A Guide to Engagement Rings

Finding the perfect engagement ring to propose with is a decision worthy of care and consideration. After all, it’s a symbol of the love and commitment you have for your partner, as well as a piece of jewellery they’ll wear every day.

To help you on this important journey, our guide will cover all the options available to you when looking at engagement ring styles - from the shape of the diamond and the choice of metal to setting types and alternative gemstone considerations. Plus, we’ll cover other crucial factors such as cost, insurance and more to help make sure you find a piece your partner will treasure for a lifetime.

What Are Engagement Rings?

Engagement rings are commonly given during a marriage proposal and are worn to signify that a person is engaged to be married. While they have traditionally been worn by women, it is now becoming increasingly common for men to wear them as well.

Gemstone rings are most commonly used as engagement rings for their splendour and luxury, but plain bands can also be worn by those wanting a simple and understated look. 

How To Choose An Engagement Ring

There are a whole host of engagement ring options to choose from, but which one will your partner love the most? Whether you’re choosing rings together to ensure you get their favourite style or you’re shopping solo for a fabulous surprise, there are several tips you can use to find the ideal engagement ring for your significant other. 

For more information, take a look at our blog on considerations to make when choosing an engagement ring.

What Cut Should You Choose?

The cut of the diamond or gemstone in your engagement ring is a key decision. The gemstone is the star of the show for many engagement rings, and the specific cut of the stone can have an impact on the overall appearance.

A Round Brilliant Cut stone is a classic diamond cut and a perfect choice if your beloved likes to attract attention, as its many facets create a dazzling appearance. Another striking style of jewel is the Princess Cut, known for its sharp square shape and sleek edges.

For jewels with a softer appearance, the round-edged Cushion Cut is wonderful, combining softness with sparkle. 

If your partner prefers a more elegant look, the rectangular, elongated shape of the Emerald Cut exudes class. For a rounded, elongated cut, though, the Oval Cut is endlessly graceful.

What Is The Most Popular Engagement Ring Metal?

Yellow gold is a timeless choice of engagement ring metal, famously associated with luxury, glamour and warmth. However, it’s far from the only option.

White gold is immensely popular due to its trademark brightness, ideal for those who prefer a cool-toned metal. Rose gold, too, has risen in popularity in recent years, standing out and exuding femininity with its pinkish hue.

A gold ring isn’t a must, though. Platinum engagement rings are another marvellous option, with a bright white colour that is extremely resistant to tarnishing. It’s also an incredibly pure metal, often 95%, making it an excellent choice if the wearer has allergies. 

Do Engagement Rings Have To Be Diamonds?

Diamonds are the traditional option when it comes to choosing an engagement ring, and it isn’t hard to see why. Lauded as the most precious gemstones of all, they’re often seen as a symbol of status and style. However, there are many other gemstones that could make a uniquely beautiful ring to cater for your partner's specific style. 

From coloured diamonds to gemstone rings such as emeralds, rubies and sapphires, you can make a colourful choice relating to your loved one’s favourite hue or even their birthstone. 

Emerald Engagement Rings 

If you want to steer away from diamonds but retain a classic look, emeralds are a stately option. They can be made into a variety of shapes in order to craft a timeless ring. Not to mention, the gorgeous green hues create an elegant and glamorous glimmer. 

That said, emerald stones may require more attention and care when being worn daily as they are not as durable as diamonds. 

Opal Engagement Rings 

Opals can crown the perfect vintage-inspired engagement ring. This beautiful white stone has an iridescent effect that gives the illusion of a rainbow of colours in a single stone. They are also relatively inexpensive in comparison to the likes of diamonds and other gemstones, though a little delicate. As a relatively soft gemstone, extra care should be taken when wearing an opal engagement ring. 

Ruby Engagement Rings

Timeless and bold, rubies can be a great alternative to diamonds. The gemstone represents romance and love with its rich red hue, giving a ruby engagement ring even more meaning. 

A bright red colour is one of the most important things to look for when choosing a ruby engagement ring, as when paired with a white gold or yellow gold band, it can create an attention-grabbing look. They are also extremely durable, making them a great option for everyday wear. 

Moissanite Engagement Rings 

A popular diamond alternative in recent years, moissanite closely resembles a diamond but often comes with a much lower price tag. They are clear in colour and have a spectacular sparkle, making them extremely versatile. Another benefit is that they are almost as durable as diamonds, known for being the second hardest gemstone used in jewellery crafting today. 

How Many Stones Should An Engagement Ring Have?

In addition to choosing the cut type of stone for your engagement ring, you should also consider the number of stones.

For classic simplicity, a solitaire ring is a flawless choice. This style boasts only one beautiful stone, ideal for those who want to make a statement without extravagance.

However, other engagement ring styles allow for multiple stones, which can create an elaborate and eye-catching appearance. Multiple stone designs also allow for the use of more than one type of gemstone - so if you can’t decide between a classic diamond or a gorgeous ruby for your engagement ring, opting for multiple stones may be the right choice for you. 

The halo ring is a popular multiple-stone design, with smaller stones enhancing the beauty and brilliance of the central gem. 

Another option is a three-stone ring. With this type of engagement ring, the central stone is flanked by two other jewels, which may be the same size or smaller. This could be three of the same gemstones, creating glittering coordination. Alternatively, the side gemstones could be a different colour to the central stone, helping it to stand out. 

If your fiancee-to-be loves to turn heads though, the cluster-style ring is a must. This spectacular style features numerous jewels gathered together for a sparkle beyond belief. 

What Is An Engagement Ring Setting?

An engagement ring setting is the way that gemstones or diamonds are mounted or set into a metal band. There are several types of ring settings which each emphasise the natural beauty of the diamond. From prong to pavé, each setting gives the engagement ring a completely different look and feel.

What Are The Most Popular Engagement Ring Settings? 

Choosing a ring setting can be equally as challenging as choosing the perfect stone or shape. The type of setting you choose will affect the overall look of your engagement ring, from making the main stone look bigger to introducing more diamonds. When choosing a setting, you should not only consider your stone’s visibility but also its durability. 

What Is A Prong Setting?

A prong setting is the most traditional and common type of engagement ring setting. The slim metal arms delicately support the diamond, with each prong tapered against the diamond's facets. This type of setting allows the diamond to sit high above the band so that light can enter and exit at all angles, giving it a brilliant sparkle. 

What Is A Pavé Setting?

Originating from the French word for “paved”, the pavé setting is named as such due to it being paved with smaller diamonds that are placed directly next to each other to create the impression of the setting being made from diamonds, spreading sparkle across the full band rather than concentrating it in one area. 

This setting type is commonly used to create Eternity Rings, which are rings whose appearance of a neverending circle of diamonds can be used to symbolise eternal love. 

What Is A Tension Setting? 

A diamond in a tension setting is held in place using opposing directions of pressure to give the illusion of a diamond floating above the band.

It is a more modern setting, as no prongs are used to hold the diamond in place. Although it may look unstable, it is actually considered one of the most secure engagement ring settings, as jewellers can often cut tiny grooves in the diamond where the setting sits so that it can be placed firmly. 

What Is A Halo Setting?

A halo setting features one beautiful stone surrounded by a circle of smaller diamonds. This is an increasingly popular style as the halo of diamonds highlights the beauty of the centre stone without being overly distracting. The centre stone is most often surrounded by either a single or double halo crafted from white diamonds. 

What Is A Channel Setting?

A channel setting has a very similar look to the pavé ring setting. It is made up of smaller diamonds that are set within two parallel walls of precious metal. 

The smaller diamonds appear to be on the same level as the main diamond, meaning that the prong and stone do not stick out as other settings might. This makes the ring more durable and unlikely to get caught on items of clothing, perfect for those with an active and adventurous lifestyle. 

What Is A Bead Setting?

With a bead setting, small holes are drilled into the metal of the ring for your gemstones to be placed into. These stones are then snugly secured into place by raising beads of metal around the sides. This is a popular setting used to secure accent jewels around the main gemstone of a ring. 

How Should You Source The Diamonds For An Engagement Ring?

An engagement ring is a symbol of the love you have for your partner, so you want to make sure that the gemstones are completely ethically sourced to fit with the purity of the commitment you are making. 

When you purchase your engagement ring from a reputable jeweller like Hatton Jewellers, you can be sure that every diamond is sourced in accordance with the United Nations Kimberly Act.

Lab-grown diamonds are another strong ethical choice available nowadays. Without the emissions of mining, it’s also extremely popular for environmentally conscious buyers. Plus, they are often cheaper due to the lack of mining costs. You can read our guide to lab-grown diamonds to learn more. 

How To Find Out Your Partner's Ring Size

From borrowing one of their rings to asking a friend, there are several ways you can secretly find out your partner’s ring size without ruining the surprise. 

One way to determine their ring size is to use a piece of string and compare the sizing to the chart below. Ensure that it’s not too tight or too loose to achieve a snug yet comfortable fit. If you want to keep it a secret and your partner is a deep sleeper, late at night could be the perfect time to grab a length of string and take their measurement.

If you’re completely unable to find out your partner’s ring size, take a guess (you can always resize your ring if you need to - more on that later). The average ring size for a woman is a size M or a T for men, so this could be a great place to start. Alternatively, if any of your fingers are of a similar size to your partner’s ring finger, use the string technique on yourself to get a rough estimate of the size. 

And if all else fails, ask one of your partner’s friends to find out their ring size for you! 

How To Get Your Engagement Ring Resized

Most engagement rings can be resized as long as they are made from a metal that a jeweller can work with. However, if your engagement ring is fully diamond encrusted, it will be harder to resize due to the stones being set all the way around the band, so there is little to no plain metal to work with. 

To make a ring smaller, the jeweller will cut away a piece of the band and then solder it back together before polishing and making it look as good as new. However, making a ring larger can be more complicated as it involves adding in an extra piece of metal before soldering, cleaning and polishing. 

At Hatton Jewellers, we offer jewellery resizing at our Chelmsford showroom. Read our jewellery resizing guide to learn more. 

How Long Does It Take To Get Your Engagement Ring Resized? 

This can depend greatly on the jeweller you choose. However, if the job is simple, it can often be resized in as little as an hour. It is always best to speak to your jeweller to get an accurate turnaround time. 

Where Can I Find A Unique Engagement Ring?

Your partner is one of a kind, and you want an engagement ring that reflects that. With the wide variety of rings available, you’re bound to find the perfect piece to suit their personality and the love you share. However, if you want a ring that absolutely no one else has, putting a spin on a design with some customisation may be the right choice for you.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software is a modern design tool used in the jewelling industry to create 2D and 3D images of a piece of jewellery before it’s made, allowing you to make small alterations much more easily.

We’re proud to use CAD software at our Chelmsford showroom and workshop to help you design the best possible ring for your beloved. Want a band with a different setting or stone? With CAD and our team of expert jewellers, we can help.

How Much Do Engagement Rings Cost?

Looking to propose to your significant other but unsure how much you should spend? Although choosing something your partner will love is of primary importance, knowing what to spend and having a realistic budget is key! While three months’ salary is tradition, if you’re also looking to spend money on other factors to build a future together, such as a house, one month’s salary may be more realistic.

If three months' salary is a little out of your budget, but one month doesn’t feel like enough to purchase your perfect ring, split the difference and spend a little more. Truly, there is no set-in-stone amount you should spend on your engagement ring, so buy what you can afford and what your other half is sure to adore. 

Can You Buy An Engagement Ring On Finance? 

Buying an engagement ring on finance is a great option to affordably buy your partner’s dream diamond ring. Interest-free finance will allow you to spread the cost of your engagement ring over a period of time that best suits you without incurring additional costs. 

There are, however, some important considerations to think about when buying jewellery on finance. From staying within your budget to choosing the best repayment period, always ensure the finance option you choose is the most suitable option.

At Hatton Jewellers, we offer multiple finance options, including Klarna and humm, so you can choose a payment method that works.

How To Buy An Engagement Ring Online

Buying an engagement ring is likely to be one of the biggest purchases you make, so ensure that you choose a reputable jeweller when buying an engagement ring online. There are several ways you can spot a trustworthy online jeweller, from reviews to accreditation - and always ensure you thoroughly check the website you’re buying from. 

Here at Hatton Jewellers, you can find the Assay Assured logo on all of our product listings. Alternatively, use the Assay Assured retailer search or locate your chosen jewellers’ Assay Assured certificate to make sure the company is credible before completing your purchase.

Should I Insure My Engagement Ring?

Your engagement ring is extremely precious, and you’ve likely spent a considerable amount of money on it. For that reason, we advise having it insured in the case of loss, damage or theft. At Hatton Jewellers, we’ll give you a full insurance valuation with your engagement ring to help you - our blog on how to insure your jewellery has further guidance. 

How To Clean Your Engagement Ring At Home

Taking your ring to a professional cleaner is always recommended for the best results, especially with delicate antique rings. However, it is possible to maintain your engagement ring’s sparkle with home remedies too. Ensure you don’t use harsh materials when cleaning your jewellery, as this could easily lead to scratching or damaging the item. 

Our Managing Director, Robert Cuomo, recommends “getting jewellery cleaned at least every six months, either professionally or at home, to keep it looking new.

“Also, regularly check for warning signs of vulnerability in your jewellery, such as checking for loose stones or prongs. This may prevent the need to spend more money to replace lost stones later down the line.”

How To Clean Diamonds

• Get a small bowl of warm water and mix it with any mild liquid detergent.
• Brush your jewellery gently with a small soft-bristled toothbrush, taking care not to scratch the metal or diamond.
• Rinse thoroughly under water and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
• Use a quick dip liquid jewellery cleaner to keep your diamond jewellery shiny.

How To Care For Your Engagement Ring

Removing your ring when doing any of the following activities will not only help to keep your ring safe but also avoid any damage;

• Washing your hands or taking a bath or shower - submerging your ring in water or exposing it to products like shower gel and shampoo could cause it to dull.
• Cleaning and washing up, as the chemicals in harsher cleaning products can be damaging.
• Swimming - both salt water and chlorine can be corrosive to your jewellery.
• Exercising – while this isn’t a particularly significant issue with rings, they may still get scratched during a workout.
• Gardening or outdoor activities - small rocks can be abrasive and permanently damage the appearance if marked. Damage to gemstones or diamonds can be costly to repair and can even be irreversible.

It’s also important that, when you’re not wearing your engagement ring, you store it in a clean, dust-free location such as the box the ring came in or a jewellery box with a soft lining. It’s also a good idea to store your ring at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.

Read our guide to cleaning and caring for jewellery for further tips to maintain your engagement ring’s stunning shine. 

Where Did The Tradition Of Engagement Rings Come From?

The tradition of engagement rings was first established back in 850 AD in Ancient Rome when Pope Nicholas stated that the ring represents a man’s intent to marry. Although, at the time, engagement rings weren’t the sparkling gems we see today, they quickly grew in popularity and, by the Middle Ages, were encrusted with diamonds. 

As the tradition grew, so did the popularity amongst the wealthier upper class. Following the industrial revolution, there was a huge increase in jewellery production, specifically the production of engagement rings. While diamonds are still a popular choice today, more and more people are opting for coloured gemstone engagement rings for a more unique option. 

To find out more about the vast history of engagement rings, check out our blog.

What Hand And Finger Do You Wear Your Engagement Ring On?

Traditionally, engagement rings are worn on your left hand and ring finger, which is the finger directly next to the little finger. This tradition dates back to ancient times when it was believed that there was a vein running from your ring finger to your heart. Although this was found to be untrue, the tradition stayed. 

However, during the Victorian era, the engagement ring most commonly worn on the right hand was later transferred during the wedding ceremony to the left hand. 

How To Choose An Engagement Ring For A Man

Choosing a man's engagement ring can be a challenge, but by considering his personal style, you will be able to find the perfect fit. From simple band styles to unique diamond rings, there are fewer traditions when it comes to men’s engagement rings which means you can truly find something that will match his personality. 

To find out more about men’s engagement rings, take a look at our men’s engagement rings guide. 

Do You Wear Your Engagement Ring On Your Wedding Day?

There are several options when it comes to deciding if you want to wear your engagement ring on your wedding day. 

Not wearing your engagement ring will mean that your finger will be bare for your wedding ring. However, an engagement ring is often too beautiful not to wear on your wedding day. 

You could swap your engagement ring to your right hand until the ceremony has finished, sitting it on top of your wedding band after the wedding. It’s also a popular option not to change a thing. It is very common for the engagement ring to stay on the ring finger during the ceremony. Although it is traditional for the wedding band to sit underneath the engagement ring — closer to the heart — this can easily be swapped over later in the day. 

What Is The Difference Between A Promise Ring & An Engagement Ring?

While engagement rings specifically insinuate a commitment to getting married and the idea that you are actively planning a wedding, promise rings can represent any special meaning or commitment that you want to deliver. 

Although not an engagement ring, promise rings are still extremely symbolic. They can also be used as a public display of commitment to your partner. Consequently, the main difference between a promise ring and an engagement ring is your intent and plan to marry.

Do You Need An Engagement Ring To Propose? 

Using an engagement ring to propose is tradition. However, the way people are popping the question is continuously evolving. There are numerous substitutes you can use instead of a traditional engagement ring. 

Perhaps your partner doesn’t like the sensation of rings on their fingers, and another piece of jewellery might be more comfortable for them. An engagement bracelet, engagement necklace or even engagement earrings could be beautiful and unique choices.

Want to challenge tradition with substitutes for engagement rings? Take a look at our guide. 

Purchase the perfect engagement ring or engagement jewellery with Hatton Jewellers today and pop the question with confidence. Got any questions? Get in touch with our jewellery experts.