your vision. 

For those who need a ring more quickly or prefer a seamless shopping experience, selecting from a ready-to-wear collection is a perfect choice—these rings are made and ready to ship, often arriving within days. 

Whether you choose a custom creation or a beautifully designed ring from our collection, planning ensures you find the perfect piece to celebrate your commitment.

The Setting and Style: Defining the Character

The setting of the engagement ring creates its overall character, and it should be carefully chosen. From the enduring allure of a solitaire ring to the romantic appeal of a vintage-inspired three-stone ring, the setting frames your chosen gemstone. Halo engagement rings, featuring an array of sparkling stones, offer a beautifully ornate option, while an unconventional engraved setting can make the piece feel even more unique. Don’t be afraid to explore different styles; step beyond traditional designs to find something truly unusual.

Draw inspiration from vintage engagement rings, which showcase a variety of unique and distinct styles from different historical eras.

Victorian engagement rings (1837-1901) are known for their intricate half hoop designs and romantic use of coloured gemstones like sapphires and rubies, often set in yellow gold. These rings feature detailed craftsmanship and a regal appeal.

Edwardian engagement rings (1901-1915) are characterised by delicate filigree work and the introduction of platinum settings, with diamonds creating a refined look. Their intricate designs evoke a sense of luxury.

Art Deco engagement rings (1920s-1930s) offer strong lines, symmetrical patterns, and vibrant gemstones like emeralds and sapphires for a bold, geometric aesthetic. These engagement rings are perfect for those seeking a distinctive, glamorous look.

Each of these eras—Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco—brings its unique charm, allowing you to choose an engagement ring that aligns with your partner’s taste and style.

At London Victorian Ring Co., we still use the original moulds from these historic eras when creating our jewellery today, so we know these styles stand the test of time.

 The 4C's will determine your diamond's overall quality and price.

Should you choose a Diamond or Coloured Gemstone?

While diamond engagement rings are an enduring favourite, coloured gemstones are making a resurgence in engagement ring designs, especially for those seeking something more unusual. Sapphires, emeralds, and rubies offer a vibrant alternative, often exuding a vintage charm that speaks to those with an eye for something less conventional. If your partner leads an active lifestyle, durability is an essential factor—diamonds, rubies, and sapphire engagement rings are the most durable options for daily wear, ensuring that the ring will endure.

Diamonds are not the only option. Sapphire makes an attractive choice for an engagement ring.

Diamond and The 4Cs

Diamonds are a classic yet versatile choice, offering an array of possibilities to create something truly distinctive.

When choosing a diamond, keep the 4Cs in mind:

Cut: Diamond Cut refers to the quality and precision of how a round brilliant diamond’s facets are proportioned. The cut determines the diamond’s characteristic sparkle, fire, and brilliance. Diamonds with a superior cut reflect the light better, giving the diamond maximum brightness and scintillation when worn.

Colour: Diamond Colour is rated on a scale from D-Z, with D being completely colourless and Z being light yellow. On the GIA grading scale, D-F coloured diamonds are considered ‘colourless’ while G-J coloured diamonds are ‘near-colourless. K-Z coloured diamonds will have a faint to very light colour.

Diamonds are also available in various fancy colours, including yellow, blue and pink, which are as unusual as they are captivating and incredibly sought after for their rarity.

Clarity: Clarity refers to inclusions present in the gemstone. Diamonds with fewer inclusions are rarer and have a higher grading. VVS and VS clarity stones contain very small inclusions that can only be easily seen under 10x magnification. SI1 and SI2 diamonds have inclusions that can be seen with 10x magnification but not with the naked eye. A trusted jeweller will have the experience to view the stone to give you the best advice. Most diamonds over 0.30 carat come with grading reports and our diamonds are offered with trusted GIA or IGI grading reports to guarantee diamond quality.  

Carat Weight: Carat measures the weight of the diamond. Carat weight can be a factor in size, but it is essential to check the dimensions of the diamond for an accurate size. On average, a 0.25ct round diamond is approximately 4mm in diameter, and a 1.00ct round diamond is 6.5mm in diameter. It’s important to consider how the diamond’s proportions suit the overall look of the ring, ensuring balance and harmony.

These factors will define not only the beauty of your diamond but also its value, helping you create a ring that’s entirely your own.

Natural vs. Lab Grown Diamonds

Selecting between “natural diamonds” and “lab grown diamonds” allows you to choose a gemstone that reflects your values and taste. 

“Natural diamonds” are formed over millions of years under intense heat and pressure within the Earth’s mantle. Their creation through these geological processes makes each natural diamond unique in colour, clarity, and composition. The rarity of natural diamonds also brings an enduring appeal, representing a deep connection to nature’s artistry. 

In contrast, “lab grown diamonds” are created using sophisticated technology that replicates these natural conditions, giving them the same physical and chemical characteristics as mined diamonds. Through processes like “High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT)” or “Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD)”, lab-grown diamonds achieve the same radiance and durability. HPHT diamonds are formed by replicating natural heat and pressure, while CVD diamonds are created by layering carbon atoms within a plasma chamber. These options give lab grown diamonds excellent versatility, often at a more accessible price point, appealing to those who prioritise sustainability without sacrificing quality.

Lab grown diamonds offer flexibility in size, shape, and colour, allowing for customisation that aligns with modern values and personal style. In the end, the choice between natural and lab grown diamonds is down to personal preference.

The setting you choose informs the style of the ring

Selecting the Right Metal 

Once you’ve chosen the stone and setting, the final touch is selecting the metal. Platinum engagement rings, known for their durability and natural sheen, offer a sleek, high-end, modern and enduring look. Platinum is also hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for sensitive skin. Yellow gold engagement rings, with their rich, warm tone, are perfect for vintage styles, adding a classic and luxurious feel, while rose gold is a contemporary choice that looks beautiful on all skin tones. While white gold engagement rings can provide a similar aesthetic, platinum’s rarity and strength make it a more practical option. Each metal brings its unique character to the ring, so choose one that best reflects your partner’s lifestyle.

Ensure the Perfect Fit

After selecting the ideal engagement ring, make sure it fits flawlessly. There should be enough give when it’s on to feel comfortable but tight enough to feel secure.

Women’s average ring sizes range between K and N, while men’s sizes generally fall between S and U. However, remember that your ring size can change with the time of day and even the weather.

If you’re unsure, our ring size guide can help you navigate this final detail to ensure your partner’s ring feels as perfect as it looks.

Consider a Bespoke Creation

For an engagement ring as one-of-a-kind as your love story, consider teaming up with a jeweller to create a bespoke piece. A custom-made ring lets you bring your vision to life, designing something unique to your relationship. Whether it’s an unusual coloured gemstone, a vintage-inspired design, or an intricate setting, nothing expresses your love more than a ring designed from the heart and made exclusively for your partner.

Ultimately, the engagement ring symbolises your journey together, ready to be cherished for a lifetime.

Think unique and consider a bespoke engagement ring.

Think unique and consider a bespoke made engagement ring

 

Define Your Budget

Setting a realistic budget is key to finding the perfect ring without unnecessary stress. While some traditions suggest spending three months’ salary on an engagement ring, your budget should reflect your priorities and lifestyle. The most important thing is finding a ring that resonates with your partner’s unique taste without causing financial strain. It’s not about the price tag but the meaning and the promise the ring represents.

Ready to take your first step? 

If you would like more information about choosing your ring and our engagement ring buying guide, please contact us by telephone on 0207 193 4412 or email.