Tips for Choosing an Engagement Ring

The engagement ring is one of the most important pieces of jewellery a girl will receive - no pressure! We know it is a difficult decision and one you want to get right. So whether you are recently engaged (Congratulations!) or are planning to pop the question, hopefully these tips will help you think about what you are looking for...

Where to start...

Style:
What style of ring do you want? A traditional diamond solitaire, traditional with a twist, or something more modern? If you have no clue where to start the browse for some ideas online and get an idea of the designs that you like, or think she may like. It may at least help rule out what you don't like.

If you are looking for something completely unique, then you can speak to a designer about a bespoke design.

Stone:
The traditional engagement ring would be a solitaire diamond. There has been a lot in the press about ‘blood diamonds’ or ‘conflict’ diamonds’. All the rings from CRED are ethically sourced and come with a certificate of origin, and are conflict free diamonds as the basic minimum. Read more about our ethical diamonds.

Or why not choose an alternative precious stone entirely? An amethyst, emerald or sapphire make just as dramatic a statement as diamond, and you will love bearing an unusual ring that is personal to the two of you.

A trilogy ring gives you the best of both worlds as you can have a central coloured stone straddled by smaller diamonds.

Cut:
For the main stone in the ring you have a few options for the cut – this makes a difference to the way the light is reflected around the stone.

Setting:
There are many settings for stones – Here are some of the options for a solitaire.

Colour:
Do you wear more white-gold or yellow-gold jewellery? You’ll want to consider this carefully and get your wedding ring made in the same quality (i.e. 18ct or 9ct) to match the engagement ring, and possible each others. Platinum is even more hard wearing than white gold, but has a similar look.
All of the precious metals from CRED are fair trade from our partners, Oro Verde, in Colombia. More about fairtrade gold.

Size:
Have your finger measured. Any jewellery shop will be able to do this for you if you have the finger to hand. Once you know your size you have the freedom to choose an engagement ring you have seen online.

If your proposal is a surprise:
If you want to propose as a surprise, then contact us to ask for a ring sizer that we will send you in the post. You can then lay onto this a ring that your girlfriend already wears on that finger to find out the size and we can get the ring you choose made in the correct size.
OR
You can buy the engagement ring that you like from our collection in a standard size. After the proposal you can then come back with your fiancé and either get her finger measured to have the same ring made to the right size, or if she prefers an alternative design you can exchange it.