The Complete Guide to Finding Your Engagement Ring
The journey to finding the perfect engagement ring is deeply personal. Whether you're exploring options together or planning a surprise proposal, understanding the essentials of engagement ring styles, materials, and settings is an essential part of the process (and the most fun!).
Choosing the right engagement ring comes down to a few essential decisions: choosing between mined or lab-grown diamonds, choosing a shape and style to reflect your personality, deciding on your ideal ring band material and getting to grips with the all-important 4 C’s.
It’s so important not to get swept up by trends as you want to love your ring just as much in years to come as the day you first slip it on. Our complete guide helps you discover the best engagement rings that match your style and budget so you can find ‘the one’.
Lab-Grown or Mined Diamonds?
Mined Diamonds
Created over billions of years, mined diamonds carry a unique heritage and traditional appeal. With proper sourcing, these stones support responsible mining communities and maintain centuries of diamond tradition. For those drawn to the romance of natural diamonds and their ancient origins, ethically sourced mined diamonds, such as Fraser Hart's Northern Star collection, offer timeless value. Inspired by the brightest star of them all, Northern Star diamonds are mined in Canada’s pristine frozen north, near the Arctic circle, and, with complete mine-to-market traceability, are one of our most popular choices for engagement rings.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds have surged in popularity over the last decade. Chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds, created in controlled environments that replicate natural diamond formation, they offer excellent value versus mined diamonds of equivalent quality. For couples prioritising looking for quality on a budget, or those seeking guaranteed ethical sourcing, lab-grown diamonds are well worth considering. Explore Fraser Hart's Born collection for exceptional lab-grown diamonds with the same brilliant sparkle as mined stones, along with certification by the IGI for all Born diamonds over 1ct.
Understanding Diamond Quality: The 4 C's
You might have always thought that bigger is always better, but when it comes to diamonds, that’s not always the case. Diamonds are graded on four key characteristics that determine their value. Understanding the 4 C’s (that’s cut, clarity, colour and carat for those not in the know), will help you navigate engagement ring prices so prioritise what’s important to you:
Cut
The most important factor affecting a diamond's brilliance is its cut. Excellent and Very Good cuts reflect light best, creating that all-important maximum sparkle. While lower grades offer better value, they may appear less lively. So, if a sparkling diamond is a priority, pay close attention to the cut.
Clarity
Most diamonds contain tiny natural marks called inclusions. Ranging from Flawless (the least number of inclusions) to Included (the most), the higher the grade and therefore closer to flawless a diamond is, the higher the value. It’s worth bearing in mind, however, that unless you’re looking at a diamond through a magnifying glass, most inclusions in the middle ranges aren’t visible to the naked eye. So, finding a diamond you love in a lower clarity category (eg. VS1-VS2) can often offer the best balance of quality and value.
Colour
Diamonds are graded from D (colourless), most expensive, to Z (light yellow), least expensive. When it comes to colour, higher grades mainly benefit larger stones where the diamond catches more light. So, if you’ve fallen in love with a bigger diamond, it’s worth considering whether the colour grade will be high enough to give the look you’re aiming for.
Carat
Contrary to what many might think, carat is a measure of weight, not size. When choosing carat, keep in mind that a well-cut smaller diamond may appear more brilliant than a larger one of lower quality. Finding the right balance can ensure your diamond sparkles exactly as you’d hope it to.
Diamond Shapes and Styles
Now that you've chosen your diamond type, it's time to explore the setting that will show it off. Each style tells its own story, so it’s important to match your style to your personality so you can avoid being distracted by fads and trends that don’t reflect what makes you unique.
Solitaire Engagement Ring
Solitaires are one of the most popular engagement ring styles for a reason. Designed to show off a single diamond, this iconic style lets your diamond's beauty speak for itself, no matter its shape. Perfect for the bride who appreciates timeless elegance with a modern twist, a solitaire is what most people think of when picturing an engagement ring. Looking for something different to the traditional round or princess cut? Try a solitaire oval - its elongated shape suits those who want a classic look that's subtly distinctive. For unparalleled elegance, try our exclusive, elegant Orchid Setting , where the setting sits flush against the finger and hugs the center stone. Or, for a modern and sustainable choice, consider our lab-grown oval solitaires, which offer the same stunning brilliance as mined diamonds while being more environmentally conscious and budget-friendly.
Halo Engagement Rings
A glamorous option that brings vintage-inspired drama to the table. This style features a central diamond, surrounded by smaller diamonds in a halo formation. Halos suit those who want maximum impact and can be a great way to add more sparkle to smaller stones. If you’re looking for a truly unique ring, a halo style, with all its intricate details, should be a contender.
Three-Stone Engagement Rings
This style appeals to traditionalists who are looking for more sparkle than a solitaire offers, without compromising on classic appeal. It’s a great choice for romantics who value symbolism and storytelling in their jewellery. Our Amia Diamond collection features exceptional, three-stone designs that symbolise and celebrate your past, present, and future together. Each ring showcases the rare Hearts and Arrows cut for superior sparkle, where eight perfectly symmetrical arrows are visible from above, while eight romantic hearts are revealed when viewed from below - adding an extra layer of meaning to this already symbolic style.
Cluster Engagement Rings
Can’t make your mind up? Why choose when you can go for a cluster engagement ring. A little bit maximalist, a little bit Art Deco, this more-is-more, geometric arrangement allows you to mix and match what you like. Whether it’s a central diamond and coloured stones surrounding it, or complete visual harmony, a cluster ring will suit someone who wants something distinctive and contemporary.
Coloured Gemstone Engagement Rings
Coloured diamonds and gemstones have stolen the spotlight once again, becoming a favourite choice for many modern brides. With so many different styles to choose from, a coloured stone provides a great option for creative spirits who want to strike against a traditional diamond. If you embrace colour in your wardrobe, why not reflect that in your jewellery too? Plus, with different meanings attached to particular gemstones, there’s even more opportunity to infuse layers of meaning into your ring of choice.
Choosing Your Band
The final decision brings your ring to life. Your choice of band not only affects the ring's appearance but its durability and maintenance requirements too. Here's how to select the perfect precious metal that works for your lifestyle.
Platinum
The ultimate choice for longevity and security, it’s no wonder that platinum is the number one choice for engagement ring bands. Platinum's natural white sheen never fades, making it perfect for those wanting minimal maintenance, while its density provides superior diamond security giving you peace of mind even with an active lifestyle. Though higher priced initially, its durability makes it a wise investment, and is particularly flattering on fair to medium skin tones.
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Yellow Gold
Perfect for romantics and vintage lovers, yellow gold creates stunning contrast with diamonds while enhancing coloured stones. Available in different purities, it balances durability with budget. Its natural warmth particularly suits olive and darker skin tones, ideal for matching family heirlooms or creating a classic look.
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White Gold
All the brightness of platinum but with different practical considerations, white gold is popular among the fashion-conscious who don’t mind some occasional maintenance for a pristine look. It provides excellent durability at a more accessible price point, and looks best with modern designs.