The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Engagement Ring
Finding the perfect engagement ring is both exciting and meaningful - after all, this is a piece of jewellery you'll treasure forever. Whether you're exploring options as a couple or seeking inspiration for a surprise proposal, understanding the essentials of engagement ring design will help you choose a ring that's perfectly suited to your style and story.
Above all, we believe your engagement ring should be a reflection of your personal style - one that you'll love just as much in years to come as the day you first wear it. Our ultimate guide to choosing your engagement ring will walk you through the journey to finding ‘the one’.
Mined Diamonds
There's something magical about a diamond formed deep within the Earth over billions of years. If you're drawn to the romanticism of this choice, our Northern Star diamonds offer something truly special. Originating from Canada's pristine frozen north, each stone comes with a unique story - formed near the Arctic Circle in some of the world's most carefully managed diamond mines. When you choose a Northern Star diamond, you're not just selecting a stone of exceptional quality; you're choosing a diamond with a traceable origin in the Canadian wilderness to become a part of your story.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Modern technology has made it possible to create diamonds that are chemically and physically identical to those found in nature, offering a fresh perspective and more sustainable take on tradition. Our Born Lab Grown Diamonds demonstrate just how remarkable these stones can be. Created through expert craftsmanship and cutting-edge techniques, Born diamonds deliver exceptional sparkle and quality, with IGI certification for stones over 1 carat providing complete peace of mind. They're an increasingly popular choice for couples who are looking for exceptional value, offering excellent quality at a more accessible price point.
The Science of Sparkle
While personal connection to your stone matters most, understanding a few key characteristics about your engagement ring will help you make an informed choice. A diamond's beauty comes down to how it's cut - this determines the way it plays with light, creating that all-important sparkle. Clarity affects a diamond's transparency, though many stones with slight natural marks (called inclusions) can appear perfect to the naked eye. When it comes to colour, some prefer the icy perfection of a colourless stone, while others love the subtle warmth of diamonds with a hint of colour, especially when paired with yellow or rose-gold settings.
Rather than getting too caught up in technical grades, focus on what catches your eye. Sometimes a slightly smaller diamond with excellent proportions will create more impact than a larger stone of lower quality. Trust your instincts and know that when you see it, the right stone will speak to you.
The Art of Setting Design
Our signature Orchid and Tulip settings demonstrate how thoughtful design can elevate an engagement ring from beautiful to extraordinary. Orchid Setting, inspired by the flower of love and luxury, creates an elegant wrap design that hugs your centre stone, sitting flush against your finger. Its graceful lines make it perfect for those looking for a sophisticated, timeless look.
Tulip Setting takes a different approach, lifting your diamond proudly above a tall, sleek band - exactly like a Tulip rising from its stem. Modern and distinctive, it's a great match for those who want their centre stone to steal the spotlight. Even better still, both settings can be tailored with your choice of certified centre stone and precious metal, to create a ring that's uniquely yours.
Classic Styles Reimagined
Solitaire Engagement Ring
Think of a solitaire ring as your diamond's chance to shine solo. While it might be the most classic engagement ring style, today's solitaires are anything but boring. Love the look of a longer, leaner diamond? An oval solitaire engagement ring could be your perfect match. Want something that turns heads? An emerald cut brings drama to the simplest settings. And if it's sparkle you're after, nothing beats a round brilliant cut catching light from every angle.
Classic Styles Reimagined
Three Stone Engagement Ring
For a more dramatic look, three-stone rings can be a great choice. Because why have one diamond when you can have three? Our Amia engagement ring collection brings extra magic to this sparkling style with its Hearts and Arrows cut diamonds - look closely and you'll discover eight perfect arrows visible from above, while eight hearts reveal themselves when viewed from below. It's these hidden details that make Amia’s three-stone rings particularly special.
Classic Style Reimagined
Halo Engagement Rings
Want to make a statement? Halo rings are your answer. By surrounding your centre stone with a circle of smaller diamonds, you'll get a ring that catches every eye in the room. It's a clever way to make your centre diamond look bigger while adding an extra dose of drama. Check out Kathy De Stafford’s engagement Rings - exclusive to Fields, her Halo designs bring vintage glamour to life, complete with her signature blue topaz hidden in each ring.
CLASSIC STYLE REIMAGINED
Cluster Engagement Rings
Cluster rings are where creativity comes out to play. Instead of one standout diamond, these rings combine multiple stones in artistic arrangements that create serious sparkle. The beauty of a cluster design is how it can transform smaller diamonds into a knockout display - perfect if you love Art Deco-inspired patterns or a more geometric style. It's a brilliant choice for brides who want their ring to be a true conversation piece.
CLASSIC STYLE REIMAGINED
Gemstone Engagement Rings
If traditional diamonds don’t fit in with your colourful style, consider a gemstone instead. Whether it's the rich blue of a sapphire or the romantic red of a ruby, choosing a gemstone centre stone lets you express your personality through colour. These stones can be particularly striking when surrounded by diamond halos or featured as part of a three-stone design.
Choosing Your Precious Metal
Your choice of metal not only affects your ring's appearance but also its durability and how to care for it. Here's what to consider:
Platinum Engagement Rings
The ultimate precious metal for engagement rings, platinum never loses its natural white lustre. Its density makes it exceptionally secure for holding diamonds, while its durability means it will look beautiful for generations to come. Though it comes at a premium price, many consider it a worthy investment for such a significant piece of jewellery.
Yellow Gold Engagement Rings
Timelessly romantic, yellow gold creates beautiful contrast with diamonds while warming coloured gemstones. If you have a warmer skin-tone and are used to wearing gold jewellery, considering yellow gold for your engagement ring could be a good idea. For fashion-forward brides who wear jewellery like everyday armour, making sure your engagement ring complements your existing jewellery stack is a key consideration.
White Gold Engagement Rings
Offering a bright white finish similar to platinum, white gold provides excellent durability with a more accessible price point. It's particularly popular for modern designs like our Tulip setting, where its brilliant shine enhances the elevated centre stone for a lustrous look.
Making Your Choice
Finding your perfect engagement ring should be a fun and exciting adventure. While we've shared the possibilities - from styles to stones and settings to precious metals - remember there's no rulebook when it comes to choosing 'the one'. The right ring is simply the one that makes your heart skip a beat every time you look at it.
Take your time exploring and trying on different styles to find the perfect balance of look, feel and lifestyle-appropriate. Don’t be afraid to ask questions - our experienced team is here to help you discover the ring that feels like it was made for you. Explore the full collection of engagements rings online or pop into one of our stores.