‘There are so many things I wish I knew before buying an engagement ring’ — a rhetoric that jewellers commonly hear from their bridal clients. Choosing an engagement ring is an essential part of the marriage journey, and whether you are selecting it together or as a surprise for your bride, we’re here to advise you on how to find the perfect engagement ring.
At Fyne, we believe that lab grown diamonds make the perfect jewel for your ring. Not only are they ethical, but they are timeless, empowering you to embody both sustainability and style.
In line with our conscious ideology, we’ve put together a guide on how to choose an engagement ring, full of sustainable engagement ring tips to guide you through the process as seamlessly and enjoyably as possible.
How to Pick an Engagement Ring
1. Understand Your Partner's Style and Preferences
Engagement ring shopping can feel overwhelming, with so many choices out there. One of the first ways to approach your search is to get a strong sense of your partner’s jewellery style. Have a look at her existing rings or any other stand-out pieces that give a good idea of whether she prefers something understated/classic or bold/innovative.
Another great way to get to know your partner’s style is to speak to her friends and family. The people close to her will also have a sense of her style and may be able to offer their own engagement ring tips. Perhaps they’ve even had a conversation about her dream ring!
Once you better understand what you’re looking for, it’s time to jump in and browse our collection of lab-grown diamond engagement rings. This will help you narrow down specific styles and potentially even find the perfect ring immediately.
If our collection inspires you but there are changes you wish to make, we can work together to add customisations or even design something from scratch. This is all part of our Bespoke Service — one of the most memorable ways to do your engagement ring shopping.
2. Set a Realistic Budget
There is an engagement ring for every budget, and knowing how to find the perfect engagement ring ultimately starts with deciding how much you’d like to spend.
To get a sense of what constitutes a realistic budget, it’s good to know what your partner is looking for in a ring. You can then use that knowledge to browse collections and find options within budget. For example, you might have already seen diamond engagement rings within our existing collections that suit your needs.
We also offer a Bespoke Service, which allows you to customise your engagement ring on any budget. We design our customised jewellery in Dubai, providing a team of experts who will work alongside you throughout the ideation process, making your dream ring a reality. There are no limits to what we can create together — making the process extra exciting!
3. Analyse the 4Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat
The 4Cs is a universal assessment as to the quality, and therefore price, of a diamond. The same process applies to earth-mined and lab-grown diamonds, and the evaluation is done by an expert using a microscope to analyse the different elements of the diamond.
Choosing a diamond can often be a balancing act, weighing up the different factors that determine the price of your diamond.
Engagement ring tip: To give yourself the best diamond knowledge, dive into our guide on the 4Cs and learn more about the differences in diamond clarity.
4. Choose the Right Diamond Shape
When engagement ring shopping, you’ll need to decide upon the shape of your diamond. At Fyne, we have lab grown diamond rings with many different diamond cuts, whether pear, oval, marquise, or round-cut. Better still, we have access to an entire inventory of shapes we can create for custom rings, from hexagons to shield-cuts, half-moons, and more! We’re the experts in diamond shapes and are happy to discuss the different aesthetics you’ll achieve from each design.
Learn more: As a starting point, jump into our comprehensive e-guide to help you understand the different diamond shapes.
5. Decide on Carat Size
The carat size is a significant factor to consider when thinking about how to choose an engagement ring:
Firstly, a bigger diamond doesn’t always equal a better diamond. As covered above, diamond quality is measured by four key factors: a bigger but lower-grade diamond could be less valuable than a near-perfect diamond of a smaller carat.
Secondly, think about aesthetics. Does your bride-to-be like jewellery with one large diamond as the centrepiece? Perhaps she prefers a pavé style or something more subtle?
Our lab grown diamond engagement rings are made with this in mind; we offer personalisations such as 1.00, 1.50, and 2.00 carat. However, we have the scope to provide any size you require. This means you can select the perfect ring and carat size to match your budget and your future fiancée’s wishes.
6. Select the Perfect Ring Setting
When considering what to look for in an engagement ring, the setting isn’t perhaps the first thing that comes to mind. However, it is an essential part of the ring’s design, which can help establish the overall aesthetic. Whether it’s solitaire, pavé, or bezel, our collection of engagement rings offers a variety of styles to accomplish the exact look and feel you’re seeking.
If you’re looking for an alternative way to mount your diamond or have several ideas you’d like to draw together, get in touch to explore our customisation options or fully bespoke service.
7. Choose the Right Metal for the Band
With diamonds sorted, it’s time to consider the band and which metal is best for you.
All our engagement rings are made with 18k solid gold, which is the perfect karat for bridal jewellery. It’s malleable enough to be shaped to perfection yet durable enough for daily wear — an essential factor for a piece of jewellery you’ll want to wear forever.
Engagement Ring Tip: All our rings are available in yellow gold and white gold. However, we can also do platinum rings on request.
8. Ensure the Ring is Certified and Insured
Engagement ring shopping involves a considerable investment, so it’s only fitting to take precautions. Good jewellers will offer a certificate with their diamond jewellery, showing the diamond has been assessed using the 4Cs criteria, verified by a diamond expert.
Did you know? Every piece of jewellery brought from Fyne comes with a certificate from the International Gemological Institute (IGI), attesting to the diamond's quality and origin and offering the buyer peace of mind. We can also source GIA-certified diamonds for bespoke items.
It’s also wise to look into insurance options to cover damage, loss, and repairs in case the unimaginable happens. Not only is an engagement ring a financial investment, but also an emotional one; while the sentimental value will mean your ring is irreplaceable, it’s important to be practical and have a plan in place, just in case.
Finally, it’s a good time to check in with your personal values and make sure you are comfortable with the origin of your ring. By choosing Fyne’s lab grown diamonds, you’re selecting traceable diamonds free from conflict.
9. Explore Custom Options
If you’re still feeling stuck on how to find the perfect engagement ring, it’s worth considering exploring custom options. Whether you need help narrowing down your long list of ideas or need support with getting the process underway, our team of experts will be on hand to guide you through our customisation service.
Consider adding personalised touches like engravings or adapting one of our existing designs to make it look and feel truly unique to you and your partner.
10. Practical Tips for Engagement Ring Shopping
Before you shop for the dream engagement ring, we’ve compiled an essential checklist with some practical information on how to choose an engagement ring.
Budget
Set a clear and realistic budget. Make sure to do your research in advance so you understand what you can achieve.
Know what your partner wants
Approach the task with a clear idea of what your partner wants so you won’t be swayed or overwhelmed by the task. Don’t hesitate to ask the important people in her life for help!
The price tag isn’t everything
Remember that there’s so much more to a ring than its price tag. You’re choosing a one-of-a-kind piece for your partner, and the most important thing is that you choose something she’ll love.
Good things come to those who wait
Take your time! It’s okay for this to be a slow process — you only get to do this once, so don’t make any hasty decisions!
Know your partner’s ring size
While adjustments can be made, it’s a good idea to know your partner’s ring size before you start the process. The proposal will feel extra special if the ring is a great fit.
Consider a custom-made ring
Explore bespoke options, and don’t be afraid to try different things! A tailor-made ring is a great way to add a personal touch and bring some of your personality into the mix.
Put your values first
Make sure your choices align with your ethics. Choose jewellery that is traceable; opt for lab grown diamonds of the same quality as earth-mined, but without harm to the planet.
Do your research
Consider all aesthetic elements, including diamond size, shape, setting, and metal type and colour.
By following our guide, you’ll know exactly what to look for in an engagement ring, taking you one step closer to securing your partner’s dream piece. If you’d like to speak with us about how we can help you along your journey, get in touch or start your bespoke journey today.