I Do! Engagement Rings You’ll Happily Wear Forever
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22 hours ago
Love is in the air
Sure, committing to one person forever – for births, deaths, holidays, jobs, box sets, tricky interior design choices – is definitely a big decision. But do you know what’s perhaps even more difficult? Finding a ring you like so much you’re happy to wear it day in, day out, for the rest of your life. Now that really is a significant commitment. There’s a lot of engagement rings out there, so we’ve made life a bit easier by rounding up the very best of the bunch. Whether you just want a diamond big enough to sink the Titanic (much like Taylor Swift) or something a little bit different on your finger (think Zendaya’s contemporary look), these are the best engagement rings on the market right now.
A Guide To Finding The Perfect Engagement Ring
Where Did The Engagement Ring Tradition Come From?
We might find ourselves dazzled by the bright and shiny engagement rings of today, but the tradition of proposing with jewellery is rooted in ancient times. ‘The engagement ring has been a romantic symbol for centuries,’ explains London jewellery designer Rachel Boston. ‘The Romans first introduced the betrothal ring as a simple iron hoop, often engraved on the inside with words of affection. They also believed the fourth finger of the left hand contained a vein that ran straight to the heart, which is why we still wear engagement rings there today.’
The standard engagement ring has gone through a few evolutions since then, but some features have stayed the same: the band, placement and personalisation. ‘Over time, the materials became more precious, gold and then diamonds as they were discovered in Brazil and later in Africa,’ adds Rachel.
Even now, there are a lot of things to consider when picking out an engagement ring – which can make the whole process feel slightly daunting. Our advice? Get a clear view of your options. Luckily, we’ve pulled in the experts to break down the design process.
Gem Stone Cuts
‘Choosing a cut is often the first design-led decision people make, and it sets the whole tone of the ring,’ says jewellery designer Laura Vann.
‘Each cut has a different character,’ adds Rachel. ‘Some are all about brilliance and fire, while others emphasise clarity and elegance.’
Some of the most popular cuts include:
- Round Brilliant: the most classic, designed for maximum sparkle.
- Oval: elongates the finger and has a soft, romantic brilliance.
- Emerald: step-cut facets that create a hall-of-mirrors effect
- Cushion: rounded corners with a vintage softness.
- Pear: teardrop-shaped, a mix of round and marquise, both unique and flattering.
- Marquise: dramatic points at either end, bold and statement-making.
- Asscher: an Art Deco favourite, square with cut corners and deep step cuts.
- Radiant: combines the sparkle of a brilliant with the silhouette of an emerald cut.
Engagement Ring Styles
You’ll also need to pick out a ring style. ‘Engagement rings are incredibly varied, but a few styles always come up,’ notes Rachel. ‘Each has its own personality, so it really depends on the wearer’s taste and lifestyle.’
The most common styles to keep in mind are:
- Solitaire: a single stone that lets the diamond or gemstone take centre stage.
- Halo: a central stone surrounded by a ring of diamonds, adding sparkle and size.
- Trilogy or Three-Stone: can represent past, present, and future.
- Cluster Halo: smaller stones arranged together, often floral.
- Vintage or Deco: details like milgrain, engraving, or architectural lines.
- Modern: sculptural, minimalist, or asymmetric styles that feel fresh and contemporary.
Types Of Settings
And then there’s the practical bit. ‘The setting defines not just the look of the ring but also how secure it feels,’ says Rachel.
‘Think of them like the stage for your stone,’ adds Laura. ‘They can completely change the look of a design.’
- Prong or Claw: claws holding the stone and letting in lots of light.
- Bezel or Rubover: the stone is framed in metal, giving a sleek, modern look and extra protection.
- Halo: the centre stone framed by a circle of smaller diamonds for extra sparkle.
- Tension: the stone appears to float, held in place by pressure.
- Cathedral: metal arches rise up to support the stone, giving height and drama.
Classic Rings
There’s something to be said about a traditional look. Unfettered by microtrends or passing fads, these engagement rings stand the test of time with elegant and unfussy designs – think clean lines, simple settings and bright, sparkling gemstones.
Tradition With A Twist
For those who want something a little more from their ring – without stepping too far away from a traditional look. These designs offer a contemporary take on a classic, with wavy bands, horizontal settings and rough textures.
Antique, Vintage & Vintage-Inspired
Who said you had to wait until the big day itself to bag your ‘something old’? The jewellers of yesteryear certainly knew what they were doing – and you’ll find antique rings (or, at least, vintage styles) in high demand today.
Rule Breakers
You can also just throw out the rulebook entirely. Nobody can tell you what to wear on your finger, and these alternative engagement rings – with their sculptural styles, colourful gemstones and playful shapes – are the perfect solution for cool brides and grooms wanting to put their stamp on their nuptials.
Can You Personalise An Engagement Ring?
Many couples also choose to put a personal stamp on their engagement rings, opting for hidden messages, heirloom additions or even a completely bespoke design. ‘This is where the fun starts,’ emphasises Laura. ‘Some clients come with a mood board and a very fixed idea. Others arrive with just a feeling they want the ring to capture – feminine, bold, playful – and we work from there.’
‘Personalisation could mean re-setting a family stone, choosing an unconventional gem like a sapphire or ruby, adding hidden details like an engraved message or designing a bespoke setting from scratch,’ adds Rachel. ‘Sometimes it’s as simple as choosing an unusual setting or a particular band shape that makes the ring feel different from anything else.’
Tips For Choosing An Engagement Ring
Still stuck? Our experts provide their top tips for finding the perfect engagement ring:
Picture Wearing The Ring Everyday
‘My biggest tip is to think about the person who will be wearing it every day,’ emphasises Rachel. ‘Lifestyle matters, so if they’re very active, a delicate setting might not be the best option.’
Consider Personal Style
‘You should also pay attention to your partner’s style,’ notes Laura. ‘If they love bold statements, maybe an Art Deco-inspired or coloured stone design is perfect. If they’re more understated, a solitaire or bezel setting might suit them better.’
Size Matters (Or Does It?)
‘It’s also worth remembering that bigger isn’t always better – the right proportions, a beautiful cut, and thoughtful details often mean more than sheer carat weight,’ says Rachel.
Don’t Follow Trends
‘Don’t get lost in trends,’ warns Laura. ‘Think about longevity – a design that feels like “you” now but will still feel right decades from now.’
Ask Questions
‘Don’t be afraid to ask questions,’ adds Rachel. ‘A good jeweller should guide you through options, explain why one setting or cut might suit you better, and help you find a piece that feels both timeless and deeply personal.’
Go With Your Gut
‘Perhaps most importantly, go with your gut,’ Laura tells us. ‘The right ring should feel like an heirloom in the making.’
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