The Zelley 10 Step Guide to Choosing the Perfect Engagement Ring

Choosing an engagement ring is a momentous decision that combines personal taste, lifestyle considerations, and budget. Our Zelley Guide to Choosing the Perfect Engagement Ring takes you through the essential factors to consider in 10 easy steps, ensuring you find the perfect ring for your partner and your relationship.

1. A Surprise or a Joint Decision?

One of the first questions to consider when choosing an engagement ring is whether to make the decision yourself or involve your partner in the process. Both approaches have their merits. 

Choosing the ring yourself adds an element of surprise and shows your thoughtfulness and attention to her tastes. However, involving your partner ensures that she receives a ring she absolutely loves and feels comfortable wearing every day. Many modern couples opt for a middle ground by proposing with a temporary or token ring and then selecting the final ring together. This approach combines the romance of a surprise proposal with the practical benefits of joint decision-making, ensuring the ring is a perfect reflection of her personal style and your shared journey.

2. Know Your Partner’s Style

Even if you’re choosing the ring together, paying attention to the jewellery your partner already wears ensures you’ll make a wise investment. Do they prefer modern or vintage styles? Do they like white gold, yellow gold, or platinum? Consider their lifestyle – an active lifestyle may benefit from a lower setting or a more durable metal.

3. Focus on Ring Styles

You may think you don’t yet know what you like, but the chances are you already favour some styles over others. This can help to narrow down your choices. 

There are four popular styles of engagement ring to consider: Solitaire, Three Stone, Halo and rings with Coloured Gemstones.

Use your phone to search online for styles that catch your eye and screenshot any that stand out. When you collate the images, you’ll soon start to get an idea of the patterns in your preferences. Do you lean towards the timeless elegance of a solitaire, the balanced beauty of a three-stone, the dazzling impact of a halo, or the unique charm of coloured gemstones?

Identifying these trends will make it easier to focus your search and find a ring that resonates with your partner’s style.

4. Diamond Shapes

Shape is a really important factor to think about when choosing a diamond, particularly for an engagement ring. The shape of the diamond refers to the outline (not to be confused with the cut which refers to the facets, symmetry, and reflective properties). Some shapes are more economical than others (as there is less wastage when the diamond is cut) so choosing them can result in greater visual impact. Others are shaped the way they are for maximum refraction and reflection of light.

The six most popular diamond shapes you should know about are: –

• Round Brilliant Cut: The most classic and popular shape, known for its maximum brilliance and timeless appeal. It’s designed to reflect light in the most dazzling way, making it a versatile and beloved choice.

• Oval Cut: An elongated shape that enhances the diamond’s surface area, creating the illusion of greater size and brilliance. Its elegant form makes fingers appear longer and slimmer.

• Princess Cut: A modern, square shape with sharp corners, offering a contemporary look while maximising brilliance. Its geometric lines and brilliant facets make it a popular choice for a sleek and stylish ring.

• Emerald Cut: Characterised by its rectangular shape and step-cut facets, it exudes elegance and showcases the diamond’s clarity. The large, open table highlights the stone’s quality and sophistication.

• Marquise: Featuring pointed ends and an elongated body, this shape maximizes carat weight and makes fingers appear longer and slimmer. Its distinctive silhouette adds a touch of drama and grandeur.

• Pear Shape: A teardrop shape that combines the best of round and marquise cuts, offering a unique and elegant appearance. Its graceful form creates a romantic and feminine look, perfect for a distinctive engagement ring.

5. Understand the 4 Cs

The 4 Cs refer to the 4 factors that determine the quality and therefore the value of a diamond: Cut, Clarity, Carat and Colour: –

 

Cut: This refers to how well the diamond is shaped and faceted. A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully, giving it that signature sparkle. Popular cuts include round, princess, and cushion.

 

Clarity: Clarity measures the presence of imperfections in the diamond. While flawless diamonds are rare and expensive, many imperfections are invisible to the naked eye and don’t impact the beauty of the stone.

 

Carat: Carat denotes the weight of the diamond. Larger carat sizes are more expensive, but the perception of size can also be influenced by the cut and setting. 

 

Colour: Diamonds come in a range of colours, from colourless to yellowish. The less colour, the higher the grade. However, some people prefer a slight warmth in their diamond, so choose according to your partner’s preference.

 

Ideally, your perfect engagement ring will have the highest grades of all 4 C’s. However, one factor may be more important to you and your partner than another. For example, if size is the top priority, you might opt for a larger carat weight even if it means choosing a diamond with slightly lower clarity or colour grades. Conversely, if sparkle and brilliance are most important, investing in a superior cut could be your focus. Balancing these factors according to personal preferences and budget can help you find a diamond that meets your unique needs and reflects your partner’s style perfectly. Discover more about the 4 Cs in our Diamond Buying Guide.

6. Choose the Right Setting

The setting of the ring can enhance the diamond’s beauty and protect it from damage. Popular settings include:

• Claw-set: This setting holds the diamond with metal claws, allowing maximum light to enter the stone.

• Rubover: The diamond is surrounded by a metal rim, offering great protection and a sleek look.

• Pavé: Small diamonds are set close together along the band, adding extra sparkle.

7. Consider the Metal

The choice of metal significantly impacts both the appearance and durability of the ring. Here are the most common options: –

Platinum: Extremely durable and hypoallergenic, platinum is a premium choice for those seeking longevity and resilience, albeit at a higher cost.

White Gold: Loved for its sleek, modern look, white gold requires periodic rhodium plating to maintain its bright, white colour.

Yellow Gold: A classic and timeless option, yellow gold offers a warm, rich glow that never goes out of style.

At Zelley, we pride ourselves on offering a meticulously curated selection of engagement rings, available exclusively in platinum and 18ct yellow gold. This ensures our customers receive only the finest quality and craftsmanship in their rings.

8. Budget Wisely

Setting a realistic budget is a crucial step in the engagement ring buying process. It’s important to establish a budget that suits your financial situation and ensures you don’t overextend yourself. The traditional guideline of spending three months’ salary on an engagement ring is outdated and often impractical for many couples. Instead, focus on what you can comfortably afford while still choosing a high-quality ring that reflects your commitment and love.

Begin by evaluating your financial situation, considering your income, savings, and any upcoming expenses. Determine an amount that feels reasonable and sustainable without causing unnecessary financial stress. Remember, an engagement ring is a symbol of your love and commitment, and its value lies more in the thought and effort behind it than in the price tag.

9. Get Close to the Right Size

This can be tricky if you want the proposal to be a surprise. Consider borrowing one of your partner’s rings for a professional sizing. Alternatively, you can use your own finger. Simply slide a ring she already wears onto your own ring finger and mark with a pen where it gets stuck. Pop in to see us at Zelley’s, and we’ll size the pen mark for you, getting as close as possible to the correct size.

Don’t worry too much about getting the size exactly right. If you can get close, that’s great, but it’s common to need adjustments. In fact, about 40% of all engagement rings are resized after the proposal. As a general guideline, the average ring size for UK women is size L. This information can give you a helpful starting point.

10. Personalise It

Finally, adding a personal touch to the engagement ring can make it even more special and meaningful. Consider engraving the inside of the band with a significant date, such as the day you met, the proposal date, or an anniversary. Initials are another timeless option, symbolising your union in a simple, elegant way. Personalising the ring in this way transforms it from a beautiful piece of jewellery into a cherished keepsake that carries the unique story of your love.

 

Engagement Rings at F.J. Zelley 

When it comes to buying an engagement ring, the expertise and reputation of the jeweller you choose can make a significant difference. It’s essential to buy from a reputable jeweller who can provide quality assurance, certification, and a wealth of knowledge. At Zelley, we pride ourselves on our long-standing tradition of excellence and customer service.

Zelley has built a trusted reputation over the years for offering exceptional quality and personalised service. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you find the perfect ring that meets all your criteria. We guide you through every step of the process, from understanding the 4 Cs to selecting the right setting and metal. Our extensive selection of handpicked engagement rings ensures you have access to the finest options available.

Browse our collection online or contact us to arrange a convenient time to visit us in our beautiful Bishop’s Stortford store.