How to Choose an Engagement Ring

It's simpler than it seems. Most of it comes down to knowing what they wear, what catches their eye, and what feels right for the two of you.

Start with Their Style

The setting is what gives the ring its character. Think about the jewellery they already wear — minimal and clean, or detailed and expressive — and let that guide you.

Solitaire engagement ring

Solitaire

A single diamond, nothing competing for attention. The most timeless choice — and the one that lets the stone speak for itself.

Halo engagement ring

Halo

A circle of smaller diamonds around the centre stone. Adds presence and brilliance without increasing the carat weight.

Side stone engagement ring

Side Stone

Diamonds set along the band, framing the centre. A refined way to add detail while keeping the design elegant.

Three stone engagement ring

Three Stone

A centre diamond flanked by two smaller stones. Balanced, symbolic, and striking without being ornate.

Hidden halo engagement ring

Hidden Halo

A ring of diamonds set beneath the centre stone, invisible from above. All the added sparkle, none of the visual bulk — quietly luxurious.

Shape and Presence

Diamond shape changes how the ring looks on the hand — its proportion, its sparkle, and its personality. There's no wrong answer here, only preference.

Round diamond shape

Round

Maximum brilliance. The most classic shape and the most forgiving — works beautifully in every setting.

Oval diamond shape

Oval

Elongated, modern, and flattering on the hand. Gives the impression of a larger stone for the same carat weight.

Cushion diamond shape

Cushion

Soft, rounded corners with a romantic warmth. A beautiful middle ground between classic and contemporary.

Pear diamond shape

Pear

A teardrop silhouette — graceful and distinctive. Elongates the finger and makes a quiet statement.

Emerald diamond shape

Emerald

Clean, architectural lines with a hall-of-mirrors effect. For someone drawn to understated sophistication.

Princess diamond shape

Princess

A square shape with sharp, modern edges. Bold brilliance in a geometric frame.

Metal and Everyday Wear

The metal sets the tone. Look at what they already wear — silver-toned jewellery usually points toward white gold or platinum, warmer pieces toward yellow or rose gold.

White Gold

Bright, modern, and versatile. Pairs naturally with diamonds. Requires occasional rhodium plating to maintain its finish.

Platinum

The most durable precious metal — naturally white, hypoallergenic, and holds its colour without replating. A premium choice for everyday wear.

Yellow Gold

Warm, classic, and enduring. The traditional choice that has never gone out of favour — and looks striking with every diamond shape.

Rose Gold

A warm blush tone with a softer, more romantic character. Distinctive without being loud.

What Affects the Price

Three things move the number more than anything else: the size of the diamond, the quality of the diamond, and whether it's natural or lab-grown. The setting style and metal have an effect too, but the stone is where most of the value sits.

Lab-grown engagement rings offer the same visual beauty with a meaningfully lower price for the same size and quality. It's a personal choice, not a compromise — and many of our customers choose them for exactly that reason.

There are no rules about what you should spend. The right budget is whatever feels comfortable for you.

Getting the Size Right

If you're planning a surprise, borrow a ring they already wear on a similar finger and measure the internal diameter. You can also ask someone close to them, or use a simple at-home measuring method — our Ring Size Guide walks you through it.

And if the size isn't perfect on the day — joolme offers free resizing within 60 days. The moment matters more than the millimetres.

Every ring at joolme is made to order, set by hand, and shipped with free delivery and a 30-day return policy. If you need guidance at any point, our team is here.