How To Choose An Engagement Ring

Set your budget
Some people may tell you that you should spend one month’s salary or more on an engagement ring, but at Ingle & Rhode, we believe that you should spend whatever you feel is affordable and appropriate.

We create custom-made engagement rings to each client's specifications and budget, with prices starting from under £1,000.

Choose the diamonds or coloured gemstones
Diamonds are the most popular choice for engagement rings, though you may also wish to consider coloured gemstones.  Sapphire engagement rings and ruby engagement rings are also very popular.

Choosing the right gem or gems is very important, and often the biggest factor in determining the price of an engagement ring. All gems are valued according to their weight (carats) and their quality (colour, clarity and cut). You can learn more about The Four C's on our diamond grading page.

At Ingle & Rhode, we source only traceable ethical diamonds and ethical gemstones.

Follow the links below for information about some of the most popular shapes of diamonds used in engagement rings:

• Round brilliant cut diamond engagement rings
• Princess cut diamond engagement rings
• Emerald cut diamond engagement rings
• Radiant cut diamond engagement rings
• Cushion cut diamond engagement rings
• Oval cut diamond engagement rings
• Marquise cut diamond engagement rings
• Pear cut diamond engagement rings 

Choose the precious metal

There are three main options for you to consider:

• Yellow gold engagement rings
• White gold engagement rings
• Platinum engagement rings

At Ingle & Rhode, we use only fair trade gold and ethical platinum.

Choose the style
Will you go for a classic solitaire (set with a single gemstone), or a three-stone (or trilogy) ring?  Or perhaps you should go for a more elaborate, vintage-style ring, influenced by Victorian engagement rings, Edwardian engagement rings, or Art Deco engagement rings?

If you are designing the ring without your partner, pay attention if they point out types of rings in magazines or shops. These helpful little hints can help us create the perfect bespoke design with you.

A key aspect of any engagement ring design is the style of setting used to secure diamonds or other gemstones. Follow the links below for more information about some of the most popular settings:

• Claw set engagement rings - also known as prong set engagement rings
• Rub-over set engagement rings - also known as bezel set engagement rings
• Channel set engagement rings
• Pavé set engagement rings
• Tension set engagement rings

Find out more
Please feel free to get in touch, if you have questions about any of the issues above, or if you would like to arrange for a complimentary bespoke jewellery consultation.