Choosing the perfect engagement ring: tips from an experienced gemmologist

Choosing the perfect engagement ring is a special milestone in every love story. It is not just a piece of jewellery; it is a symbol of eternal love and commitment. With so many styles, gemstones and budgets to choose from, finding the right ring can feel overwhelming. In this article we share valuable tips from our experience to help you make a well-considered choice.

What makes an engagement ring perfect?

An engagement ring is perfect when it matches your partner's personal taste, contains a high-quality gemstone and fits your budget. A few key points to consider:

• Personal style: modern, classic or vintage? Choose a design that suits your partner's style completely.
• Gemstone quality: it is not only about beauty, but also about durability and rarity.
• Symbolism: the ring should be a meaningful choice that reflects your love.

Popular engagement ring styles

Solitaire. The solitaire is a timeless classic with a single gemstone as its centrepiece. The design puts all the focus on the centre stone, ideal for lovers of simplicity and elegance.

Halo. In a halo ring the centre stone is surrounded by a circle of smaller white diamonds. This adds extra sparkle and creates a beautiful contrast, especially with coloured gemstones. A smaller diamond also looks larger when surrounded by other diamonds.

Trilogy. This style features three gemstones, often symbolising past, present and future. A beautiful choice with a deeper meaning. The centre stone is often a sapphire, ruby or emerald, but a lovely mint or rubellite tourmaline is also an option.

Toi et Moi. A Toi et Moi ring, with two stones set side by side, symbolises the union of two souls. You can choose two diamonds or combine a diamond with another rare gemstone. Mixing cuts, such as an emerald-cut gemstone with a pear-shaped diamond, is especially beautiful.

Vintage inspired. Vintage rings are loved for their unique details, such as filigree, engraving and antique settings. This style radiates romance and authenticity.

Engagement ring trends

Unique shapes and settings. Rings with non-traditional shapes, such as pear-shaped or emerald-cut gemstones, are in high demand. They give classic designs a modern twist.

Colourful gemstones. Alongside the traditional diamond, coloured gemstones are becoming ever more popular. As specialists in beautiful, rare gemstones, this is where we are truly in our element.

A fine band. Minimalist designs with slim, delicate bands are very popular. It is essential, however, that the band is solid and sturdy enough to be worn every day for a lifetime.

Personal engravings. A personal message or date on the inside of the ring makes the jewel extra special.

How do you set a budget for an engagement ring?

Setting a budget is an important part of the process. A few tips:

• Choose quality over quantity: it is better to invest in a smaller, high-quality gemstone than a larger stone with lesser specifications.
• Be realistic: the traditional rule of three months' salary is outdated. Choose an amount that fits comfortably within your finances. We are happy to discuss the options and offer a wide range.
• Set priorities: decide what matters most, the size of the stone, its quality or the style of the ring. This will help you make choices within your budget.
• Choose natural gemstones: lab-grown gemstones and diamonds are cheaper, but natural stones offer authenticity and long-term value, and carry a unique history. With lab-grown stones you are buying technology, with no resale value.

The most beautiful gemstones for an engagement ring

If you choose a genuine natural gemstone, there are many stunning options. Here are some of the most popular choices.

Diamond: a timeless classic with character

The diamond remains without doubt the most popular choice, and for good reason. Thanks to its timeless appeal and exceptional hardness, it is not only a symbol of eternal love but also an investment that lasts for generations.

We deliberately choose natural diamonds rather than laboratory-grown ones. Although lab-grown diamonds look very similar, to us they lack the natural origin, scarcity and emotional value that make a diamond so special.

An important point of attention is the quality of the cut. A diamond with a very good cut shows more fire and brilliance, and that truly makes the difference. The choice of colour, on the other hand, is very personal. For white diamonds, the whiter the colour, the rarer and therefore more precious the stone.

Besides the classic white diamond there are also beautiful coloured varieties. Fancy colour diamonds are a stunning and unique alternative for those who want something a little different. Diamond is also the birthstone of April, which can make it an extra symbolic choice.

Fancy yellow: warm and fiery. Yellow diamonds are hugely popular right now. Depending on the intensity of the yellow, from soft champagne to intense canary, their rarity and value vary. A vivid yellow diamond in yellow gold creates a luxurious, harmonious look, while a lighter tone in white gold feels elegant and fresh.

Fancy pink: soft, romantic and rare. Pink diamonds are extremely rare and often seen as the ultimate romantic gemstone. They symbolise love, tenderness and refinement. Most pink diamonds come from Australia, where the famous Argyle mine has now closed, which only adds to their exclusivity. A pink diamond is an heirloom in the making.

Fancy blue: mysterious and majestic. Blue diamonds may well be the most mysterious of all coloured diamonds. With their icy silver-blue to deep ocean-blue tones they radiate strength, elegance and mystique. They are rare and often associated with royalty and prestige: think of the world-famous Hope Diamond. A blue diamond is a statement: stylish, daring and utterly unforgettable.

Sapphire: a rainbow of splendour

When people hear the word sapphire, most think of a deep, royal blue. And rightly so: the classic blue sapphire is an icon in its own right, stylish, timeless and loved by royals and jewellery lovers around the world for centuries. But as gemmologists we are fascinated by sapphire's many other colours. From romantic pink to intense orange, sapphire is surprisingly versatile and one of the most colourful gemstones in existence.

Sapphires are our absolute favourites, especially those with a rare colour. They are perfect for anyone looking for a durable and original alternative to the traditional diamond, without compromising on luxury or character. Sapphire symbolises loyalty, wisdom and honesty: three very good reasons to tie the knot with one.

Blue sapphire: classic and stylish. The blue sapphire is by far the best known and is often associated with wisdom, loyalty and nobility. The finest stones have a rich, velvety colour that is deep and bright without looking too dark. Think of Princess Diana's famous engagement ring.

Pink sapphire: feminine and soft. The pink sapphire is a beautiful choice for a feminine, romantic look. Its colour ranges from soft baby pink to vivid fuchsia. Pink sapphires are also a lovely alternative to the far rarer pink diamond.

Yellow sapphire: sunny and positive. Yellow sapphires bring a warm, radiant energy. Their colour evokes sunshine and optimism, and they look beautiful in both white and yellow gold. Their lively look makes them a popular choice for those who want something playful and luxurious.

Green sapphire: natural and unique. For lovers of a more understated, mysterious beauty, the green sapphire is a unique choice. Its colour recalls moss, olives or deep forests. Green sapphires are rarer than blue ones, which is exactly what makes them so attractive.

Orange sapphire: fiery and enchanting. The orange sapphire is a true eye-catcher. The most sought-after are padparadscha sapphires, an extremely rare variety with an enchanting mix of pink and orange, like a tropical sunset.

Whether you fall for classic blue or are drawn to a rare colour, sapphires offer a world of possibilities.

Emerald

The intense green of emerald radiates luxury and elegance. Emerald stands for love, growth and balance: perfect symbolism for a marriage in the making. And let's be honest: who wouldn't like a touch of royal elegance? Cleopatra was obsessed with emeralds, so if it was good enough for her, it is certainly good enough for your engagement ring.

Ruby

The fiery red of ruby symbolises passion and love. It is an excellent choice for a striking, daring and meaningful engagement ring: the stone of people who follow their heart and make no apologies for it. Want to celebrate your proposal with a bold choice? Then ruby is the way to go.

If you want something truly special: tourmaline, zircon and garnet

Who says an engagement ring always has to be a diamond or a traditional gemstone? For those looking for something truly unique, a colour that stands out, a stone with character or simply something that perfectly matches a personality, there are many beautiful alternatives. Think of tourmaline, zircon and garnet: gemstones you don't see in an engagement ring every day, but each of them makes an impression.

Tourmaline: colourful and creative. Tourmaline may well be the most versatile gemstone when it comes to colour. From intense pink to ocean blue, from soft mint green to deep wine red, it comes in every imaginable shade. One of the rarest varieties is Paraíba tourmaline, with its electric blue-green colour. Or choose a warm pink or green tourmaline for a softer, natural look. Tourmaline radiates creativity, individuality and daring. Is your future spouse born in October? Then tourmaline, October's birthstone, is a perfect fit.

Zircon: sparkling and refined. Not to be confused with synthetic cubic zirconia. Natural zircon has been prized for centuries for its brilliance and clarity, and is one of the most sparkling natural stones there is, even comparable to diamond. Zircon comes in beautiful shades such as ice blue, champagne, cognac and even soft pink: ideal for lovers of subtle luxury with a twist. We are huge fans of this stone. Zircon is also the birthstone of December.

Garnet: warm, deep and romantic. Garnet is more than the deep red stone many people know. Besides beautiful ruby red, garnet also comes in orange (spessartine), green (tsavorite) and even a rare purple. Red garnet radiates passion, warmth and romance, lovely symbolism for an engagement ring, while a green garnet is a truly original choice. Garnet is the birthstone of January: perfect for a true winter child.

Sapphire, tourmaline, zircon and garnet are each special choices for an engagement ring with character. Every one of these gemstones offers a unique colour, meaning and look, perfect for those who want something a little different, but just as special.

So...

With this information you are well prepared to make the choice your partner will cherish for a lifetime. Can't see the wood for the trees? Don't panic, we are happy to help.

Choosing an engagement ring is a dream for some and a small moment of stress for others. Where do you start? What if you choose wrong? What if she doesn't like it? Breathe in, breathe out. We are here to guide you. With our experience and a generous dose of love for everything that sparkles, we will gladly help you find the perfect ring for your big question.

Something to think about

• Which style do I like, or more importantly: what would she like? Classic and timeless, unique and daring, or rather vintage charm?
• Which gemstone suits her best? The classic diamond, a sapphire, ruby or emerald, or something more personal like her birthstone?
• What is my budget? It is important to have an idea beforehand. We help you make the most of what is possible.
• Which colour of gold appeals most? Yellow, white or rose gold: each has its own look and feel.
• Do I want to personalise the ring with an engraving? A date, a sweet phrase, her nickname: small details make it grand.
• Do I want symbolism in the ring? A stone from a special place, or a colour with spiritual meaning? Anything is possible, as long as it suits her.

Ready to go on a ring adventure together? Drop by or get in touch. We can't wait to give your love story a dazzling start.

Authors: Celine Roelens and Michèle Mignolet