Congratulations on taking the big step towards proposing to your partner! Choosing an engagement ring can seem a daunting task, but with a little guidance and some careful planning, you can surprise your partner with the perfect ring they'll cherish forever.

In this step-by-step guide, I'll walk you through the process of selecting an engagement ring by looking at some of the most important aspects to consider including:

• Budget
• Understanding your partner's style
• Diamond Quality
• Choosing the right metal
• How to choose the right finger size

 

 We'll cover everything from understanding diamond quality and cut to finding the right size and setting. We'll also provide tips on how to keep the proposal a secret and ensure that your partner is thrilled with their new ring. So take a deep breath and let's get started on this exciting journey together!

 

How do you start to plan a surprise engagement ring?

So, you've decided to pop the question and now it's time to choose the perfect engagement ring for your partner. Don't worry, it's not as daunting as it may seem! The first step is to think about your partner and their style. Do they prefer classic or modern? Bold or understated? This will give you a steer as to whether they would like a simple engagement ring or something more intricate. If they already wear jewellery, take note of whether they tend to go for gold or silver tones - this will give you a big hint on which metal type to choose.

What kind of stone should I choose for an engagement ring?

The most popular stone for an engagement ring is a diamond. But this isn't the only option, as many people opt for a coloured gemstone instead. 
Take a note of any hints that are dropped your way before starting to choose a bespoke engagement ring, as well as taking note of the kind of jewellery your partner wears. If your partner prefers coloured stones over diamonds, you would probably have noticed from their style and opinions they may have shared about jewellery that they like. 

If you are thinking of choosing a gemstone engagement ring, the most important thing to be aware of is how hardwearing the stone is. Some stones such as Emeralds are a popular choice for jewellery, however they are quite soft which means they aren't a suitable choice for a ring which is being worn everyday because they are likely to be damaged. Sapphire on the other hand is a great choice for an engagement ring, this is because it is hard wearing and also comes in a vast array of colours to suit any taste.

If you're thinking of choosing a diamond for your partner's engagement ring it can seem like a whole world of information to take on, so I've written a guide just on choosing the perfect diamond here. Take a read if you'd like to be confident in choosing a diamond. 

What metal should you choose for an engagement ring?

We would always recommend Platinum as the top choice for a ring which looks silver in colour. This is because it is a hardwearing metal which is naturally white so there's no need for any plating to maintain the bright white look thats needed for white gold. Platinum is also hypoallergenic, which means you won't have to worry about getting a sore finger - something you don't want to worry about when choosing such an important and sentimental piece of jewellery. I've had clients come to be with a ring they've been given wondering why it's made their skin flare up. Usually this is due to the ring being made from 9ct gold which is made from 37.5% gold along with a mixture of other metals to make up the alloy, some of which they may react to.

If your partner wears yellow or gold coloured jewellery then you'd be best to steer towards 18ct gold for your engagement ring. 18ct gold is made from at least 75% pure gold with a mixture of silver and copper to make up the remaining parts, leaving you with a high quality metal which will stand up to everyday wear. 18ct gold is most commonly seen as yellow gold, but if you'd like something a little more unusual you can have an engagement ring created using rose gold. 18ct rose gold has a little more of a pinky tone to it that 18ct yellow gold, and as such is perfect when having warmer toned gems set into it.

 

How will I know my Engagement Ring will be hardwearing enough?

Practicality is an important factor consider when choosing an engagment ring as a surprise. If your partner has a job that requires a lot of manual labor or involves frequent hand washing, a diamond that sits high off the finger may not be the best option. You might want to consider getting a ring with a lower profile or opting for a setting which is bezel set instead of using claws, as they could be caught more easily risking making the stone loose.

How do I know what finger size to choose for my partner's engagement ring?

Don't get too hung up on getting the finger size perfect when choosing an engagement ring as a surprise for your partner. If possible you can try to covertly get their finger size by asking a family member or mutual friend to do some investigation work for you. Maybe someone you know can ask your partner to try a ring on to see if they like it & gauge the fit from there. 

If you've got no idea on their size I can make a guesstimate of their size from asking a few questions. I'll always suggest being a little generous on the finger size, because you don't want to propose with a ring that won't go over their knuckle! We can always resize the ring afterwards, and I can also give you a temporary solution to allow the ring to be worn securely before it's sized perfectly.

Remember, you know your partner best and starting with what you know will help guide you in the right direction. Don't stress too much - at the end of the day, it's the thought and sentiment behind the ring that matters most!