Engagement Ring buying guide
Are you preparing to surprise your loved one with a proposal? Make Laings your trusted partner for picking the perfect engagement ring. This guide provides a thorough introduction to the style, stone cut, colour and fit – in short, the key considerations in choosing a ring they will cherish forever as a symbol of your enduring love.
Step 1
Choosing the Engagement Ring Colour
Start by considering the colour of the jewellery your partner usually wears. Is it predominantly yellow gold or silver-coloured, or a mixture of both? If one metal colour dominates, ensure the engagement ring band matches so it integrates seamlessly with their other special accessories.
Gold Engagement Rings
Warm and alluring, yellow gold engagement rings are expressive and enduringly romantic. Imbued with a captivating glow, the gold naturally illuminates gemstones and pairs perfectly with traditional yellow gold wedding bands. Our rose gold engagement ring collection is a contemporary take on this classic, and the colour works well with yellow gold or silver jewellery.
You will also find white gold engagement rings at Laings. Timeless and elegant with an enigmatic shine, white gold is a great choice if you want the luxury of this precious metal in a neutral colourway. When rhodium plating is applied to white gold, it makes it more resistant to scratches than yellow gold.
Platinum Engagement Rings
If your partner prefers silver-coloured jewellery, platinum is an exceptional choice for their engagement ring. Its lustrous, bright-white hue and lasting shine add to its sophisticated radiance. Platinum engagement rings are also popular because the metal is resistant to most wear and tear, ideal for pieces designed to be worn daily.
Step 2
Selecting the Engagement Ring Style
Style is the biggest influence on the look of the engagement ring, so it is important to prioritise this to ensure the piece matches your partner's unique flair. We have a curated choice of ring styles to suit all tastes. Consider how the style of your engagement ring can dictate the shape of the wedding ring. If the stone extends past the edges of the band, you may need a curved wedding ring that follows the contours of the stone to ensure a comfortable fit.
Step 3
PICKING YOUR PRECIOUS GEMSTONE
Your engagement ring does not need to have a stone, but this is a traditional way to emphasise its significance and make the piece extra special. Each gemstone has individual properties that could impact your decision, as well as other factors like colour and meaning.
Diamond Engagement Rings
A diamond has been the most popular engagement ring stone for decades. Strong, captivating and charismatic, the precious gems represent everlasting love. Predominantly, these stones are varying degrees of colourless, but they occur in every shade of the rainbow from pink to black.
When choosing a diamond engagement ring, you should be guided by the 4 Cs of diamonds. These are the main characteristics of the gemstone that affect everything from appearance to price. Discover the 4 Cs below.
CARAT
Carat refers to the weight of a diamond and is one of the key factors in determining its overall size. While larger diamonds often carry a higher price tag due to their rarity, beauty isn’t defined by size alone. A well-cut, brilliantly sparkling diamond of any carat weight can be just as captivating. Ultimately, the perfect carat comes down to personal preference and finding the right balance between size, sparkle, and style.
CLARITY
This refers to the natural characteristics found within a diamond, often called inclusions. These tiny internal features are formed as the diamond develops deep within the Earth, making each stone truly unique. While flawless diamonds are exceptional, many diamonds contain inclusions that are only visible under magnification and do not affect their overall beauty. In fact, these inclusions can be seen as nature’s fingerprint, adding character and individuality to each gem.
COLOUR
White diamonds are judged on the absence of colour within the stone, from a D rating (completely colourless) to Z (a light hue). Most of our diamonds are near-colourless or higher to meet our meticulous standards.
CUT
The most important factor when choosing your diamond, the cut changes how light is refracted through the stone, influencing the radiance it projects.
Our yellow diamond engagement rings, some featuring certified fancy stones, are a striking option if you are looking for a design with undeniable character. Each Laings diamond is selected by experts for its fire, so only the best and brightest crown our engagement rings. Our lab-grown diamond rings are graded between D and F in colour and have exceptional clarity. They are more affordable than natural diamond designs.
Other Engagement Ring Stone Options
Sapphire engagement rings are an exquisite alternative if you want to depart from diamonds. Princess Diana famously choose a sapphire design as her engagement ring, which is worn by Kate Middleton to this day. Blue sapphires have enchanting depth and complement warm and cool metals. Pink sapphires are decidedly different and pair well with platinum and rose gold.
Step 4
Optimising the Engagement Ring Cut
Exploring the variety of diamond cuts is a rewarding experience, and while some distinctions may be subtle, understanding what sets each one apart can help you make a confident and informed choice. Speak to our team for advice on choosing the cut for your engagement ring and visit your nearest Laings showroom to view it in person.
Round Brilliant Cut
A top choice for diamond engagement rings with intense sparkle.
Discover Round Brilliant Cut Engagement Rings
Emerald Cut
The Art Deco shape conjures up images of decadence and romance.
Discover Emerald Cut Engagement Rings
Radiant Cut
For the elegance of an emerald cut with the brightness of a brilliant cut.
Discover Radiant Cut Engagement Rings
Oval Cut
A modern take on the round brilliant cut, but with a unique radiance.
Discover Oval Cut Engagement Rings
Marquise Cut
This rare regal cut, pointed at both ends, also elongates the finger.
Discover Marquise Cut Engagement Rings
Cushion Cut
The modern answer to the pillow-shaped mine-cut diamond.
Discover Cushion Cut Engagement Rings
Pear Cut
Known as the teardrop, this cut tapers to a point for an elongating effect.
Discover Pear Cut Engagement Rings
Princess Cut
A contemporary cut that enhances light dispersal through the diamond.
Discover Princess Cut Engagement RingsStep 5
ENSURING THE RIGHT SIZE AND FIT
Planning a surprise proposal brings a wonderful sense of anticipation, and selecting a ring that fits comfortably is an important part of making the moment perfect. Our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.
We recommend taking one of your partner's existing rings and using our ring size guide to find the corresponding size (J-Z). A ring-finger ring will give you the most accurate results, but middle-finger rings will be reasonably close. Bear in mind that the ring finger on the dominant hand is usually a size larger than the other, so pay attention to where they wear it! You could also confide in one of your partner's friends and ask them to do some digging on your behalf.
Concerned that choosing the right ring size might reveal your plans? Our experts are here to guide you in making an informed estimate, and if needed, you can take advantage of our complimentary resizing service after the proposal. Our skilled goldsmiths ensure any adjustments are seamless and discreet. If visiting a showroom is not convenient, we are happy to arrange a resize from the comfort of your home.
How Should an Engagement Ring Fit?
An engagement ring should slide smoothly over the knuckle and rest comfortably on the finger. A well-fitted ring feels secure without causing pressure or discomfort. For the most accurate fit, it is best to try on rings later in the day when your fingers are naturally warmer and slightly larger, this helps ensure lasting comfort throughout daily wear.
Step 6
Understanding engagement ring price
The materials used in an engagement ring play a significant role in determining its price. For example, a ring featuring a high-carat diamond with diamond-set shoulders will typically be more valuable than one with a sapphire centre stone and a plain band.
Our engagement rings span a range of price points, so we are confident you will find a ring you both adore within your budget. We also offer the option of Interest-Free Credit on certain products, so you can buy your ring with just a 10% deposit and spread the remaining cost.
There is no set rule for how much to spend on an engagement ring; what matters most is choosing a piece that feels meaningful and special to your partner. At Laings, we offer exceptional quality at every price point, ensuring you will find a ring that suits both your budget and your vision.
Simply share your budget with our experts, and we will guide you through a curated selection of beautiful options. You can also filter by price when browsing online, making it easy to explore rings that align with your preferences. Whether you are looking for timeless elegance or something more distinctive, we are here to help you find the perfect match.
Browse our engagement ring selection
Inspired to make your selection? Explore our curated collection online or in-store, and remember we're here to give expert guidance at any stage of your engagement ring journey.
