Article: How To Choose the Perfect Engagement Ring

How To Choose the Perfect Engagement Ring

An engagement ring is more than just a piece of jewellery, it’s a promise, a moment, and the beginning of something extraordinary. Choosing the right one should feel just as special. Whether you're planning a surprise proposal or selecting your ring together, this guide will help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

Start with the Four Cs

The Four Cs, cut, colour, clarity, and carat, are the foundation of any diamond. Understanding each helps you make a thoughtful, informed decision.

Cut
Arguably the most important of the Four Cs, cut determines how brilliantly a diamond reflects light. A well-cut diamond sparkles with life. Prioritise cut quality over carat weight for a ring that truly dazzles.

Colour
Diamonds are graded from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Colourless diamonds (D–F) are the most sought-after for their icy brilliance. At True Brilliance, we exclusively offer lab-grown diamonds in this exceptional range.

Clarity
Clarity refers to internal or surface imperfections. At True Brilliance, we offer only VS1 clarity and above, ensuring no visible inclusions, just pure, uninterrupted sparkle.

Carat
Carat is the measure of a diamond’s weight. Bigger isn’t always better — balance size with cut, colour, and clarity to find the right harmony for your style and budget.

Choose a Shape That Reflects You

Each diamond shape has its own character. Round brilliants are timeless and fiery. Emerald cuts are architectural and refined. Ovals and pears offer elegance with a contemporary edge. Think about the style that feels most authentic, classic, modern, vintage, or unique.

Consider the Setting

The setting frames your diamond and influences the overall look of the ring.

Solitaire: Minimal, elegant, and focused solely on the stone.
Halo: Adds extra sparkle and enhances perceived size.
Pavé: A band of delicate diamonds for added brilliance.
Three-Stone: Symbolising past, present, and future.

At True Brilliance, our signature collections, including The Brilliance Setting, Aurora, and Luminara, each offer a distinct take on timeless elegance, engineered for everyday wear.

Choose the Right Metal

Metal colour has a big impact on the final aesthetic. Platinum and white gold highlight cooler tones and sparkle. Yellow and rose gold lend warmth and a vintage feel. The right choice depends on your personal style, or that of your partner.

Know Your Ring Size

A perfect fit is key. If you're planning a surprise, borrow a ring they already wear or enlist help from a close friend. When in doubt, opt for a slightly larger size, resizing is simple with most styles.

Understand the Benefits of Lab-Grown

Lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to mined diamonds, with all the same brilliance and beauty. The difference lies in how they’re created, and their impact. Lab-grown diamonds offer exceptional value and sustainability, making it possible to choose a more impressive stone without compromise.

At True Brilliance, every diamond is ethically made, independently certified, and hand-selected to meet the highest standards.

Set Your Budget Thoughtfully

There’s no set rule for how much you should spend. Focus on what feels comfortable and meaningful to you. With lab-grown diamonds, your budget goes further, allowing you to prioritise quality, carat size, or a bespoke design without overstretching.

Final Thoughts

An engagement ring should feel like an extension of your story, a symbol that speaks to your love and your values. Whether you’re drawn to timeless brilliance or modern minimalism, the perfect ring is one that feels true to you.

Explore our lab-grown diamond engagement rings and discover a world of elegance, craftsmanship, and conscious luxury. At True Brilliance, we’re here to help you find the one, effortlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important factor when choosing an engagement ring?

While all Four Cs, cut, colour, clarity, and carat, work together to define a diamond’s beauty, cut is the most important. A well-cut diamond reflects light with precision, creating the brilliance, fire, and scintillation that give a diamond its irresistible sparkle. Even a high-carat stone with excellent clarity won’t shine if the cut is poor. Prioritising cut ensures your diamond catches the light, and the eye, from every angle. It's the craftsmanship behind the sparkle.

Are lab-grown diamonds suitable for engagement rings?

Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and optically identical to mined diamonds, making them an exceptional choice for engagement rings. They’re graded and certified by the same independent gemological labs, ensuring trusted quality. Best of all, they offer significantly better value, meaning you can choose a larger or higher-quality diamond for the same budget, without compromising on beauty or ethics.

How do I choose the right diamond shape?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, the best shape depends entirely on personal style. Round brilliant is timeless and sparkles from every angle. Emerald cuts offer refined elegance with clean lines and a ‘hall of mirrors’ effect. Oval diamonds feel modern yet romantic, flattering the finger with their elongating shape. Cushion cuts bring vintage softness, while princess cuts are sharp, contemporary, and full of fire. Each shape reflects a different aesthetic, the right one is simply the one that feels most like you.

How much should I spend on an engagement ring?

There’s no fixed rule, the best budget is the one that feels right for you. Traditional “three-month salary” advice is outdated; today, it’s about choosing something meaningful and within your comfort zone. The good news? With lab-grown diamonds, your budget goes further, allowing you to invest in a higher-quality stone, a larger carat weight, or a more intricate setting without compromise. It’s about value, not just cost.

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