Best engagement rings

Charlie Teather, Ellie Davis

Updated 20 March 2018 at 0:32 pm

Choosing an engagement ring can be a daunting process.

This is a piece that you or your loved one will hopefully cherish for the rest of your lives and so it is key to find the perfect design for you, especially as it can be a very expensive decision that you don’t want to get wrong.

While some partners choose to buy it together for this very reason, it can also be exciting to surprise your love and therefore you must take into consideration five C’s.

When selecting an engagement ring, pay attention to the cut, colour, carat, clarity and of course, the cost.

Cut

Cut is probably one of the most important characteristics. It does not refer to the shape (e.g. round, pear or oval) but to the geometric proportions. It is measured by brilliance, sparkle and fire (the dispersion of light). If a diamond is poorly cut, it may appear lifeless and dull.

Colour

The colour of the diamond does not mean choosing whether you will add sapphires or rubies but it defines the quality of the stones themselves. There are six categories of grading, ranging from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The highest grade D diamonds are unsurprising the most expensive so, depending on your budget, you could opt for G or H diamonds that appear colourless to the naked eye.

Carat

Carat is based on the weight of a diamond not its size. Usually the more carats, the larger and more rare the diamond and therefore more expensive, but it plays hand in hand with cut as a poor cut can make a large gem appear smaller.

Clarity

There are 11 grades that measure clarity, from Flawless - where there are no visible blemishes or internal defects, to Included 3 - where there are cracks or obvious inclusions. It is important to remember that diamonds are made underground and so most have some sort of imperfection. “Eye-clean” options like SI or VS options are less expensive.

Setting

When it comes to the setting, it is based on your personal taste or that of your partner’s. You can go traditional or adventurous, one diamond or five, and with a whole host of different shaped stones.

The classic solitaire is a traditional one stone ring, but you can also find two or three, ranging up to even five stone variations.
A Halo setting is a ring that features a main centre stone that is surrounded by little stones. There are also double Halos that have two rows of surrounding stones.
Cluster rings have a group of diamonds in either the same or differing sizes.
A Twist ring is a contemporary variant that adds intrigue to band.
A Bezel ring is when the diamond in embedded into the metal of the band instead of on a setting.
The band can also be encrusted with diamonds or stones which is known as a Pavé ring.

You can also choose your ring depending on vintage designs that take inspiration from different periods in history like Art Deco, Victorian, Edwardian, Retro or even super modern options.

Aquamarine 0.70ct and Diamond 18k White Gold Ring

For the modern girly-girl who's looking to be spoiled on a budget.

£885 | The Diamond Store | Buy it now

Morganite Tearoom Ring

For the feminine girl looking for something a bit different.

£1,450 | Astley Clarke | Buy it now

Bonheur Solitaire

For the girl looking for something a bit classic.

£3,550 | Van Cleef & Arpels | Buy it now

Double Vintage Oval-Cut Sapphire Ring

For the girly-girl looking to be spoiled... with no budget.

£POA | Boodles | Buy it now

9ct White Gold 1/4ct Solitaire Cluster Ring

For the girl who wants to prove it doesn't have to be flash.

£799 | Ernest Jones | Buy it now

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Ballerine Solitaire Platinum Diamonds

For the girl who wants a bling-y twist on a classic- looking ring.

£POA | Cartier | Buy it now

Bucherer Fine Jewellery Pink Diamonds

For a ring that will give Paris Hilton’s a run for its money.

£15,300 | Bucherer | Buy it now

Taylor & Hart Demure

For a simple but effective option.

£720 | Taylor & Hart | Buy it now

Beyond Brilliance 18ct White Gold and Rose Gold Diamond Solitaire Ring

For a unique 100 facet cut diamond and infinity symbol combined.

£6,250 | Beaverbrooks | Buy it now

Yeprem 18-karat rose and white gold diamond ring

For a not-so traditional bride-to-be.

£6,300 | Net-A-Porter | Buy it now

18ct White Gold Diamond and Sapphire Ring

For the girl who wants to emulate the other royal ring.

£1,400 | Beaver Brooks | Buy it now

The One, Round Brilliant Diamond Micropavé Engagement Ring

For the girl who wants quality without scrimping on quantity.

£POA | Harry Winston | Buy it now

Solitaire Colombian Emerald Ring (circa 1960)

For the girl who lives her life lusting after past eras.

£25,500 | Berganza | Buy it now

Marquise Cut Halo Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum

For the girl who's looking for something different but eternally classic.

£1,728 | Blue Nile | Buy it now

Soleste Oval

For the girl who likes labels.

£13,400 | Tiffany | Buy it now

18ct White Gold 0.95CT Diamond Engagement Ring

For the girl who thinks there's nothing better than bigger.

£3,999 | Vera Wang at Ernest Jones | Buy it now

Rose Bagatelle

For the girl who wants to stop everyone in their tracks.

£45,000 | Dior | Buy it now

Six Claw Swiss Wire Solitaire Engagement Ring

For the girl who wants traditional without looking dull.

From £2,950 | Lewis Malka | Buy it now

18ct Yellow Gold Oval Diamond Cluster, Centre Stone 1.45ct

For the girl who wants glamour with a big splash of colour.

£19,000 | Lucie Campbell | Buy it now

Amelia Diamond Engagement Ring

For the girl who wants diamonds here, there and everywhere.

£3,250 | Mappin and Webb | Buy it now

Heart Shape set in Platinum

For the girl who wants romance, rainbows and unicorns...all the time.

£12,200 | Tiffany | Buy it now

18ct Gold Diamond Cluster Ring

For the girl who wants a prospective heirloom without the price tag.

£1,075 | Beaver Brooks | Buy it now

New Vintage Oval Ruby Engagement Ring

For the girl who wants a little extra colour in her life.