Engagement Rings
You’re not just choosing a ring. You’re trying to make the right decision
Choosing an Engagement Ring
If you are reading this, you are probably not just shopping.
You are trying to make the right decision.
Most people don’t talk about how stressful choosing an engagement ring can be. You are spending a meaningful amount of money. You want the ring to be right. You want your partner to love it. And you are aware that once you choose a supplier, you are trusting them with something deeply personal.
This page is here to help you think clearly, ask the right questions, and avoid common mistakes when choosing both an engagement ring and the jeweller who will make it.
First, Take the Pressure Off Yourself
There is no single “perfect” engagement ring.
There is only a ring that:
Fits your partner’s lifestyle
Matches their taste
Sits comfortably on their hand
Falls within a budget you are comfortable with
Anyone who makes you feel rushed, judged, or inadequate for asking questions is not the right supplier.
You are allowed to take your time.
What Most People Are Actually Afraid Of
Before talking about styles or stones, it helps to acknowledge what people are really worried about.
Most buyers fear:
Overpaying without realising it
Choosing the wrong stone or size
Ordering something that looks different in real life
Working with a supplier who disappears after payment
Being stuck with a ring that cannot be fixed or adjusted
These fears are valid. A good engagement ring supplier understands them and addresses them openly.
How the Ring Will Be Worn Matters More Than How It Looks Online
Engagement rings are worn every day. Not carefully. Not gently. In real life.
Before choosing a design, think about:
Whether your partner works with their hands
Whether they prefer low-profile jewellery
Whether they remove rings often or rarely
Whether comfort matters more than visual size
A ring that looks impressive online but feels uncomfortable in daily wear often ends up being resized, reset, or replaced.
A good jeweller will ask about lifestyle before recommending a design.
Understanding Engagement Ring Styles Without Being Overwhelmed
Styles describe structure, not value.
A solitaire engagement ring focuses attention on one stone. It suits people who like clean, timeless jewellery.
A halo engagement ring adds surrounding stones for visual size and sparkle. It suits those who enjoy detail and brilliance.
Trilogy engagement rings use three stones and are often chosen for symbolism and balance.
Bezel settings protect the stone by surrounding it with metal. They suit active lifestyles and modern preferences.
Hidden halo designs add subtle detail beneath the centre stone without changing the top view.
No style is superior. What matters is how it feels on your partner’s hand and how it fits their taste.
Choosing a Stone Without Regret
This is where many people feel the most pressure.
There are two stone options commonly used in modern engagement rings.
Moissanite is chosen for its strong sparkle, durability, and value. It performs well in daily wear and allows you to choose a well-balanced stone without stretching your budget. If you want to explore this option further, you can view our moissanite engagement rings to see how it is used across different styles.
Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical and visual properties as mined diamonds. They are chosen by people who want a traditional diamond appearance with more flexibility around size and cost. You can view examples in our lab grown diamond engagement rings collection.
Lab-grown diamonds are graded using the same standards as mined diamonds. Many lab-grown diamonds are independently certified by organisations such as the International Gemological Institute (IGI), which provides detailed reports on cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight
Neither option is “less than” when chosen intentionally.
The right stone is the one that aligns with your priorities.
Stone Shape Influences How the Ring Feels
Stone shape affects more than appearance. It affects balance, finger coverage, and comfort.
Round stones feel classic and symmetrical.
Oval stones elongate the finger and feel elegant.
Emerald cuts feel structured and understated.
Pear shapes feel expressive and distinctive.
Cushion and elongated cushion shapes balance softness with presence.
If you are unsure, look at the jewellery your partner already wears. Preferences are usually consistent.
Metal Choice Is a Personal Preference, Not a Trend Decision
Metal sets the tone of the ring.
Yellow gold feels warm and traditional.
White gold feels clean and contemporary.
Rose gold feels soft and subtle.
Platinum is chosen for strength and long-term durability.
A good supplier will explain how each metal wears over time, not just how it looks on day one.
Why Many People Choose Custom Engagement Rings
Custom design is often misunderstood.
It does not mean expensive or complicated. It means you are not forced to compromise.
Custom engagement rings allow you to:
Adjust proportions for comfort
Control how high or low the stone sits
Balance size, sparkle, and budget
See and approve the design before it is made
A structured custom process reduces risk. You are not guessing. You are approving.
If you already know you want a personalised design, you can learn more about how we create custom pieces on our commission a custom engagement ring page.
Important Questions You Should Ask Any Engagement Ring Supplier
If a supplier cannot answer these clearly, walk away.
- How many design revisions are allowed
- How sizing accuracy is handled
What support exists after delivery
Transparency matters more than marketing.
Pricing Without Confusion or Pressure
Engagement ring pricing is influenced by:
Stone type and size
Metal choice
Design complexity
Setting style
A trustworthy supplier explains these factors clearly and lets you make decisions without pressure.
A meaningful engagement ring does not need to be expensive. It needs to be well made and thoughtfully designed.
What Happens After the Ring Is Made Matters Too
Many people forget to ask about long-term care.
A well-designed engagement ring should:
Hold its shape
Secure the stone properly
Feel comfortable over time
Allow for maintenance if needed
Ongoing support matters just as much as the initial sale.
If you are looking for guidance related to pricing, timelines, or availability in your region, view our engagement rings South Africa collection for local details.
A Final Reassurance
You are not expected to know everything about engagement rings.
That is the supplier’s job.
Your job is to choose someone who listens, explains, and respects the weight of the decision you are making.
The right engagement ring is not about impressing anyone else.
It is about choosing something that feels right for the two of you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing an Engagement Ring and Supplier
How do I know if an engagement ring supplier is trustworthy
A trustworthy supplier explains their process clearly, answers questions without pressure, and is transparent about pricing, materials, and timelines. You should know who designs the ring, who makes it, and what happens if something needs adjustment after delivery. If details feel vague or rushed, that is a warning sign.
Will the engagement ring look the same in real life as it does online
A reputable supplier sets realistic expectations. You should receive clear design visuals or approvals before production begins, especially for custom rings. If a supplier avoids showing proportions, measurements, or design confirmations, the final result may not match what you expect.
What happens if the ring does not feel right once it is finished
This is one of the most important questions to ask. A reliable supplier explains upfront how sizing accuracy is handled, whether adjustments are possible, and what support exists after delivery.
Is custom engagement ring design risky
Custom design is only risky if the process is unclear. A structured custom process reduces risk because you approve the design before manufacturing starts. You should never move into production without reviewing and confirming the final design details.
How do I avoid overpaying for an engagement ring
Overpricing often comes from unclear markups and emotional pressure. A good supplier explains how stone type, size, metal choice, and design complexity affect cost. You should understand exactly what you are paying for before committing.
Should I choose the stone first or the ring design first
Either approach can work, but most people feel more confident starting with lifestyle and design preferences, then selecting a stone that fits proportionally and financially. A supplier should guide you through this rather than forcing an order.
How important is after-sales support for engagement rings
Very important. Engagement rings are worn daily. Long-term support for resizing, inspection, or maintenance matters just as much as the initial purchase. Ask what happens after the ring is delivered, not just before it is sold.
Is a more expensive engagement ring always better quality
No. Quality depends on craftsmanship, material choice, and design execution. A well-designed ring using durable materials can last longer than a poorly made expensive one. Price alone is not a quality guarantee.
How long should I take to choose an engagement ring
As long as you need to feel confident. A good supplier allows time for questions and consideration. Feeling rushed is often a sign the process is being pushed rather than guided.
What should I do if I feel overwhelmed
Pause. A good supplier will slow the process down, explain options clearly, and help you focus on what matters most. Feeling overwhelmed usually means too much information without enough guidance.