How to Choose an Engagement Ring: Complete Guide
Choosing an engagement ring is a moment unlike any other, and having the right knowledge makes all the difference.
This guide walks you through the essentials - diamond cuts and settings, precious metals, the 4Cs, sizing, and more - so you can feel informed and confident in your decision.
How to Choose a Ring Setting
The setting is one of the most important parts of an engagement ring. It affects how the diamond looks, how much it sparkles, and how practical the ring is for everyday wear.
Each style offers a different balance of simplicity, detail, and presence on the hand.
SOLITAIRE RINGS
A solitaire features a single diamond held in a simple setting. Its appeal lies in its timeless look and versatility - it works with every diamond shape and pairs easily with wedding bands. If you want the diamond itself to stand out, a solitaire is the most classic choice.
EXPLORE SOLITAIRE RINGS
HALO RINGS
The halo setting places a ring of smaller diamonds around the centre stone. This not only adds sparkle but can also make the main diamond look larger than its carat weight. It’s a style often chosen for maximum brilliance and presence.
EXPLORE HALO RINGS
THREE STONE RINGS
With three diamonds side by side, this setting is often seen as a symbol of past, present, and future. It offers more coverage on the finger than a solitaire and allows for combinations of diamond shapes, giving both meaning and impact.
EXPLORE THREE STONE RINGS
CLUSTER RINGS
A cluster groups several smaller diamonds together to form a detailed design. It can create unique shapes and patterns while giving the look of a larger stone at a more accessible price point. Many cluster rings also have a vintage feel, adding character to the design.
EXPLORE CLUSTER RINGS
Fraser Hart Tip
Consider both style and practicality.
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 teardrop-shaped diamond that combines round and marquise styles. Distinctive and flattering, it creates a slimming effect on the finger.
EXPLORE PEAR SHAPED
OVAL
An elongated shape that makes the diamond appear larger than its carat weight. Its soft curves give a modern look while flattering the finger.
EXPLORE OVAL SHAPED
PRINCESS CUT
A square shape with sharp, clean lines. Modern and full of fire, it’s a bold choice that offers brilliance with a contemporary edge.
EXPLORE PRINCESS CUT
ROUND BRILLIANT
The most popular diamond shape, known for maximum sparkle thanks to its 58 facets. Symmetrical and timeless, it suits almost any style.
EXPLORE ROUND BRILLIANT
EMERALD CUT
A rectangular step-cut with long, clear facets that create a hall-of-mirrors effect. Elegant and refined, it shows clarity beautifully and has a vintage appeal.
EXPLORE EMERALD CUT
CUSHION CUT
Soft and romantic. This square shape has rounded corners and chunky sparkle — think vintage with a cosy feel.
EXPLORE CUSHION CUT
Fraser Hart Tip
Cut and shape are often confused but mean very different things. Shape is the outline of the diamond - such as round, oval, or emerald.
Cut refers to how well the stone’s proportions and facets reflect light, which is what creates brilliance and sparkle. Both play an important role in how a ring looks and feels.
How to Choose the Best Metal for Your Engagement Ring
The metal you choose affects both the look and the durability of the ring. Some metals are bright and modern, others warm and traditional, and each has its own practical considerations for everyday wear.
WHITE GOLD
A bright, modern option with a similar look to platinum but lighter and more affordable. White gold is rhodium-plated for shine, though it may need occasional re-plating over time.
EXPLORE WHITE GOLD
PLATINUM
Naturally white, strong, and hypoallergenic. Platinum won’t fade or tarnish, making it ideal for daily wear and long-term durability.
EXPLORE PLATINUM
YELLOW GOLD
The most traditional choice, valued for its warm tone and timeless appeal. Yellow gold pairs especially well with classic diamond cuts and vintage-inspired designs.
EXPLORE YELLOW GOLD
ROSE GOLD
A distinctive option with a soft pink hue. Rose gold combines a modern feel with a sense of romance, making it popular for those seeking something different yet timeless.
EXPLORE ROSE GOLD
Fraser Hart Tip
Look at the jewellery your partner already wears. Do they lean towards silver tones or warmer shades?
Choosing a metal that matches their style will make the ring feel even more personal.
How to Choose Between Lab-Grown and Mined Diamonds
Both lab-grown and mined diamonds are real diamonds - chemically and visually identical. The only difference is where they come from.
Lab-grown diamonds are created above ground in controlled conditions. They’re a modern choice with a smaller environmental footprint and are often more affordable, meaning you can choose a larger stone within your budget.
Mined diamonds form naturally over billions of years. Many people value their rarity, heritage, and traditional significance as a symbol of lasting commitment.
There’s no right or wrong choice - it comes down to what feels most meaningful to you.
Understanding Diamond Quality: The 4 C's
The 4Cs - cut, colour, clarity and carat - are the global standard for judging diamond quality. Knowing how they work together helps you choose the best balance for your style and budget.
Cut is the most important of the 4Cs. Cut determines how well a diamond reflects light, and therefore how much it sparkles. A well-cut diamond will look bright and lively, even if it’s smaller in size.
Colour refers to how white or colourless a diamond appears. Diamonds are graded from D (colourless) to Z (noticeable yellow tint). Most people choose near-colourless grades like G–I, which still look bright but offer better value than the very top of the scale.
Clarity measures natural inclusions or blemishes inside the diamond. Most are invisible to the eye, so you don’t need a flawless grade. Aim for “eye-clean” diamonds, which look perfect without paying a premium.
Carat refers to weight, not size. Two diamonds of the same carat can look different depending on cut and shape. A larger carat adds presence, but cut and setting play just as big a role in appearance.
There’s no single right combination. Think about what matters most to you: sparkle, size, or value. The best choice is the diamond that feels perfect for your priorities.
How to Get the Engagement Ring Size Right
Getting the size right can feel daunting, but there are simple ways to make it easier. If your partner already wears a ring on their left-hand ring finger, use that as a reference. You can also visit a Fraser Hart store, where our experts will be happy to measure for the perfect fit.
For at-home help, our Ring Size Guide includes a printable chart, tips for discreet measuring, and advice on keeping the proposal a surprise.
Not Ready for the Final Ring? Consider a Promise Ring
Sometimes choosing the engagement ring itself takes time. A promise ring can be a meaningful way to show commitment while leaving space to choose the final design together later.
Promise rings are available in many styles, from simple diamond bands to more personal designs. They’re ideal if you want to celebrate the proposal now but prefer to pick the forever ring at a later stage.
Find Your Perfect Engagement Ring at Fraser Hart
An engagement ring is more than a piece of jewellery — it’s the beginning of a lifelong story. At Fraser Hart, we’re here to guide you with expert advice, trusted craftsmanship, and a collection that balances timeless classics with modern designs.
When you’re ready to take the next step, explore our engagement ring collection or book an appointment with one of our experts for personal guidance.