How to Choose an Engagement Ring
Choosing an engagement ring is a moment filled with excitement, anticipation and significance. Yet with so many styles, gemstones and design considerations, it can understandably feel overwhelming.
Selecting a ring should be a grounded, joyful process — one guided by knowledge, intention and craftsmanship. An engagement ring is not just for the moment of proposal; it is a piece that will be worn every day, carry meaning throughout a lifetime, and eventually become part of a family story.
This guide shares thoughtful considerations to help you choose an engagement ring with confidence and clarity.
Start With Their Lifestyle
Before thinking about stone shape or metal colour, consider how your partner moves through their day. An engagement ring should feel natural to wear — something that fits seamlessly into their life.
Do they work with their hands or lead an active lifestyle? Are they often outdoors, or do they gravitate toward fine, delicate jewellery? Some people feel most comfortable wearing bold statement pieces, while others prefer something understated and timeless.
Lifestyle influences everything from diamond selection to setting height and band design. A lower-set diamond may suit someone with an active routine, while a slimmer band or classic silhouette often appeals to those drawn to refined jewellery. When a ring reflects how it will be worn every day, it becomes not just beautiful, but truly personal.
Natural Diamonds
Natural diamonds remain the most traditional and meaningful choice — treasured for their rarity, brilliance and long-term value. Formed over billions of years, they hold emotional and heirloom significance.
About lab-grown diamonds:
Many clients are curious about the difference. Lab-grown stones are created in controlled environments and are not equivalent in rarity, value retention or heritage. For couples seeking an investment in sentiment, longevity and natural formation, natural diamonds continue to be the gold standard — which is why we work exclusively with them.
Learn the 4Cs
Coloured Gemstones
For something personal or expressive, sapphires, emeralds, rubies and aquamarines offer remarkable individuality. Their vibrancy and character make them beautiful alternatives to diamond-centred designs.
There is no “right” choice — only the one that feels true to your story.
Choose a Setting That Complements the Stone
The setting shapes both the character and longevity of an engagement ring. It influences how the diamond is presented, how the ring feels on the hand, and how it stands up to everyday wear.
Classic solitaires offer timeless elegance, allowing the stone to take centre stage. Halo designs add presence and light, while three-stone settings carry symbolic meaning. Bezel settings provide a more contemporary feel and offer added protection, making them well suited to active lifestyles. Raised or cathedral settings beautifully elevate the diamond, enhancing its visual impact.
The right setting should feel balanced — enhancing the beauty of the stone while supporting comfort, durability and wearability over time.
Select the Right Metal for a Lifetime
Your metal choice influences colour, durability and maintenance.
Platinum | Naturally white, strong, hypoallergenic — ideal for longevity.
18ct Yellow Gold | Warm, classic and beautifully suited to many skin tones and diamond shapes.
18ct White Gold | Bright and polished, with rhodium plating required periodically to maintain its whiteness.
18ct Rose Gold | Romantic and contemporary, flattering across a range of skin tones.
Most couples naturally gravitate toward metals that complement the jewellery they already wear.
Consider How It Will Pair With a Wedding Band
An engagement ring is only one part of a lifelong pairing. How it will sit alongside a wedding band is an important consideration from the outset.
Our bespoke designers consider proportion, profile and setting height to ensure both rings work together harmoniously. Whether you prefer a seamless, flush fit or a more layered look, planning ahead allows the engagement ring and wedding band to complement one another — visually and practically — for years to come.
Thoughtful planning ensures the pair feels considered, cohesive and comfortable when worn every day.
Planning ahead ensures the pair sits beautifully and comfortably together.
Choose With Meaning, Not Momentum
An engagement ring isn’t about trends — it’s about identity, longevity and sentiment.
Consider:
• their personality
• how they’ll wear the ring every day
• how it will look in 10, 20, 40 years
• what the ring represents for your relationship
• the legacy it begins
The most meaningful ring is the one that reflects the person you love — and the life you’re building together.
Crafted With Intention. Designed for Life.
Every engagement ring at James Thredgold is crafted with care, precision and respect for its significance.
Whether you choose a ready-made ring or begin a bespoke design, our team guides you through every step — ensuring the process feels considered, confident and memorable.