Few questions in life warrant such immense thought and pre-planning. The ‘when’ and ‘where’ of it all should, of course, be considered. But, it's the engagement ring that's imperative to truly ensuring a momentous proposal (and guaranteeing the all-important “yes”)… but how? That's where we at GQ come in.
And thus the pressure for buying the right engagement ring begins. Diamond or sapphire? Yellow or white gold? And then there’s the murky waters of how much to spend. What’s clear is that there’s really only one question we can hear across the internet: “Will you... Will you help me find the perfect engagement ring?” Yes! A thousand times, yes! We thought you’d never ask.
We’ve done the research, spoken to the experts and collated the ultimate engagement ring guide to get you set up for the fated one-knee drop. You got this!
How much should I spend on a ring?
“They” say it should be equivalent to a month’s wages (or is it two? Or three?), but is that before or after rent? Gas? Electricity? Groceries? The occasional night out? Restaurants? Ground coffee? Avocados?
If you think buying a bag of Haribo Starmix is beginning to look like an efficient option, fear not. Hannah at Lila’s in South East London assuages our money anxiety: “Whether it's £200, whether it's £50,000, each one is super special to whoever is buying it. The rule about spending a month's wages – we don't think that's true. It has to fit each person.”
What should I look for when buying a ring?
Some significant others may have already hinted at the kind of ring they’d like or even shown you the exact style. If that’s the case for you, then you’re on easy street. For those with partners that have played it more coy, choosing a ring is a little trickier.
A good place to start is to take note of the kind of jewellery they like. Check their jewellery draw, notice if they prefer white or yellow gold jewellery and if their style is classic, vintage or more alternative. Consider their lifestyle – are they athletic? Do they use their hands often? If you’re really struggling, ask a friend or family member who’s in the know but can also keep a secret.
How can I tell what their ring size is?
If you’re planning on keeping your proposal under wraps, then this is another task that will require some sleuthing. “If they wear rings on either their left or right third fingers, then borrow one and take to a jeweller for sizing,” advises Jason D’Heureux, creative director of London-based jewellers Taylor & Hart. “If you can’t take this ring out of the home, trace the inside of the ring and compare against an online ring size guide.” If they don’t wear rings, according to Jason, the average UK ring size for a woman is “L”. If you do get the size wrong though, don’t worry, you can always have it resized post-proposal.
How far in advance should I buy the ring?
Allow yourself a couple of months before you want to propose. Deciding on a ring will take time, plus most jewellers will take around four to six weeks to create the ring and have it sized for you. “Avoid rushing the process of finding an engagement ring,” says Jason. “This is possibly one of the most important jewellery purchases in your life, so take the time to do your research on what your partner will like.”
What are the best jewellers to buy a ring online?
Ernest Jones
Ernest Jones Halo bridal set
A jeweller that's long had a presence on UK high streets, the online selection at Ernest Jones encompasses engagement rings from three figures up to around £20,000, including high-end ring makers such as Vera Wang. With a wide selection of precious metals and ethically sourced diamonds in traditional solitaire form or clusters, it's one of the most accessible and diverse places to begin. ernestjones.co.uk
Tiffany & Co
Tiffany Novo Emerald-cut engagement ring
A brand that can be credited with originating the engagement ring as we know it, back in the late 19th century, we all know today that few jewellers can incite quite the excitement as that which comes in a little blue box. Tiffany's legacy remains just as strong today, with many an expert-crafted engagement ring to choose from online. All are classics and, as with anything from Tiffany, it really is hard to go wrong. tiffany.co.uk
Jessica McCormack
My Heart, My Eye engagement ring
With a passion for recreating antique ring designs for the modern landscape, Jessica McCormack specialises in romantic pieces imbued with a sense of history and luxury. For contemporary bling with a timeless attitude, look no further. jessicamccormack.com
Fenton
Fenton diamond Deco emerald ring
‘Beautiful, unique, and responsible', that's the mission statement of Mayfair-based Fenton jewellery. Founded in 2019 with the aim to do better by the jewellery industry and its shoppers, Fenton celebrates love with its sparkling collections, designed with responsibly-sourced materials of the highest quality, for a price that suits each independent consumer. Find your everlasting heirloom, regardless of who you are, or who you love. fentonand.co
Liberty
Liberty London 18ct Rose De France diamond ring
If not for its iconic floral fabric patterns, London department store Liberty would surely be known for its ground-floor jewellery selection. If you're looking for an engagement ring with an alternative gemstone to the traditional diamond, Liberty has plenty to offer, from deep green emeralds to multi-stone clusters. These alternatives are an increasingly popular choice and one look at the selection here will show you why. libertylondon.com
Cartier
Cartier Solitaire 1895
Cartier's Solitaire 1895 is an icon in itself among engagement rings. It is timeless in its style and has been done in countless variations. Bands come in platinum, rose gold and yellow gold and, while the diamond classic tends to be the gemstone of choice for most, don't write off the sapphires, emeralds and rubies also available. Or, for something that ups the ante on ostentation, the Destinée Solitaire boasts a halo of cut diamonds that shine in every angle. cartier.com
Rat Betty
Rat Betty 'Engaged' ring
For the edgier of partners, consider eschewing something more traditional in favour of this bold pick from Rat Betty. A flat-faced signet design, this ring doesn't mix words, whoever dons it sends a clear message to the world: they are — all caps, in bold — engaged. Hands off. ratbetty.com
Angara
Angara Halo Circle diamond ring
An online destination for gemstones of all varieties, Angara has a diverse range of jewels including topaz, amethysts and citrines. Not the most traditional proposals, but, for anyone seeking an alternative style with a more personal touch, something to consider. It's not short of traditional diamonds either, with vintage styles, such as the round Halo Circle ring pictured, in different, customisable metal types, carat weights and gemstone qualities. angara.com
Goldsmiths
Goldsmiths 18ct white gold Princess cut diamond ring
An institution for jewellery of all kinds and operating from the late 18th century, Goldsmiths is an easy first point of call when perusing engagement rings online. Its selection spans simplicity to vintage decadence, myriad gemstones and metal types and best-selling jewellers including Mappin & Webb and Jenny Packham. All that is paired with immense convenience, with up to four years of interest-free credit to pay off your purchase and free next-day deliveries, any day of the week – perfect for those truly spontaneous decisions. goldsmiths.co.uk
F. Hinds
F. Hinds 9ct white gold diamond Solitaire ring
There are pages and pages of engagement rings to mull over at F Hinds, a jeweller that offers quality gemstones at excellent value. Choose from classic solitaire rings, such as the one pictured, to those more sparkling bridal sets with central stones surrounded by decadent halo clusters on multiple bands. With a 30-day returns policy, it eases the frustration of not being able to browse in store. fhinds.co.uk
What should you look for in a diamond?
The four Cs to follow if you’re buying a diamond are:
