Engagement Rings

It depends on what would make the ring special to you. A lab-grown diamond offers the familiar beauty of a diamond with a laboratory-grown origin, often allowing more choice of size within a budget. A natural diamond appeals to those who value its geological story, while a coloured gemstone ring can feel wonderfully personal. We tend to start with the wearer's style, the colours they love and their lifestyle, then help narrow down the stones and settings that suit them.

We'd begin with the size and shape you'd like to see on the hand. Carat describes weight, so it doesn't tell you everything about a stone's visible size. An oval may look longer than a round diamond of comparable weight, and the setting can make the whole ring appear more or less substantial. Looking at millimetre measurements alongside worn-on-hand photographs is especially helpful. Our diamond carat size guide explains the differences in more detail. There's no need to choose the largest stone simply because the budget allows it.

A ring should feel as lovely to wear as it looks. If the wearer has an active routine or works with their hands, we'd look carefully at the height of the setting and how the gemstone's edges are protected. A bezel gives a clean metal surround, whereas a claw-set solitaire leaves more of the centre stone visible. Halos and diamond-set shoulders add beautiful detail, but their smaller settings also benefit from regular checks. None is completely immune to knocks, so the best option is one that balances the design you love with practical wear.

If the proposal is a surprise, please don't worry if you aren't certain of the size. A ring should feel comfortably secure, moving over the knuckle with a little resistance, but fingers can change size throughout the day. A wider band may also feel slightly snugger than a fine one. Our engagement ring size guide can help you get started. You can also discuss your chosen design with our jewellery specialists, who can explain the sizing options and whether its setting allows adjustments later.

Of course. Many designs offer a choice of centre stone and precious metal, with additional details such as band width or engraving available on selected rings. We suggest starting with a design you love and looking through its individual options, as not every adjustment is possible on every setting. For something more distinctive, our bespoke engagement ring service can help you explore a different arrangement or personal detail. We'll explain what's possible and any implications for cost and delivery before you make a decision.

For most engagement rings, we usually advise allowing approximately 2–4 weeks for delivery, depending on the design and any personalisation. If you've already chosen a proposal date, we'd recommend ordering 5–6 weeks ahead where possible, simply to give yourself a little extra peace of mind. If you're working to a shorter timescale, selected ready-to-ship rings can arrive within just a few days, subject to the size, stock and delivery destination. Our consultants can help you choose an option that works with your date; our delivery information explains the arrangements in more detail.