How to Choose an Engagement Ring: A Step-by-Step Guide from Hatton Garden

You have found the person you want to spend your life with. Now comes the part that surprises most people — choosing the ring can feel just as nerve-wracking as the proposal itself. With hundreds of styles, metals, and stone options, where do you even start?

This guide covers everything you need to know to choose the perfect engagement ring: your budget, stone shape, setting style, metal choice, sizing, and where to buy. By the end, you'll understand how to choose an engagement ring that's uniquely yours — and that your partner will treasure for a lifetime.

Step 1 — Set Your Budget (and Ignore the Old Rules)

Here is something that might surprise you: the idea that you should spend three months of salary on an engagement ring is not ancient tradition. It is a marketing campaign. In the 1940s, the diamond industry created this rule to boost sales, and it has stuck around for decades. But it is not a rule you need to follow.

In the UK, couples spend widely varying amounts. Natural diamond engagement rings typically start around GBP 1,500, while lab-grown diamond rings begin from around GBP 500. The average UK spend falls between GBP 1,800 and GBP 2,500, though some spend far less and others spend significantly more.

Our advice? Decide on a budget that feels comfortable for you and your family - not one dictated by a 1940s marketing slogan. A smaller natural diamond might be exactly right for one couple, while another couple prefers a larger lab-grown diamond at a lower price point. The choice is entirely yours. What matters is that you are investing in a ring you will both love, within a budget that does not cause stress.

Step 2 — Choose Your Stone

Diamond (Natural vs Lab-Grown)

Both natural and lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical and equally durable. The key difference is origin: natural diamonds form over billions of years in the Earth, while lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory in weeks. Lab-grown diamonds are typically 30–50% less expensive than natural diamonds of comparable quality. For a comprehensive comparison of the two, see our dedicated blog post on lab-grown vs natural diamonds.

Coloured Gemstones

Coloured gemstones have become increasingly popular over recent years. Sapphires, rubies, and emeralds offer a beautiful alternative to diamonds. In 2026, teal sapphires are especially trendy — offering a sophisticated, unique look. It's worth noting that Princess Diana's iconic sapphire engagement ring helped spark this trend decades ago, and it remains a timeless choice for those seeking something distinctly personal.

Shape Matters

The shape of your stone has a huge impact on the overall look of your ring. Here are the most popular shapes:

• Round Brilliant: The most popular choice, offering maximum sparkle and light return. Timeless and versatile with any setting.

• Oval: Accounts for roughly 33% of UK engagement ring sales. Oval-cut stones appear larger per carat and elongate the finger beautifully.

• Princess (Square): Modern and geometric, with clean lines. Popular with contemporary couples seeking a more angular aesthetic.

• Pear and Marquise: Elongate the finger and offer a distinctive, romantic shape. Less common, but striking.

• Emerald Cut: Sophisticated and vintage-inspired. Features step-cut facets that showcase the stone's clarity and colour.

• Cushion Cut: Soft, rounded corners combined with larger facets. Romantic and increasingly popular in the UK in 2026.

Step 3 — Pick Your Setting Style

Solitaire

A single stone on a simple band. The ultimate classic. A solitaire setting lets your chosen stone take centre stage without distraction, making it the most timeless option. It works beautifully with diamonds and coloured gemstones alike.

Halo

A circle of smaller diamonds surrounds your centre stone, making it appear larger and adding extra sparkle. Halo settings are glamorous, eye-catching, and very popular with couples seeking maximum visual impact.

Pavé / Channel

Smaller diamonds are set into the band itself, either in a continuous channel or scattered across the band in a pavé style. This adds significant sparkle and glamour while keeping the focus on the centre stone.

Three-Stone

A centre stone flanked by two smaller stones on either side. Three-stone rings carry symbolic meaning: past, present, and future. They offer balance, symmetry, and a more substantial look than a solitaire.

Bezel / Rub-Over

The stone is surrounded by a metal rim rather than held in a prong setting. This creates a modern, streamlined look and is extremely secure — ideal for active lifestyles. Bezel settings are trending in the UK in 2026, especially for couples who work with their hands or lead active lives.

Step 4 — Choose Your Metal

The metal you choose affects both the look and longevity of your ring:

Tip: Consider your partner's skin tone when choosing between metals. Warm skin tones tend to suit yellow and rose gold, while cool skin tones are flattered by platinum and white gold. Also think about their lifestyle - an active lifestyle is best paired with platinum or a bezel setting for maximum security.

Step 5 — Get the Size Right

Getting the ring size right is crucial. The average UK women's ring size is L or M (equivalent to US size 6). But ring sizes vary significantly, and you will not know for certain until you have it properly sized.

If you do not know your partner's ring size, here are three discreet ways to find out:

1. Borrow a ring: Borrow a ring they currently wear on their ring finger and take it to a jeweller to be sized. This is the most reliable method.

2. Trace the ring: If you cannot borrow the ring, place it on a piece of white paper and trace the inside circle. Bring this to your jeweller to size.

3. Ask a close friend or family member: A sibling, parent, or close friend may know, or could discreetly ask your partner without raising suspicion.

Good news: if you get the size slightly wrong, all Hearts Forever bespoke rings can be resized after the proposal. So do not stress if you are off by half a size or so.

Step 6 — Bespoke vs Ready-Made

Ready-Made Rings

Ready-made rings are perfect if you have a clear idea of what you want. You can see exactly what you're getting, take it home immediately (or within days), and often benefit from competitive pricing. This is an excellent option for couples with a clear vision and a tight timeline.

Bespoke Rings

With a bespoke ring, you design from scratch with our expert goldsmiths. You choose your exact stone, setting, metal, and any special details. Bespoke rings typically take 3–6 weeks to create and are often the same price, or very similar, to a ready-made ring of equivalent quality — but they're completely personalised. It's the ultimate way to create something unique for your partner.

Hearts Forever offers both ready-made and bespoke rings, with an online design tool for quick exploration and in-showroom consultations for a more hands-on experience.

What to Look for When You Buy

When you're ready to buy, here are the key things to check:

• Grading Certificate: Always ask for a grading certificate from a reputable institution like GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI (International Gemological Institute). This documents the stone's characteristics and ensures you're getting what you're paying for.

• Hallmark: Check that the metal is properly hallmarked. UK hallmarks indicate the purity of the metal — 750 for 18ct gold, 950 for platinum, etc.

• Return and Resize Policy: Ask about the jeweller's return policy and whether resizing is included or available if needed.

• Reputable Jeweller: Buy from a jeweller with a track record and, ideally, one who has their own craftspeople on site. This ensures quality and gives you recourse if something goes wrong.

• Beware of "Too Good to Be True": If a price seems significantly lower than comparable rings elsewhere, ask why. It could be lab-grown (legitimate) or it could mean compromised quality or authenticity.

Choosing Your Ring

Choosing an engagement ring is one of the most personal purchases you'll ever make. There is no "wrong" answer — only the one that feels right for your partner and your relationship. Trust your instincts, ignore outdated rules, and invest in a ring that brings joy every time it's worn.

Come and see us at our Hatton Garden showroom. No pressure, no hard sell — just expert advice, beautiful rings, and a warm welcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much should I spend on an engagement ring in the UK?

There is no "right" amount. The 3-month salary rule is a 1940s marketing invention. In the UK, couples typically spend between GBP 1,800 and GBP 2,500, though this varies widely. Set a budget that feels comfortable for you, not one dictated by tradition.

2. What is the most popular engagement ring style in 2026?

The oval cut continues to be very popular (accounting for around 33% of UK sales), followed by round brilliant. Solitaire settings remain the most timeless choice, though bezel settings are trending for their modern security and aesthetic.

3. Should I choose a lab-grown or natural diamond?

Both are chemically identical and equally durable. Lab-grown diamonds are typically 30-50% less expensive. The choice comes down to personal preference and budget. For a detailed comparison, see our dedicated lab-grown vs natural diamonds blog post.

4. What metal is best for an engagement ring?

Platinum is the most durable and requires no re-plating, but it is the most expensive. 18ct gold offers excellent durability and comes in beautiful colours (white, yellow, rose). Choose based on your lifestyle, skin tone, and budget.

5. How do I find out my partner's ring size without them knowing?

The most reliable method is to borrow a ring they wear on that finger and have it sized at a jeweller. Alternatively, trace the inside of the ring on paper, or discreetly ask a close friend or family member.

6. How long does a bespoke engagement ring take at Hearts Forever?

Bespoke rings typically take 3-6 weeks from the time of your consultation. We offer a free consultation to discuss your vision, and our goldsmiths will create a ring that is uniquely yours.