How To Choose The Perfect Engagement Ring: A Complete Guide
Choosing an engagement ring is one of the most meaningful decisions in a relationship. It marks the beginning of a new chapter and becomes a lasting symbol of your love story. Whether you’re planning a surprise proposal or designing the ring together, the right piece should feel timeless, thoughtful, and deeply personal.
At Jade Jewellers, we’ve had the privilege of working with couples to create engagement rings that are as unique as their relationships - ranging from classic solitaires to bespoke designs with a modern twist. From understanding different ring styles and diamond quality to exploring custom design options and budget-friendly picks, this guide will walk you through every step of the engagement ring journey.
We’ll also share real stories from our customers, tips on choosing the perfect metal and diamond, and introduce you to our new Modern Bridal collection.
Start With The Story: Every Ring Is Unique
The most memorable engagement rings are the ones that reflect the couple behind them. We had the pleasure of working with Bailey to design a custom engagement ring for Tatijana, which he proposed to her while they were on a beautiful holiday.
Bailey wanted a unique twist on a classic ring design, and worked with us to create a bespoke 1ct round brilliant diamond ring with alternating diamond and Australian sapphire shoulders.
"We are both absolutely stoked with how the ring turned out. I cannot thank your team enough for the work they put into it." – Bailey.
Another memorable engagement ring design we worked on, was for Amanda and Peter. Peter was recommended to Jade Jewellers by a friend and worked with our Master Jeweller, Gary, to bring Amanda’s dream ring to life - a 1ct cushion cut diamond with claw-set diamond shoulders, designed and refined with the help of a 3D render before it was crafted.
Amanda said: “He (Peter) loved being able to custom-design the ring of my dreams… I am so happy with it!”
Step-By-Step Guide To Choosing The Perfect Engagement Ring
Step 1: Choose A Ring Style That Reflects Your Partner
Choosing the right engagement ring begins with understanding your partner’s style. Are they drawn to something classic, modern, vintage, or minimalist? Observing the jewellery they already wear—whether it's yellow gold, white gold, or mixed metals—can help guide your decision.
It’s also important to consider lifestyle. High-set rings are very eye-catching, but if they lead an active or hands-on life, a simpler, low-profile design may be more practical for everyday wear.
Popular styles include the timeless solitaire, the sparkling halo, or the symbolic trilogy ring. For a romantic look, vintage-inspired designs with intricate detailing are a beautiful choice. And for something truly personal, a custom-designed ring ensures a one-of-a-kind piece made just for them.
Step 2: Pick a Centre Stone
Selecting the shape of your centre stone is one of the most personal and exciting steps in the engagement ring journey. From the timeless brilliance of a round cut to the elegant elongation of an oval or the vintage charm of an emerald cut, the shape you choose will define the overall style of the ring.
Coloured gemstones, such as sapphires, are also a beautiful and meaningful alternative to diamonds, offering a rich and distinctive look that stands the test of time. For custom designs, we offer a tailored stone-sourcing service, searching the market to present you with a curated selection of exceptional options to choose from, ensuring your ring is as individual as your story.
Choosing the perfect diamond means understanding the 4Cs:
- Cut – The way a diamond is shaped and polished affects its brilliance.
- Colour – Most diamonds are graded on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow).
- Clarity – Measures natural inclusions in the diamond.
- Carat – The weight of the diamond, affecting both size and value.
Your budget will help determine which C to prioritise, and many couples choose a balance of all four to maximise sparkle and value.
Step 3: Choose Your Metal
The metal you choose plays a pivotal role in the overall look and feel of your ring. Yellow gold offers a warm, traditional glow that evokes timeless elegance, while white gold is sleek and modern - a perfect complement to diamonds and intricate designs. Rose gold brings a romantic, contemporary feel with its soft, blush tones, making it a popular choice for those seeking something a little different.
For those who value both luxury and longevity, platinum stands out as a naturally hypoallergenic and highly durable option, ideal for creating heirloom-quality pieces.
As you make your decision, consider how your chosen metal will pair with your wedding band — whether you prefer a harmonious match or a contrasting look that stands out. Mixing metals is also becoming increasingly popular, allowing for a unique blend of tones and textures that reflects your individual style. From subtle two-tone accents to bold, contrasting combinations, a mixed-metal design can elevate your ring into something truly one-of-a-kind.
Step 4: Consider A Custom Design
There’s something incredibly meaningful about designing a ring from scratch. A custom engagement ring allows you to select every detail, from the diamond to the setting to personalised engravings.
Our team at Jade Jewellers offers a complimentary consultation process, with 3D renders available so you can visualise your ring before it’s made. Whether you’re bringing a Pinterest board or starting with a blank slate, we’re here to help design a piece that reflects your story.
NEW Modern Bridal Collection: Made-To-Order Engagement Rings
For the modern bride, individuality and intention are everything. More and more couples are choosing made-to-order engagement rings to ensure their ring is as unique as their relationship. Whether it’s selecting a particular diamond shape, metal tone, or a custom setting, made-to-order designs offer both flexibility and timeless beauty.
At Jade Jewellers, our Modern Bridal collection allows you to personalise elements – such as the diamond and metal colour to the finger size, so you can create a ring that’s truly your own. Samples from this collection are available to view in-store, offering a tangible sense of the design and craftsmanship before you finalise your custom piece.
Perfect for those who want a contemporary yet meaningful approach to bridal jewellery, these rings blend sleek elegance with personal significance.
Book an appointment with our expert team and start your engagement ring journey today.
Ready To Find Your Dream Ring?
Wherever you are in your love story, we’re here to help you find the one — the perfect engagement ring that reflects your style, your values, and your future together.
Here are three beautiful ways we can bring your vision to life:
Custom Design – For those dreaming of a one-of-a-kind ring, our bespoke service lets you create something truly personal. From selecting your stone to refining every detail, our team will guide you through a seamless and inspiring design journey.
Make To Order With Our Modern Bridal Collection – Contemporary silhouettes, refined settings, and fresh takes on tradition — our Modern Bridal selection is perfect for those drawn to clean lines and understated luxury.
Shop In-Store or Online – our collection of ready-made engagement rings are ready to take home immediately. Browse the collection in-store or online for inspiration.
Contact us to find out how we can help you find the perfect engagement ring.