Engagement Ring Buying Guide
We love being part of all your biggest moments and when it comes to buying an engagement ring it’s all about the little details. With expert advice in our Engagement Ring Buying Guide and beautiful selection of rings, we know that you’ll choose the ring they’ll treasure for a lifetime – because if it means the world to you, it does to us too.
Explore the guide:
Five tips for buying an engagement ring
How to choose adiamond cut & shape
A diamond’s cut determines how it sparkles and shines, whereas its shape refers to how it looks and is set in the band. Choosing the cut and shape of your diamond will create its own individual style and give the engagement ring its true character. Learn more about diamond cuts and shapes.
Pear-Shaped Diamonds
Known as both pear-shaped and teardrop diamonds, this style can be worn with the point facing upwards or downwards, depending on your preference. This shape is a beautiful combination of round brilliant and marquise diamonds, so you know its sparkle will be breathtaking.
Emerald Cut Diamonds
The long facets of an emerald cut diamond will highlight its clarity. This style is perfect for lovers of vintage glamour and looks particularly beautiful with a halo of round brilliant diamonds.
Princess Cut Diamonds
A contemporary diamond shape, the princess cut showcases a modern square-shape with a glamorous feel. We love the luxurious feel of this cut and is a beautiful choice for a romantic solitaire diamond engagement ring.
Cushion Cut Diamonds
Boasting a square shape that’s softened by rounded edges, the cushion cut blends faceted elements from both the brilliant cut and step cut for a unique spin on the beautiful round brilliant and emerald cut diamonds.
Marquise Shaped Diamonds
For something a little different, a marquise cut diamond is the perfect choice. Often described as ‘boat-shaped’, the elliptical shape gives you a visually larger diamond and can also help make your fingers look long and slender.
Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Typically cut with 57 facets, round brilliant diamonds are a very popular choice for engagement rings. The round shape lets the light disperse beautifully from the bottom and out through the top of the diamond for magnificent fire and sparkle.
Oval-Shaped Diamonds
Oval diamonds are a stunning twist on the classic round brilliant diamond. This means they radiate a similar exceptional sparkle to the brilliant cut, making them a popular choice for those looking for on-trend, modern style.
Pear-Shaped Diamonds
Known as both pear-shaped and teardrop diamonds, this style can be worn with the point facing upwards or downwards, depending on your preference. This shape is a beautiful combination of round brilliant and marquise diamonds, so you know its sparkle will be breathtaking.
Emerald Cut Diamonds
The long facets of an emerald cut diamond will highlight its clarity. This style is perfect for lovers of vintage glamour and looks particularly beautiful with a halo of round brilliant diamonds.
Princess Cut Diamonds
A contemporary diamond shape, the princess cut showcases a modern square-shape with a glamorous feel. We love the luxurious feel of this cut and is a beautiful choice for a romantic solitaire diamond engagement ring.
Cushion Cut Diamonds
Boasting a square shape that’s softened by rounded edges, the cushion cut blends faceted elements from both the brilliant cut and step cut for a unique spin on the beautiful round brilliant and emerald cut diamonds.
Marquise Shaped Diamonds
For something a little different, a marquise cut diamond is the perfect choice. Often described as ‘boat-shaped’, the elliptical shape gives you a visually larger diamond and can also help make your fingers look long and slender.
Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Typically cut with 57 facets, round brilliant diamonds are a very popular choice for engagement rings. The round shape lets the light disperse beautifully from the bottom and out through the top of the diamond for magnificent fire and sparkle.
Oval-Shaped Diamonds
Oval diamonds are a stunning twist on the classic round brilliant diamond. This means they radiate a similar exceptional sparkle to the brilliant cut, making them a popular choice for those looking for on-trend, modern style.
Pear-Shaped Diamonds
Known as both pear-shaped and teardrop diamonds, this style can be worn with the point facing upwards or downwards, depending on your preference. This shape is a beautiful combination of round brilliant and marquise diamonds, so you know its sparkle will be breathtaking.
Emerald Cut Diamonds
The long facets of an emerald cut diamond will highlight its clarity. This style is perfect for lovers of vintage glamour and looks particularly beautiful with a halo of round brilliant diamonds.
Princess Cut Diamonds
A contemporary diamond shape, the princess cut showcases a modern square-shape with a glamorous feel. We love the luxurious feel of this cut and is a beautiful choice for a romantic solitaire diamond engagement ring.
Expert Tip
Think about the diamond shape that your partner would want to wear forever. Would they prefer a round brilliant cut with a dramatic sparkle? An emerald cut for a rectangular, vintage shine? Or an oval shape for a rounded, classic appearance?
How to choose a diamond design
With so many different engagement ring styles, it can be hard to know which one to choose. The type of ring setting will probably have the biggest influence on its overall look, whether you’re looking for glamour, timelessness, or sophistication. Our Engagement Ring Buying Guide will help you choose a design that feels right.
Solitaire Engagement Rings
Simple yet stunning, a solitaire engagement ring showcases one single diamond taking centre stage. This timeless design will never go out of style.
Halo Engagement Rings
Featuring a halo of smaller diamonds surrounding a larger, central diamond. The halo setting enhances the centre diamond to create that extra wow-factor for a modern engagement ring trend.
Cluster Engagement Rings
Showcasing a cluster of smaller diamonds which creates just as much sparkle as one large stone, the cluster setting can be a true statement piece.
Three Stone Engagement Rings
An ideal choice for the romantics, three stone engagement rings are said to represent you and your loved one’s past, present and future.
Men's Diamond Engagement Rings
Who said men can’t wear diamonds? From three stone styles to black diamond rings, our collection of men’s diamond rings make the most beautiful engagement ring for him.
Solitaire Engagement Rings
Simple yet stunning, a solitaire engagement ring showcases one single diamond taking centre stage. This timeless design will never go out of style.
Halo Engagement Rings
Featuring a halo of smaller diamonds surrounding a larger, central diamond. The halo setting enhances the centre diamond to create that extra wow-factor for a modern engagement ring trend.
Cluster Engagement Rings
Showcasing a cluster of smaller diamonds which creates just as much sparkle as one large stone, the cluster setting can be a true statement piece.
Three Stone Engagement Rings
An ideal choice for the romantics, three stone engagement rings are said to represent you and your loved one’s past, present and future.
Men's Diamond Engagement Rings
Who said men can’t wear diamonds? From three stone styles to black diamond rings, our collection of men’s diamond rings make the most beautiful engagement ring for him.
Solitaire Engagement Rings
Simple yet stunning, a solitaire engagement ring showcases one single diamond taking centre stage. This timeless design will never go out of style.
Halo Engagement Rings
Featuring a halo of smaller diamonds surrounding a larger, central diamond. The halo setting enhances the centre diamond to create that extra wow-factor for a modern engagement ring trend.
Cluster Engagement Rings
Showcasing a cluster of smaller diamonds which creates just as much sparkle as one large stone, the cluster setting can be a true statement piece.
Three Stone Engagement Rings
An ideal choice for the romantics, three stone engagement rings are said to represent you and your loved one’s past, present and future.
Men's Diamond Engagement Rings
Who said men can’t wear diamonds? From three stone styles to black diamond rings, our collection of men’s diamond rings make the most beautiful engagement ring for him.
“When it comes to choosing the perfect ring, the clues are in what your partner usually wears. Is their jewellery gold or silver tone? Do they like to make a statement, or go for a simplistic look? This will help determine their engagement ring style.”
- Lorna, Head of Diamonds and Jewellery
Choosing the best metal for your engagement ring
With engagement rings crafted in the finest precious metals such as 18ct yellow gold, 18ct white gold and platinum, you can choose the perfect engagement ring to love for a lifetime. Durable, luxurious and timeless, find the most beautiful backdrop for your stunning diamond ring.
Designed to keep its shine and natural white colour forever, platinum is the rarest metal of all and will never tarnish or fade. The most secure setting for your diamond, a platinum wedding ring can be scratched, but none of the metal will be lost and you can visit us in-store to buff out any scratches.
White gold gets its glowing tone from a combination of yellow gold mixed with white metal alloys. Its bright white finish comes from adding silver or platinum, finished with a white rhodium coating. High quality and a member of the platinum family, white rhodium needs be recoated to retain its pristine shine.
Yellow gold is timeless and the ultimate symbol of love and luxury. This precious metal will not rust, tarnish or corrode and is a lovely setting for diamonds with its highly reflective finish. Our gold wedding rings usually include a white gold setting to hold any diamonds, so there’s no yellow glow effecting the stone’s sparkle.
Another alloy of yellow gold, rose gold is created by adding a higher percentage of copper to the pure metal. Creating a beautiful, feminine colour which is perfect for vintage styles, a rose gold engagement ring is perfect for those looking for something a little different.
A natural metal, zirconium is heat treated to bring out the dark black finish which then remains permanent throughout its lifetime – so you don’t have to worry about the colour ever fading. It’s also scratch-resistant, hypoallergenic, and comfortable for everyday wear. Find out more here.
Designed to keep its shine and natural white colour forever, platinum is the rarest metal of all and will never tarnish or fade. The most secure setting for your diamond, a platinum wedding ring can be scratched, but none of the metal will be lost and you can visit us in-store to buff out any scratches.
White gold gets its glowing tone from a combination of yellow gold mixed with white metal alloys. Its bright white finish comes from adding silver or platinum, finished with a white rhodium coating. High quality and a member of the platinum family, white rhodium needs be recoated to retain its pristine shine.
Yellow gold is timeless and the ultimate symbol of love and luxury. This precious metal will not rust, tarnish or corrode and is a lovely setting for diamonds with its highly reflective finish. Our gold wedding rings usually include a white gold setting to hold any diamonds, so there’s no yellow glow effecting the stone’s sparkle.
Another alloy of yellow gold, rose gold is created by adding a higher percentage of copper to the pure metal. Creating a beautiful, feminine colour which is perfect for vintage styles, a rose gold engagement ring is perfect for those looking for something a little different.
A natural metal, zirconium is heat treated to bring out the dark black finish which then remains permanent throughout its lifetime – so you don’t have to worry about the colour ever fading. It’s also scratch-resistant, hypoallergenic, and comfortable for everyday wear. Find out more here.
Designed to keep its shine and natural white colour forever, platinum is the rarest metal of all and will never tarnish or fade. The most secure setting for your diamond, a platinum wedding ring can be scratched, but none of the metal will be lost and you can visit us in-store to buff out any scratches.
White gold gets its glowing tone from a combination of yellow gold mixed with white metal alloys. Its bright white finish comes from adding silver or platinum, finished with a white rhodium coating. High quality and a member of the platinum family, white rhodium needs be recoated to retain its pristine shine.
Yellow gold is timeless and the ultimate symbol of love and luxury. This precious metal will not rust, tarnish or corrode and is a lovely setting for diamonds with its highly reflective finish. Our gold wedding rings usually include a white gold setting to hold any diamonds, so there’s no yellow glow effecting the stone’s sparkle.
Another alloy of yellow gold, rose gold is created by adding a higher percentage of copper to the pure metal. Creating a beautiful, feminine colour which is perfect for vintage styles, a rose gold engagement ring is perfect for those looking for something a little different.
A natural metal, zirconium is heat treated to bring out the dark black finish which then remains permanent throughout its lifetime – so you don’t have to worry about the colour ever fading. It’s also scratch-resistant, hypoallergenic, and comfortable for everyday wear. Find out more here.
Expert Tip
If you’re wondering which ring band to choose, try looking at what colours and materials your partner likes to wear. From platinum to black zirconium, what do they love to accessorise with?
The 4 Cs:Cut, Colour, Clarity & Carat weight
Did you know, it’s the cut, colour, clarity, and carat that help define every diamond’s true quality? All our diamond engagement rings are cut to perfection, to ensure your diamond will be bright, clear, and have a dazzling sparkle whatever carat weight you choose.
1 Cut
The cut of a diamond is what releases the fire, brilliance and scintillation.
2 Colour
We only select diamonds in the near colourless range- (D-G) for our core diamond collections.
3 Clarity
Measures the appearance of diamond inclusions and blemishes under magnification.
4 Carat
Often confused as the size, carat is the diamond’s weight. Discover our top 1ct diamond rings.
Our 5th C: Confidence
We don’t just tick off the 4 Cs, for us it’s about genuine passion and care to make sure your engagement ring sparkles.
“Each of our diamonds are carefully selected to be in line with every one of the 4 Cs, but our 5th C of confidence is what sets a Beaverbrooks diamond apart from the rest. Crafted with the care and love that your diamonds deserve, we’re confident you can treasure our diamond rings and jewellery for eternity.”
- Lorna, Head of Diamonds and Jewellery
How to get the engagement ring size right
Depending upon the design of the engagement ring, it might not always be possible to have it re-sized. So, if it doesn’t fit, you can return it to us unworn and we’ll be happy to exchange it for their correct size.
If you’re starting the search yourself, or choosing your engagement ring together, you could pop into any of our stores where we will be happy to measure your finger. You can also check out our Ring Size Guide which features a table of ring sizes, a print-out ring size guide and some hints and tips on how to go about finding their ring size in secret.
LORNA'S TOP TIP: If you’re trying to find the right engagement ring size, make sure you measure your finger when it’s at its largest, usually in a warm environment and in the evening, to avoid buying a ring that will become too tight.
Worried about finding the right engagement ring?
It’s the most important question you’ll ever ask, so if the prospect of choosing an engagement ring for the love of your life is causing you to lose sleep, proposing with a temporary ring could be the solution.
A beautiful collection of sterling silver cubic zirconia rings and men’s titanium rings, you can pop the question with a Proposal Ring before choosing your engagement ring together. We’ll even deduct the price of your Proposal Ring from your Beaverbrooks Diamond Ring if you visit us within 60 days.
LORNA'S TOP TIP: Don’t overthink it! An engagement ring is a timeless symbol of love, commitment and dedication. It’s the meaning behind the sparkle that counts, and we’re sure you’ll pick an engagement ring they’ll love no matter what you choose.
Find your perfect engagement ring at Beaverbrooks
Do your research
Our helpful buying guides have everything you need to know about diamonds, ring sizes and the most popular engagement ring styles.
Write down any questions
We’re happy to answer them! We may also ask questions too so we can find the most suitable ring for your partner, such as their lifestyle and other jewellery they tend to wear.
Find your nearest store
We have over 70 stores nationwide - to find your nearest one, enter a location in our store finder.
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Share your style
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