How to Choose an Engagement Ring: Complete Guide
We know an engagement ring is more than just a piece of jewellery — it’s a promise, a moment, and a memory in the making.
That’s why we’re here to help you get every detail right.
From styles and settings to what actually suits their hand, this guide is your starting point to finding the ring they’ll never want to take off.
How to Choose a Ring Setting
The design of an engagement ring is about more than looks - it's about personality, lifestyle, and lasting appeal.
No matter if they lean minimalist or love a bit of sparkle, the right design should feel like them from every angle.
SOLITAIRE RINGS
A single diamond, no distractions. Solitaires are timeless and elegant - perfect for someone who values simplicity and wants their diamond to take centre stage.
SHOP SOLITAIRE
HALO RINGS
A centre stone surrounded by smaller diamonds. Halo rings give extra sparkle and make the main diamond look bigger. Great for someone who loves drama and shine.
SHOP HALO
THREE STONE RINGS
A centre stone flanked by two side stones, often representing the past, present, and future. Romantic and full of meaning.
SHOP THREE STONE
CLUSTER RINGS
For someone who doesn’t want what everyone else has, cluster or vintage-inspired rings bring artful detail, texture, and vintage charm.
SHOP CLUSTER
Fraser Hart Tip
Everyday wear plays a big role in choosing the right setting.
For someone who uses their hands often or prefers a low-maintenance style, a solitaire or three-stone ring offers practicality without compromising on elegance. Cluster or halo designs bring more sparkle, but they may need a bit more care and attention to keep them looking their best.
How to Choose a Diamond Cut & Shape
Cut and shape are often confused — but they play very different roles.
Shape is the outline of the diamond (like round, oval, or emerald), while cut is all about how well it reflects light.
PEAR
A mix between a round and marquise shape, pear diamonds feel delicate and unique. They also create a slimming effect on the finger.
SHOP PEAR SHAPED
OVAL
Elegant and elongating. An oval diamond gives you more surface area than a round of the same carat, so it can look bigger. Soft curves make it feel both modern and romantic.
SHOP OVAL SHAPED
PRINCESS CUT
Modern and bold. This square shape is sharp and full of fire. It’s ideal if they like clean lines and a more contemporary look.
SHOP PRINCESS CUT
ROUND BRILLIANT
The classic. This shape has the most sparkle thanks to its 58 facets. It’s symmetrical, timeless, and suits just about everyone.
SHOP ROUND BRILLIANT
EMERALD CUT
Understated and vintage-inspired. With step-cut facets and a clear surface, this shape shows off clarity more than sparkle. Perfect for someone with a love for old-school elegance.
SHOP EMERALD CUT
CUSHION CUT
Soft and romantic. This square shape has rounded corners and chunky sparkle — think vintage with a cosy feel.
SHOP CUSHION CUT
Fraser Hart Tip
Think about the kind of diamond shape they’d love to wear every day.
Would they go for the dramatic sparkle of a round brilliant? The clean, vintage edge of an emerald cut? Or something soft and classic like an oval? Your setting plays a big role in how the diamond shines — and how it fits their style.
How to Choose the Best Metal for Your Engagement Ring
The metal you choose changes the entire look of the ring - and how it wears over time. Some metals are more durable, some warmer in tone, and some better suited to certain skin types or diamond colours.
WHITE GOLD
White gold has a similar look to platinum but is lighter and more affordable. It’s rhodium-plated for shine but may need re-plating with wear.
SHOP WHITE GOLD
PLATINUM
Platinum is bright, naturally white, and incredibly strong. It’s hypoallergenic and won’t fade over time, making it perfect for everyday wear and long-term durability.
SHOP PLATINUM
YELLOW GOLD
Yellow gold is the most traditional option. Warm and rich, it pairs well with classic cuts adding a soft glow that feels timeless.
SHOP YELLOW GOLD
ROSE GOLD
Rose gold has a soft, romantic feel and a slightly pink hue. It’s become popular for those wanting a modern-yet-timeless look.
SHOP ROSE GOLD
Fraser Hart Tip
Think about what your partner already wears - do they lean silver or gold?
Do they want something low-maintenance or love a warmer tone? Your choice of metal should reflect their style and their lifestyle.
How to Choose Between Lab-Grown and Mined Diamonds
Both lab-grown and mined diamonds are real diamonds - chemically and visually identical. The difference lies in their origin.
Lab-grown diamonds are created above ground in controlled conditions. They’re a modern, more affordable option with a smaller environmental footprint. You can often go bigger for your budget.
Mined diamonds form naturally over billions of years. Many people love them for their rarity, traditional value, and the idea of something formed deep within the earth.
There’s no right or wrong choice - it’s all about what feels meaningful to you. Same sparkle. Different story.
Understanding Diamond Quality: The 4 C's
The 4 Cs are the global standard for judging a diamond’s quality and understanding them helps you make a smarter choice for your budget.
Cut is what gives a diamond its sparkle. A well-cut diamond reflects light brilliantly. Poorly cut diamonds, no matter how big, can look dull. Always prioritise cut for maximum shine.
Colour refers to how white or colourless a diamond appears. The scale runs from D (colourless) to Z (noticeable yellow tint). Most people choose something in the near-colourless range (G–I), where the diamond still looks bright but offers better value.
Clarity measures how many internal or surface imperfections (called inclusions or blemishes) a diamond has. Most are too tiny to see without magnification. Aim for eye-clean stones - they look flawless without paying for perfection.
Carat is the diamond’s weight — but don’t let it fool you. A higher carat doesn’t always mean a bigger-looking diamond. Shape, cut, and setting all play a role in visual size.
Focus on what matters most to you. Want sparkle? Go for a great cut. Want size? Consider an oval or cushion shape to maximise spread. There’s no one perfect combo - just what works for your priorities and budget.
How to Get the Engagement Ring Size Right
Getting the size right can feel like a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. If they already wear a ring on their left-hand ring finger, bring it in or trace it - it’s an easy way to match the size. If you are choosing the engagement ring together, you can pop into any of our stores and we’ll be happy to measure their finger for the perfect fit.
For at-home help, our Ring Size Guide has a sizing chart, a printable guide, and tips for keeping the surprise. If the fit isn’t quite right, we offer exchanges for unworn rings - so you can get it just right without the stress.
Not Ready for the Final Ring? Consider a Promise Ring
Choosing the perfect engagement ring takes time and sometimes, the timing isn’t quite right. That’s where promise rings come in. They’re a meaningful way to show your commitment while giving you both space to choose the forever ring later.
Promise rings come in all styles, from simple diamond bands to more personal designs. They’re ideal if you’re planning a proposal but still want to pick the final ring together.
It’s not about doing things halfway - it’s about celebrating your moment, your way.
Find Your Perfect Engagement Ring at Fraser Hart
At Fraser Hart, we’re more than just a place to find the perfect engagement ring - we’re here to guide you every step of the way. From expert advice and personalised support in-store, to flexible finance options like interest-free credit, we make it easy to choose with confidence.
Ready to take the next step?