HOW TO CHOOSE AN
Engagement Ring
Engagement Ring
There is no single right way to choose an engagement ring, only the ring that feels right for you. Whether you are shopping together or planning a surprise, this guide walks you through how to choose an engagement ring, from their personal style to the diamond, cut, setting, metal and size.
Think of it as an engagement ring buying guide with a little more heart. Every Henrietta & Co ring is designed by our founder, Melissa Holt DGA, and handmade to order by our goldsmiths in Hatton Garden. Wherever you are in the process, we are here to help.
Start With Them
What's Their Style?
If the ring is a surprise, start with the person rather than the ring. Think about their character, the way they dress and the jewellery they already wear every day.
- Dainty and understatedWith a classic solitaire engagement ring, it's all about the diamond. One beautiful stone, set simply, so it really shines.
- A little bolderA cluster ring or a colourful gemstone, such as a sapphire, ruby, emerald or tourmaline, brings more personality.
- Loves warm gold tonesA champagne or soft yellow diamond is a quietly chic choice, and we can source a diamond in the colour that's right for you.
- Loves vintageLook for engraved bands, milgrain edges and antique cuts.
If you're not sure, look at the rings and jewellery they already wear, or ask a close friend for a second opinion.
The Cut
Which Diamond Cut Suits Them?
The cut shapes how a diamond catches the light, and it is often the first thing people notice. Our Celeste Diamonds® come in four vintage cuts.
The Oval Alternatives
Love an oval but want something a little different? Meet the cool older sisters of the modern oval.
Old European Cut
Our signature. A round diamond cut in the style of the late 1800s, with a higher crown, wider facets and a chunkier look that gives a soft, glowing sparkle.
Emerald Cut
A rectangle of long, mirror-like step facets with a clean, architectural look. A favourite of the Art Deco period.
Antique Cushion Cut
An antique-style take on the elongated cushion cut, with softly squared edges, a higher crown, wider facets and a plumper look. Elegant on the hand, and a little different.
Old European Oval
All the elegance of an oval, with a higher crown, wider facets and the chunkier look of hand-cut diamonds from the early 20th century.
Antique and CanadaMark diamonds are available in a wide variety of cuts, so if you have a particular shape in mind, we can find it for you.
The Diamond
Natural or Lab Made?
Every one of our diamonds is a real diamond. The choice comes down to what matters most to you.
Celeste Diamonds®
Choose these if you love the look of an antique diamond and want a stone lab made using solar energy, cut in vintage styles.
Antique Diamonds
Choose these if you love the idea of a stone with a past: hand cut in another era, pre-loved rather than newly mined, and entirely one of a kind.
CanadaMark Diamonds
Choose these if you want a natural diamond with a traceable origin, mined to strict ethical standards.
We also keep a select few loose diamonds at our Bath showroom, so you can see them in person.
The Setting
Choosing a Setting
The setting is the frame for your diamond. Our vintage engagement rings are designed by Melissa and inspired by the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. A solitaire keeps the focus on the diamond, a cluster adds extra sparkle, and engraved or milgrain details bring vintage character.
Want to change a detail, or design something entirely your own? See how our bespoke process works.
Explore engagement ring designs
The Metal
Which Metal?
Every setting can be handcrafted in platinum, white gold, yellow gold or rose gold. A good starting point is the jewellery they already wear every day: someone who loves warm gold pieces may suit yellow or rose gold, while silver tones pair naturally with platinum or white gold.
That said, many people happily mix their metals.
Ring Size
How to Find Their Ring Size
If you are planning a surprise, our ring sizing guide has a few discreet ways to find out their size.
If you're still unsure, don't worry. You can choose a standard size and we will resize the ring complimentary after you have proposed.
Ring sizing guide
Timing
When to Start
We recommend starting to think about the ring 4 to 6 months before you plan to propose.
- ConsultationCome in and try on different styles.
- DesignChoose your setting, diamond and details.
- RefinePerfect the little details, with a CAD if it's a bespoke design.
- HandmadeMade to order in Hatton Garden in 6 to 8 weeks.
- CollectSee the finished ring, with no last-minute panic.
Your Appointment
Shopping together or keeping it a surprise?
It is completely normal for couples to choose their engagement ring together. In fact, 8 out of 10 of our couples come into our Bath showroom together to explore their options. Consultations are complimentary, and our founder, Melissa, will personally guide you through every choice.
Some choose the ring there and then. Others simply get a feel for what they love, and then one partner comes back on their own to finalise the ring, so there is still a little bit of surprise.
If you would rather keep it a complete surprise, that is wonderfully romantic too. Melissa and our team are on hand to guide you on style, and you are always welcome to bring a friend or family member along for a second opinion.
Book a consultation with us
Engagement Ring Advice
Your Questions Answered
How do I choose an engagement ring?
Start with the setting, then choose your diamond, cut and metal. Think about their personal style and the jewellery they already wear, find their ring size, and give yourself 4 to 6 months so nothing feels rushed.
How far in advance should I buy an engagement ring?
We recommend starting 4 to 6 months before you propose. This allows time for consultations, designing your ring and, if it's a bespoke order, refining the CAD, plus 6 to 8 weeks for your ring to be handmade to order in Hatton Garden.
What if I don't know their ring size?
Our ring sizing guide has a few discreet ways to find out. If you're still unsure, choose a standard size and we will resize the ring complimentary after you have proposed.
Should we choose the engagement ring together?
Many couples do. 8 out of 10 of our couples visit our Bath showroom together, and often one partner comes back alone to finalise the ring. If you would rather keep it a complete surprise, we can guide you on style.
What is an Old European Cut diamond?
An Old European Cut is a round diamond cut in the style of the late 1800s, with a higher crown and wider facets. It has a soft, glowing sparkle rather than the sharp flashes of a modern brilliant cut.
What is the difference between Celeste Diamonds® and natural diamonds?
Celeste Diamonds® are exclusive to Henrietta & Co. They are real diamonds, lab made using solar energy and cut in vintage styles. Our natural options are original antique diamonds, which are pre-loved rather than newly mined, and CanadaMark diamonds, chosen for their traceable origin.
Should the engagement ring match their other jewellery?
It can help. Choosing a metal that suits the jewellery they wear every day is a good starting point, but many people happily mix metals, so there is no strict rule.
Begin Your Design
Book a complimentary consultation with Melissa at our Bath showroom.
Book an Appointment