You are reaching a new important life milestone - the proposal. Planning the big day, the right moment and setting can be daunting at best. Choosing the perfect diamond engagement ring for your partner is arguably the most important part of the whole proposition. The ring is a symbol of everlasting love shared between you both, and is designed to be shown off to family and friends as you announce your wonderful news.

We understand an informed decision is usually the best kind, which is why our experts are here to assist with any questions you may have when searching for the perfect engagement ring.

How much should I spend on an engagement ring?

A few myths surround the amount you are expected to spend on an engagement ring, with the age-old traditional rule being that you should spend between one to three month’s wages. However, there is no correct answer as to how much you should spend on an engagement ring. Just like the ring itself, this should be a completely personal choice, based on the type of ring you are searching for and ultimately how much you feel comfortable spending.

What should I consider when choosing an engagement ring?

It is true, there is nothing more alluring and beautiful than a diamond ring, however, choosing the perfect match for your partner should be carefully considered and a personal experience. You should ask yourself a few key questions about your partner before beginning your search - after all, you will want to create the design of their dreams.

What jewelry do they wear?

The type of jewelry your partner currently wears, if any at all, is a key indicator to their personal style. For those who like to swap and change their accessories based on trends opt for a traditional engagement ring, such as the classic solitaire or princess cut, which will work with every look they pull together. If your partner wears the same jewelry every day, you can opt for a slightly more creative design in their preferred precious metal type.

How active are they?

If you are concerned about the diamond ring getting lost or damaged, it is important to consider how active your partner is. Those who tend to be very active are advised to opt for a classic solitaire in a bezel setting for added security. You should consider the diamond carat, the larger the gemstone the more likely it is to get lost or damaged. Equally, those who are less or moderately active could choose a larger stone or unique shape.

Do you know their ring size?

Those who plan a surprise proposal may find themselves with the tricky prospect of finding a ring that fits. If you are lucky enough to know your partner's ring size, there should be no problem, but if not, why not try “borrowing” a ring which they already wear as a guide. For example, if you borrow a ring which they wear on their middle finger, simply go down a size or two to find the correct fit for their ring finger. Another way to find out is to simply ask - try dropping the question casually, for example, when you are near a jewelry store.

How do I choose the best diamond for my budget?

Diamonds are one of the most sought-after gemstones on the planet. It is important to remember that both style and substance are paramount when it comes to choosing your perfect diamond. For example, there is no point in choosing a beautiful jewelry design if you then select a diamond which is low in quality. We advise selecting the highest quality diamond for your budget and one which complements your chosen design. Things to consider are the all-important 4 C’s:

Carat - the weight of the diamond, the larger the carat the heavier the diamond.

Clarity - the assessment of imperfections within and on the surface of the diamond, those with the least defects have a higher clarity grading.

Cut - how well the diamond has been cut, proportional well-cut diamonds deliver the highest amount of sparkle.

Colour - the color of the diamond which ranges from clear (desirable) to a brown or yellow tone (undesirable). The color grading scale ranges from D-Z with D considered the clearest diamond.

Visit our diamond education guide to discover more about diamonds.

What should I consider when choosing band material?

Yellow, white, rose gold and platinum - there are so many choices when it comes to selecting the band material for your beautiful ring. Precious metals have different qualities and properties which are important to consider. However, most people will already have a preference to metal type and may wish to match their engagement ring to their other favorite jewelry pieces.

Platinum - a durable metal which pairs perfectly with diamonds and colored gems.

Yellow gold - a traditional precious metal great for those who tend to wear gold jewelry every day.

White gold - possibly the most popular gold metal type due to it’s elegant and versatile tone.

Rose gold - a fashionable metal which has become increasingly popular due to it’s pretty blush hue.

If you are still unsure, platinum is a great option due to its versatile tone and durability. Find out more with our metal guide.

How long does it take to get an engagement ring?

Once you have imagined the diamond engagement ring of their dreams, you may be wondering how long you will have to wait until you see the finished product. On average it can take anywhere from two to six weeks, depending on the complexity of the ring design, for the jeweller to finalise everything. However, this is something which should be checked beforehand with your jewelry provider. When you receive the ring, all that is left to do is to propose - no matter how you choose to do it just make sure you make it unique, personal and most of all memorable.

Discover our selection of diamond engagement rings for further inspiration.