If you want a white metal, consider platinum over white gold. Platinum never fades in colour, while white gold naturally reverts to a warmer tone and requires regular replating to stay bright.

In the UK, hallmarking is a legal requirement for all fine jewellery. It proves your ring’s purity and guarantees it has been independently tested. Always look for hallmark stamps to ensure authenticity and quality.

Diamond Certificate with Laser Inscription: Stick with the most reputable labs — GIA, IGI, or HRD. The certificate number should be laser-engraved on the stone’s girdle.

Independent Jewellery Grading Certificate: Confirms ring details such as metal type, side stone carat weight, colour, and clarity, and verifies the centre stone’s certificate.

Avoid In-House Certificates: These can exaggerate quality. Independent grading protects both you and your jeweller.

Want your diamond to appear larger on the hand? Opt for a cathedral setting or higher mount. A slimmer band (but not too thin) will enhance size perception. Tiger (eagle) prongs can also expose more of the diamond surface for maximum sparkle.

Most rings need resizing at some stage. Keep in mind:
- Half diamond coverage bands can be resized by 1 - 2 sizes.
- The more diamonds set around the band, the less resizing flexibility.
- Full diamond coverage bands cannot be resized at all.

Not all engagement rings sit flush with a wedding band. Ask about wed-fit designs so your engagement and wedding rings pair seamlessly together. If you prefer a design which is not wed fit, think about designing your wedding band and engagement ring together to help you visualise how your bridal set will look.

Your lifestyle matters:
- Active wearers or hands-on jobs – Choose a low-profile setting and sturdy plain band.
- Less active wearers – Raised settings, halos, or delicate details can be worn more safely.

Here’s the current order of popularity:

1. Oval Cuts – elegant, finger-flattering brilliance.
2. Radiant Cuts – modern sparkle with sharp edges.
3. Elongated Cushion Cuts – soft pillow shape, combining oval length with cushion sparkle.
4. Round Brilliant Cuts – timeless, versatile, always in demand.
5. Pear Cuts – romantic and distinctive.
6. Marquise Cuts – slimming, dramatic, and bold.
7. Princess Cuts – square brilliance for modern tastes.
8. Asscher Cuts – vintage art-deco elegance.
9. Heart Cuts – the ultimate romantic symbol.

✨ Trending: Old Mine Cuts — antique pillow-shaped diamonds with chunky facets.

While intricate detailing and tiny side stones may look beautiful in photos, they are often impractical for everyday wear. Overly delicate settings increase the risk of stones becoming loose or damaged, meaning the ring won’t stand the test of time. Choose a design that balances elegance with durability. 

A cathedral setting features elegant arches that rise from the band to the basket, providing extra strength and long term security. It’s a classic, timeless design that has endured for generations and often appeals to those who love tradition and romance.

In contrast, a floating head setting offers a sleek, modern look that creates the illusion of a diamond suspended in mid-air;  a style that has become increasingly popular on Instagram. This design speaks to trendsetters who favour minimalism and contemporary elegance. Because floating heads rely on a more delicate structure, they require a strong foundation, so a slightly thicker band is recommended to ensure durability and prevent bending.

Both styles are extremely popular; ultimately, it’s about choosing between timeless tradition and modern minimalism, depending on which best reflects your personality and style.

Avoid overly complicated designs. Remember: this is a ring you’ll wear every day. A classic, timeless style ensures you’ll never tire of it. You can always add flair later with eternity bands, jackets, or stacking rings.

Adding an engraving to your engagement ring or wedding band is a beautiful way to make it truly personal and meaningful. From initials and dates to meaningful phrases, most popular fonts can be used, and you can even incorporate symbols or a birthstone for an extra special touch.

Keep in mind that resizing a ring after engraving will remove the engraving so it’s best to ensure the size is correct beforehand. Alternatively, you can choose to engrave your ring at a later stage to avoid re-engraving the same piece twice.

When browsing engagement rings online, you’ll often come across designs where four delicate prongs hold the centre stone in place. These settings look striking, as the diamond is showcased from every angle with minimal metal coverage. However, while visually appealing, this style can pose risks over time. With daily wear, prongs are prone to loosening, which increases the chance of the centre stone shifting or even coming out altogether.

To improve both durability and peace of mind, jewellers recommend adding a gallery rail. Sometimes referred to as a support bar, the gallery rail is a small band of metal that sits just beneath the centre stone. Its purpose is to reinforce the prongs, stabilise the setting, and extend the lifespan of the ring.

Gallery rails can be designed in different ways:

• Plain Gallery Rail – a simple, discreet bar that provides support without altering the ring’s look.
• Hidden Halo Gallery Rail – a band set with small diamonds beneath the centre stone, adding strength while introducing a subtle circle of sparkle that’s only visible from certain angles.

While the gallery rail may seem like a minor detail, it’s an important feature for anyone planning to wear their ring every day. It balances beauty with practicality, ensuring your centre diamond remains secure while adding to the overall craftsmanship of the design.