Everything You Need to Know Before Buying an Engagement Ring

Before you begin your search, it’s important to understand what truly affects an engagement ring’s cost, craftsmanship and overall look. This guide sets out everything you need to know about engagement rings – from how to choose the right stone and setting to why certification and aftercare matter. With expert insight from Queensmith’s gemmologists and designers, you can approach this milestone purchase with confidence, avoiding common mistakes and the unlikely worry of not liking the engagement ring later.

Explore our curated collection of engagement rings, or take a deeper dive with our engagement ring buying guide for even more expert advice.

One of the first things to know before buying an engagement ring is that diamond prices can vary hugely – and it’s not always obvious why. You could see two diamonds that look near identical at first glance, yet one might cost thousands more than the other. But – there will be a marked difference in the diamond's origin or appearance to account for that price difference. That’s why it’s so important to understand what you’re paying for, so you can get the best value for your budget.

On average, Queensmith clients tend to spend between £1,500 and £6,000 on their diamond alone, with some opting for higher or lower depending on their priorities. The price is influenced by a few key factors: the 4Cs (Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat), as well as whether you choose a natural or lab grown diamond. Of these, diamond carat (the weight of the stone) often has the biggest impact on price – and it doesn’t always equate to better sparkle, which is why cut quality matters just as much.

If you’d like to dive deeper into what drives the cost and how to choose wisely, you can learn more about diamond prices in our expert guide.

While carat often grabs the most attention, it’s only one part of the puzzle. To truly understand a diamond’s value and beauty, you’ll need to consider all of the 4Cs: cut, colour, clarity and carat. Doing your research here is key – our comprehensive diamond guide is a great place to start.

A well-proportioned diamond cut is arguably the most important factor for sparkle and brilliance, while diamond colour grades will tell you how colourless (and therefore desirable) the stone is. Then there’s diamond clarity, which describes how free your diamond is from natural inclusions or blemishes.

To make sure you’re buying exactly what you’ve been promised, always choose a diamond that comes with independent certification. We recommend stones graded by GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI (International Gemological Institute) – both of which are widely recognised as the most reputable and trusted diamond grading laboratories in the world, providing consistent, reliable assessments of quality.

Beyond the 4Cs, the shape and cut of your diamond play a huge role in the overall look of your engagement ring. From the classic round brilliant to more distinctive shapes like pear, marquise or heart, each shape offers a different aesthetic and personality.

You’ll also want to consider the style of cut. A brilliant cut, with its many facets, is designed to maximise sparkle and light performance, making it ideal if you want that unmistakable diamond brilliance. On the other hand, a step cut, such as emerald or asscher, has longer, more linear facets that create a sleek, mirror-like effect and a sophisticated, understated sparkle.

For a closer look at how each shape and cut transforms a diamond’s appearance, explore our guide to diamond shapes & cuts.

It’s not just how a diamond looks that matters – where it comes from is equally important. Ethically sourced diamonds ensures it has been mined responsibly, with minimal environmental and social impact. Alternatively, many clients now choose lab grown diamonds, which offer the same beauty and durability with a more sustainable and accessible price point.

If you’re weighing up which is right for you, our Lab Diamonds vs Real Diamonds Comparison breaks it down clearly. You can also learn more about lab grown diamonds to understand their benefits and how they can influence your budget.

While diamonds remain the most popular choice, they’re by no means the only option. More and more couples are opting for colourful gemstones that reflect their personality and style. After all, engagement rings don’t have to be diamond – it’s about finding what feels right for you.

If you’re curious about alternative engagement ring stones, we’ve got plenty of inspiration for sapphire engagement rings, emerald engagement rings and ruby engagement rings. Each offers a distinctive and meaningful alternative to the traditional diamond.

The metal you choose for your engagement ring will affect its colour, durability and overall style. Platinum remains a favourite for its strength and bright white shine, while gold is available in a variety of hues to suit different tastes.

Consider the timeless elegance of a platinum engagement ring, the warm blush of a rose gold engagement ring, or the classic glow of a yellow gold engagement ring.

To explore all your options in detail, visit our ring metals guide.

Finally, don’t overlook the setting – it’s what holds your diamond or gemstone securely in place and contributes massively to the ring’s overall design. Whether you prefer a minimal solitaire, a halo for added sparkle or a bespoke vintage-inspired ring design, there’s a setting to suit every style.

For an in-depth look at your options, our engagement ring setting types guide is the perfect place to start.

Getting the ring size right is important – but don’t worry if you’re unsure. There are plenty of clever ways to work it out without spoiling the surprise, from borrowing one of their existing rings to enlisting help from a close friend or family member.

At Queensmith, our design experts and consultants are experienced in estimating ring sizes and can guide you through discreet ways to find the right fit. And even if it’s not perfect on the day, we offer resizing to make sure it fits like a glove.

For more advice, take a look at our ring size guide, or get in touch with our team directly – we’re here to help.

While engagement ring trends can be fun and inspiring, remember that this is a piece of jewellery your partner will wear for decades. Choosing something timeless, that truly resonates with their style and personality, is almost always the better long-term choice.

You can browse our inspiration gallery to see designs that strike the perfect balance between classic and contemporary. Or, if you’d like something completely unique and personal, our bespoke engagement rings offer a timeless, one-of-a-kind alternative.

Shopping online can be convenient, but nothing quite compares to seeing an engagement ring in-person. You’ll be able to examine the craftsmanship up close, assess the stone’s sparkle and get a real feel for how the ring sits on your partner’s finger.

We always recommend booking a free consultation to explore your options with one of our experts. You can book an appointment at a time that suits you – and let us help bring your vision to life.

An engagement ring is a significant investment – and one that deserves to be looked after for years to come. That’s why it’s important to consider the aftercare and warranty offered by your jeweller.

At Queensmith, we include our Lifetime Care Package with every ring, giving you peace of mind with regular maintenance checks, cleaning and a resizing service if needed. It’s all part of making sure your ring stays as perfect as the day you proposed.