Finding the person you want to spend your life with is a unique journey for everyone. The same can be said about finding the perfect engagement ring. Choosing "the one" will be completely different for everyone, depending on the individual’s knowledge, taste, and budget. Whether you're starting from scratch, need some guidance, or know exactly what you want, we are here to help.
Falling back on our 124-plus years of experience, we've created a complete engagement ring guide to help you find the perfect ring to match your perfect partnership.
Do Your Homework on Engagement Rings
Finding the perfect engagement ring should start long before the question is popped. It all begins with plenty of research and preparation. Some couples collaborate on choosing an engagement ring, while others prefer to keep the proposal a complete surprise.
Start by considering your budget, as this will guide your options. Be realistic about what you can spend. The old adage of a ring costing two months' salary is far from foolproof; only you know what an appropriate amount is for your situation. Walker & Hall will work with you to create your dream ring within your budget, making the most of every dollar. Whether you prefer a specific diamond shape, clarity, or size, we are here to help you find the perfect balance between your desires and your budget.
Once you understand what you can afford, research your partner's preferences. Look at the jewellery they already own. What metal do they prefer? Do they favour diamonds or coloured stones? Understanding their style, whether it's classic, vintage, or modern, will help you choose a ring they will love. Pay attention to any hints they might drop or comments they make about other people's rings. Preparing properly will set you up for success when finding your perfect engagement ring.
Engagement Ring Metals
Choosing the right metal for your engagement ring is a crucial decision that sets the stage for the entire design. Each metal brings its unique charm and character, influencing the ring's overall look and feel. Walker & Hall offers a variety of beautiful options to ensure you find your perfect ring:
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold, radiating timeless warmth, is a classic choice that complements a wide range of gemstones. Its rich, buttery hue is perfect for those who appreciate traditional elegance and want a ring that stands the test of time.
White Gold
White gold, known for its contemporary and sophisticated look, is crafted by alloying yellow gold with other white metals and then plating it with rhodium. This results in a bright, white appearance that pairs beautifully with diamonds and coloured gemstones, offering a sleek, modern aesthetic.
Rose Gold
Capturing hearts with its romantic pink hue, rose gold is an ideal choice for those who want something unique and sentimental. The warm, blush tone of rose gold is perfect for romantics, adding a touch of vintage charm to any ring design.
Platinum
Renowned for its durability and purity, platinum is the epitome of luxury and strength. Its dazzling white lustre complements the brilliance of diamonds, making it a popular choice for engagement rings.
Bi Tone
For those who can't decide on just one metal, bi-tone rings combine two different metals in one design, offering a unique and personalised look. This style is perfect for those who want to blend the best of both worlds, creating a ring that is both distinctive and versatile.
Engagement Ring Settings
The setting of an engagement ring is like the frame of a painting; it enhances and showcases the gemstone's brilliance. Walker & Hall offers a variety of settings to capture the essence of your love and reflect your partner's unique personality:
Solitaire
Simple yet stunning, a solitaire setting features a single, dazzling gemstone. It's a timeless choice that symbolises the purity and simplicity of your commitment.
Halo
Halo rings feature a central gemstone encircled by a halo of smaller diamonds. This setting maximises brilliance and symbolises eternal love. It's perfect for those who love sparkle and want a ring that catches every eye.
Accent Stones
Rings with accent stones feature additional diamonds or gemstones along the band, adding extra sparkle and detail to its central stone. This setting is ideal for those who appreciate intricate designs.
Three Stone
Three-stone rings feature three diamonds or gemstones, representing the past, present, and future of your relationship. This meaningful design celebrates significant milestones in your journey together.
Cluster
Cluster rings feature multiple smaller diamonds grouped together to create a larger, more impactful look. This setting symbolises the multitude of moments and memories shared and is great for those who love unique, eye-catching designs.
Band
Simple yet elegant, band rings feature a continuous line of diamonds or gemstones around the band. This setting is versatile and timeless, suitable for any style.
Five Stone
Five-stone rings feature five stones set in a row, a beautiful representation of love and commitment. This setting offers a balanced look with a touch of sophistication.
The 4 Cs of Diamonds
While we wholeheartedly subscribe to the belief that beauty is subjective, GIA founder Robert M. Shipley broke the beauty of diamonds down to science with the Four Cs. Since being coined in the 1940s, the four Cs of Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat have been the north star for those seeking the best of the best when it comes to diamonds. Understanding these four Cs will help you select the perfect diamond for your engagement ring.
Cut
Cut is the easiest C to see and refers to both the outline shape (not to be confused with the actual shape) and the proportions of the diamond. A diamond's proportions will greatly affect its light performance and overall appearance. A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully, showcasing exceptional sparkle. Cut grades range from Excellent to Poor, with the best-cut diamonds offering mesmerising fire and brilliance.
Colour
Diamonds range from completely colourless to light shades of yellow or brown. The GIA grades diamond colour from D (colourless) to Z (light colour). Colourless diamonds, graded D to F, are highly prized for their purity and dazzling light refraction. However, the faint yellow sparkle of an S to Z-grade diamond can make for a striking finish.
Clarity
Clarity measures the presence of internal or external imperfections, known as inclusions or blemishes. The GIA's clarity grades range from Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions visible to the naked eye). Higher clarity grades indicate fewer flaws, enhancing the diamond's overall beauty and value. However, many diamonds with slightly lower clarity grades remain stunning to the naked eye while offering a more budget-friendly option.
Carat
Carat weight correlates with the size of the diamond. While carat weight affects cost, balancing it with the other Cs ensures you get the most value. Smaller diamonds with excellent cut, colour, and clarity can appear more dazzling than larger stones with lower grades.
Consider a Custom Design
At Walker & Hall, we ensure your engagement ring is as unique as your love story with our custom ring designs. Start by exploring our 1899 Collection in-store, trying on styles from classic solitaires to dramatic halos. Once you find a design you love, choose your preferred metal and any specialised finishing touches.
Our experts will guide you through selecting the perfect diamond or gemstone, helping you understand key factors that affect value. Customise your stone's shape, size, colour, and quality to fit your ideal budget. Mix and match features from our 1899 Collection designs to create a uniquely curated ring.
For a completely custom piece, let us bring your dream design to life from start to finish. Our custom design process offers a fast turnaround of 2-4 weeks, ensuring you enjoy a stunning, bespoke engagement ring that reflects your unique style and love story.