Thinking of popping the question? We’ve put together our top tips to help you choose the perfect engagement ring ahead of the big moment. And if you’re reading this and hoping for a proposal from your partner – feel free to share it!
1. Choose from the heart
The first, and really the only rule of choosing an engagement ring, is that your choice should come from the heart! An engagement ring is a symbol of love, commitment, and a promise to share your lives together. So, unless the largest carat size or most premium diamond are important to you, focus instead on choosing something that you connect with and that you know your partner will love.
2. Start with your budget
Before you start choosing ring styles and designs, have your budget in mind. Tradition would tell you that you have to spend a certain amount of your income on an engagement ring, but it’s more important that you choose something special for your partner, at the right price for you. Once you have this in mind, our expert team will be able to help you narrow down some choices. Speak to our team in-store or online.
3. Look at the jewellery your partner usually wears
Your partner’s personal style is a great insight into the kind of engagement ring they’re likely to love. For instance, do they love statement pieces with lots of sparkle (try a halo or multi-stone ring), or more minimalistic, classic styles? (a solitaire ring is perfect). Pay attention to their favourite metal types, too – for instance, if they love yellow gold, then a yellow gold engagement ring might be perfect. If they love silver, white gold is a perfect match.
4. ‘Follow’ what your partner follows
One of the best ways to get a hint about the kind of engagement ring your partner would love is to see what they follow and interact with. Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook are all great platforms to see what your partner is loving.
See if there are certain ring styles, diamond shapes, or coloured gemstones they’re always double-tapping. And if your partner is trying to drop a hint, they might have even tagged you in a post or two!
5. Discover what’s trending
Choosing an engagement ring is deeply personal, but a little inspiration can’t hurt to help you get started! Explore the trending engagement ring styles, to see what stands out to you.
6. Ask your partner (or their friends) for ideas
There’s a good chance the two of you have already discussed becoming engaged, and your partner might have dropped some hints about the types of rings or stones they love.
You can always ask your partner for ideas, to help you make the perfect choice. Ask them to create a wishlist online and share it with you. You could also have fun with our Virtual Ring Try-On – browse our range of engagement rings online together and encourage your partner to virtually try on their favourites.
If you’re determined to keep your choice a surprise, ask your partner’s close friends or family members for engagement ring ideas. Your partner might have shared some specific ring styles they love; or if not, their loved ones can help you decide on the style they’ll love best.
7. Learn about the Five Cs
When it comes to diamonds, there are Four Cs that determine the diamond’s overall look, rarity, and value. These are: cut, colour, clarity, and carat. If you have a clear idea of the diamond, or look, that you want, investigate the Four Cs so that you can ask for the diamond you’re after.
However, it doesn’t stop there; at Michael Hill, the Fifth C – choice – refers to the array of options you can choose from for the perfect engagement ring. Discover our beautiful range of designs, as well as the option of premium and Certified Sustainable laboratory-grown diamonds.
8. There’s more than one way to get the look
We’ve already covered that choosing an engagement ring from the heart matters more than a certain carat size or spending a certain amount.
Of course, many people are drawn to the beautiful and eye-catching sparkle of larger rings – but if a high-carat solitaire (single diamond style) seems out of reach, there are other ways to achieve a large look. Explore our range of halo, cluster and other multi-stone diamond rings to find the perfect look.
9. Choose the perfect fit
As well as choosing the ring style your partner will love, there is the ring size to consider. The easiest way to find your partner’s ring size (in secret!) is to borrow a ring they already have, and which they wear on their ring finger – then, you can measure it against our ring sizer or, if possible, bring it to us in-stores to be professionally measured.
You could also ask your partner’s friends or family members if they know the correct size – if your partner is hoping for a proposal, they might have dropped some hints! If you’re unsure, our expert team members will be happy to assist.
10. Ask for some help to choose
We get it - choosing an engagement ring from scratch can seem overwhelming. At Michael Hill, we have expert team members with outstanding product knowledge, ready to guide you through the journey and help you choose the engagement ring your partner will love.
You can visit or chat to us in the way that’s best for you, either virtually or in-store. Appointments are completely free, tailored to what you need, and available in your language.
Now that you have the inspiration to get started, take the next step:
