The Complete Guide to Finding Your Engagement Ring
Finding Your Engagement Ring — Quick Answer
To find the perfect engagement ring, consider style, metal, stone, cut, and budget before making a final choice.
Key Facts
• Decide on your preferred metal: gold, platinum, or silver.
• Choose a stone: moissanite, lab-grown diamond, or diamond.
• Pick a cut that suits finger shape and style.
• Set a realistic budget before shopping.
• Consider lifestyle factors: durability and daily wear.
What You Will Learn
• How to select the right metal and gemstone.
• How cut, shape, and setting affect appearance.
• How to match a ring to personal style and finger size.
Definition: Engagement Ring
An engagement ring is a symbolic piece of jewellery worn to signify commitment and intention to marry.
Mini FAQ
Q: Should I buy a ring alone or with my partner?
A: Many choose together, but surprise proposals are also common.
Q: What is the most durable metal?
A: Platinum is the most durable for daily wear.
Q: Can I change the ring later?
A: Yes, resizing or redesign is possible.
The Complete Guide to Choosing Your Engagement Ring
Finding your engagement ring is a personal experience. Whether you’re shopping together or planning a surprise, the process should be clear, enjoyable, and meaningful. What matters most is understanding your style, your values, and the quality of your stone.
At Moissanite By Design, we specialise in lab-grown diamond and moissanite engagement rings designed to reflect who you are — elegant, timeless, and responsibly made.
This guide will help you understand your stone options, explore popular shapes and settings, and choose a metal that suits your lifestyle.
Why Choose Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds are identical to mined diamonds in every way that counts. They have the same chemical composition, hardness, and sparkle. The difference lies in their origin. Lab-grown stones are created in advanced facilities using heat and pressure that replicate natural diamond formation, without mining or environmental damage.
When you choose a lab-grown diamond ring, you get:
Authentic beauty – the same brilliance and clarity as natural diamonds.
Fair value – up to 40% more affordable, allowing you to select a larger or higher-quality stone within your budget.
Responsible sourcing – created in controlled, ethical conditions with traceable origins.
If you prefer an even more radiant, durable, and affordable alternative, explore our moissanite engagement rings. Moissanite offers unmatched sparkle and fire while remaining budget-friendly.
Understanding Diamond Quality: The 4Cs
Knowing the 4Cs helps you compare and choose your ideal diamond. These factors—cut, clarity, colour, and carat—determine how your stone looks and performs over time.
Cut
The cut defines how a diamond reflects light. A well-cut stone sparkles from every angle. Always prioritise cut quality over size, as even a smaller diamond with an Excellent cut can look brighter and more valuable.
For comparison, explore our oval, round, and cushion-cut engagement rings to see how different cuts affect brilliance.
Clarity
Clarity refers to internal or surface imperfections called inclusions. Most are microscopic and invisible without magnification. You can confidently choose VS1 or VS2 clarity for a diamond that appears flawless to the eye.
Colour
Diamond colour grades range from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow). D–F diamonds appear icy white, while G–H stones offer great value with minimal visible warmth. For moissanite, colourless (DEF) options provide the purest brilliance.
Carat
Carat measures weight, not visual size. Two diamonds with the same carat weight can look different depending on cut and proportions. Focus on the balance between cut, clarity, and colour rather than just carat weight. A 1.2ct well-cut lab-grown diamond, for example, can outshine a larger 1.5ct stone with a poor cut.
You can learn more in our Stone Shape Guide when building your custom ring
Find Your Perfect Style
Your ring should reflect your personality and lifestyle. Below are our most-loved engagement ring designs at Moissanite By Design.
Solitaire
A solitaire engagement ring highlights a single stone on a polished band. It’s timeless, elegant, and focuses all attention on the diamond or moissanite. Oval or elongated cushion cuts offer a modern twist that elongates the finger and enhances sparkle.
Halo
A halo engagement ring surrounds the centre stone with a circle of smaller stones, amplifying brilliance and making the centre appear larger. Perfect if you want maximum sparkle and a luxurious look.
Three-Stone
The three-stone engagement ring symbolises your past, present, and future. The side stones add dimension, depth, and extra light reflection. It’s a meaningful option that blends tradition with modern beauty.
Cluster
A cluster engagement ring combines multiple stones into a striking, geometric design.
This style suits those who want something distinctive and artistic.
Not sure which style fits you best? You can custom design your ring with our team and personalise every detail.
The Complete Guide to Finding Your Engagement Ring
The Complete Guide to Finding Your Engagement Ring
The metal you choose influences both the look and longevity of your ring.
Platinum
Platinum is the strongest and most durable choice. It’s naturally white, resists fading, and maintains its shine for decades. Ideal if you have an active lifestyle or want a ring that requires minimal upkeep.
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold has a warm, rich tone that complements all stone shapes. It gives a timeless, vintage appeal and pairs beautifully with both moissanite and lab-grown diamonds.
White Gold
White gold offers the bright, reflective look of platinum at a more accessible price. It’s a popular choice for modern designs. Be aware that it may need occasional replating over the years to maintain its colour.
You can compare all finishes in our Metal Guide to see what best suits your skin tone and style.
Bringing It All Together
Choosing your engagement ring isn’t about following trends. It’s about creating something that feels personal, meaningful, and lasting.
At Moissanite By Design, we craft each ring with care and precision. You can explore our full engagement ring collection, or start your custom design to create the one that’s made just for you.
If you’d like help narrowing down options, visit our How It Works page or book a consultation. We’ll guide you step by step until your ring feels perfect.
Ready to Begin? Let’s create something beautiful together.
The Complete Guide to Choosing Your Engagement Ring
In the Hands of Love, As Worn by Our Clients
Discover the beauty of our jewellery in the moments it was made for. From engagement rings and wedding bands to bespoke fine jewellery, every piece is handcrafted in South Africa and worn with love by our clients. Let these creations inspire your own design and show you what is possible when craftsmanship meets personal meaning.
The Sparkle Continues Here
Follow along on our Instagram channel for fresh designs, behind-the-scenes moments and endless inspiration.
