Engagement Ring Buying Guide

First and foremost, allow us to offer our heartfelt congratulations on this beautiful milestone.​ Choosing an engagement ring is a moment like no other - a symbol of love, commitment, and the beginning of forever.​ Whether you're planning a unique surprise proposal or selecting the perfect ring together, this piece will tell your love story for a lifetime.​ At Chisholm Hunter, we’ve had the privilege of guiding thousands of couples on this meaningful journey - and now, we’re here to share our expert advice, helping you every step of the way as you find the one.

A diamond engagement ring is stunning on its own merit but shines even brighter with all the meaning that you put into it. Whether it’s a sleek and sophisticated gold or white gold band with a solitaire set or a show-stopping cluster of diamonds, a ring like this is more than just a symbol of love — it is a sparkling and intimate representation of your commitment and partnership.

Round Brilliant Cut Princess Cut Emerald Cut Pear Cut Radiant Cut Oval Cut Cushion Cut Marquise Cut Heart Cut

Understanding Diamond Cuts

The diamond cut determines how well a diamond reflects light, enhancing its sparkle and brilliance.

Click a shape to learn more about it.

Choose an Engagement Ring Style...

Solitaire Engagement RingsSolitaire Engagement Rings

Solitaire

A solitaire diamond ring showcases a single, brilliant stone. Uncompromising in its simplicity and designed to let the diamond speak for itself, this timeless design will never go out of style. The ultimate symbol of enduring love.

Three-Stone

A stunning showcase of three diamonds to symbolise the past, present and future. An eternal reminder of loves journey.​

Three-Stone Engagement RingsThree-Stone Engagement Rings
Halo Engagement RingsHalo Engagement Rings

Halo

Where elegance meets amplified brilliance. By surrounding the centre diamond with a circle of smaller stones, this design not only enhances sparkle but also gives the illusion of a larger, more radiant centrepiece.​

Cluster

A dazzling choice for a bold and timeless statement. Beautifully capturing light, the cluster ring is a popular choice.​

Cluster Engagement RingsCluster Engagement Rings

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Solitaire RingsSolitaire Rings

Solitaire Rings

The most popular of all engagement rings, a solitaire design will ensure you dazzle and delight your partner with a diamond that symbolises your love.

3 Stone Rings3 Stone Rings

Three-Stone Rings

Known to represent friendship, love and fidelity (amongst other things) these engagement rings are richly symbolic and beautiful.

Cluster RingsCluster Rings

Cluster Rings

With a ring of stones ‘haloing’ the centre, a cluster ring gives the illusion of one large diamond. Beautifully capturing light, the cluster ring is a popular choice.

All Engagement RingsAll Engagement Rings

Halo Rings

A centre stone in a cut of your choice surrounded by a circle of smaller diamonds. If you are looking for the ultimate sparkle, the halo setting is a perfect choice. 

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ENGAGEMENT RINGS BY METAL TYPE

White Gold Engagement RingsWhite Gold Engagement Rings

White Gold

A stunning precious metal, white gold has the look of platinum without the expense. Hard-wearing and modern, white gold is a popular choice for engagement rings. 

Yellow Gold Engagement RingsYellow Gold Engagement Rings

Yellow Gold

Known more simply as “gold”, a yellow gold engagement ring is a perfect vintage-styled ring. Perfect for those looking for a warmer finish,  the metal is seeing a resurgence in popularity.

Platinum Engagement RingsPlatinum Engagement Rings

Platinum

Strength and durability combined with beauty, platinum is perfect for daily wear and will stand the test of time. Everlasting, a platinum engagement ring will be loved for generations.

Rose Gold Engagement RingsRose Gold Engagement Rings

Rose Gold

Rose gold engagement rings are considered as a contemporary alternative for the most feminine of wearers. As a less traditional colour, they are a real statement piece.

Choosing The Best Metal For Your Engagement Ring...
White Gold Engagement RingsWhite Gold Engagement Rings

White Gold

Where modern style meets timeless elegance. Made from pure gold blended with white metal alloys, each white gold ring is coated in rhodium for a brilliant, bright-white finish. This sleek, polished look enhances the sparkle of every diamond, offering a contemporary feel with a classic twist that’s perfect for everyday luxury.

Yellow Gold Engagement RingsYellow Gold Engagement Rings

Yellow Gold

Where classic beauty meets timeless romance. Crafted from the finest yellow gold, each yellow gold ring radiates warmth and elegance, offering a rich, golden glow that enhances the brilliance of the diamond. A beloved choice for generations, yellow gold captures tradition with enduring charm.​

Platinum Engagement RingsPlatinum Engagement Rings

Platinum

Where rare beauty meets lasting strength. Naturally white and incredibly durable, platinum is the ultimate symbol of everlasting love. Its dense, luxurious feel and resistance to wear make it a secure and elegant choice. Our platinum rings provide a timeless setting that keeps its shine for a lifetime.

Understanding The 4 C's...

The 4 C’s are what gemologists use to determine the value of a diamond. Whether it is lab-grown or natural, each diamond stone is valued against the guidance of the 4 C’s. This ensures everyone is working to the same standard and that each beautiful gemstone is valued fairly.

Cut

A diamond’s natural beauty is only truly revealed through the precision of its cut. The cut of a diamond plays a crucial role in determining its sparkle, brilliance, and fire. When expertly shaped with ideal proportions, a diamond maximises light reflection, creating that signature, eye-catching sparkle. At Chisholm Hunter, we believe that diamond cut quality is everything. That’s why every one of our stones is meticulously selected and certified to ensure superior brilliance. Whether you choose a round, princess, or emerald shape, you can be confident your diamond engagement ring will shine with exceptional radiance.

Colour

When it comes to selecting the perfect diamond, colour is a key factor in determining value and beauty. Diamonds are graded on a scale from D (exceptional white) to Z (light yellow), with D colour diamonds prized for their rare, colourless clarity. This absence of colour allows more light to pass through the stone, creating a mesmerising blue-white brilliance that’s both striking and luxurious. At Chisholm Hunter, we carefully curate diamonds within the D to G colour range, where purity and sparkle come together to deliver truly radiant results. Because no two diamonds are alike, choosing a high-grade colour ensures your engagement ring is as unique as it is breathtaking. 

Clarity

Diamond clarity refers to the presence (or absence) of natural inclusions and blemishes within the stone, typically visible only under magnification. These tiny internal characteristics form during a diamond’s natural growth process when other minerals or crystals become trapped. While they don’t always affect beauty to the naked eye, they can influence how light travels through the diamond, impacting its brilliance. A flawless diamond, free from internal imperfections, is extremely rare and highly valued. At Chisholm Hunter, we hand-select diamonds with exceptional clarity to ensure every piece offers maximum sparkle, purity, and prestige.

Carat

Carat is the unit used to measure a diamond’s weight, not its size, a common misconception among buyers. One carat is equal to 100 points, so a diamond weighing 0.50 carats is described as 50 points. While carat weight does influence value, it is just one of the 4 Cs that determine a diamond’s overall beauty and worth. Two diamonds with the same carat weight can vary greatly in value depending on these other characteristics.​

3 Top Tips For Buying Your Engagement Ring

Top Tip 1 - Create a Spending Plan

One of the first questions we’re often asked is:​ "How much should I spend on an engagement ring?"​

There’s no rulebook when it comes to love, and the same holds true for choosing a ring. The right budget is the one that feels true to you—guided by your priorities, your shared story, and your comfort. At Chisholm Hunter, we believe every love story deserves to shine, which is why we offer a thoughtfully curated selection that speaks to every chapter of your journey.​

If you're selecting the ring together, feel free to reach out beforehand, whether by phone, email, or a quiet word when you arrive. We’ll prepare a selection of rings that align with your budget, so you can explore without worry and find the perfect symbol of your love.​

To make your experience even more seamless, we offer interest-free credit for up to 3 years, so you can focus on choosing the ring that truly reflects your love story—without the pressure of an immediate cost. With flexible monthly payments and 0% interest, you’ll have the freedom to invest in a ring that’s as meaningful as your future together, all while keeping your budget in mind.​

Top Tip 2 - Find the Correct Engagement Ring Size

How do I find my partner’s ring size without them knowing?​

Try these methods:​

• Borrow one of their rings (from the correct finger!) and bring it to us.​

• Trace the inside on paper.​

• Ask a close friend or family member.​

Depending on the ring’s design, resizing may not always be possible. If it doesn’t fit, simply return the ring to us in its original, unworn condition - we’ll gladly exchange it for the correct size to ensure the perfect fit. Many of our rings can be resized at our in-house state of the art workshop.​

Whether you're beginning the search on your own or choosing the ring together, feel free to visit any of our stores—we'll be delighted to measure your finger and help you find the perfect fit.​

Helpful sizing tips ​
1) Rings with wider bands tend to fit more snugly, so you may want to consider sizing up​
2) Avoid measuring your ring size when you're cold, as your fingers may be up to half a size smaller.​ ​

For more tips visit our ring size guide

Top Tip 3 - Buy With Confidence

With our lifetime diamond guarantee, complimentary cleaning and inspections, and 0% interest-free finance options, you can cherish your love with confidence. Trust in our family-owned Scottish heritage since 1857, where ethical sourcing and conflict-free assurance are at the heart of everything we do. Whether you're planning a proposal at home or abroad, our in-store and virtual consultations, along with ring insurance for your travels, ensure your commitment is as secure as your love​. ​

Speak with our diamond experts today online or in-store for your free engagement ring consultation.

ENGAGEMENT RINGS BY CUT

Round Brilliant Cut Engagement RingsRound Brilliant Cut Engagement Rings

Round Brilliant

Cut to deliver perfect sparkle and brilliance, a round brilliant diamond is a timeless classic that will create an eye-catching engagement ring that will be loved for years to come.

Princess Cut Engagement RingsPrincess Cut Engagement Rings

Princess Cut

The princess cut is a hybrid gem shape that produces a keen sparkle. The straight-sided rectangle outline with a brilliant style facet is amongst the most popular today. 

Emerald Cut Engagement RingsEmerald Cut Engagement Rings

Emerald Cut

One of the more unique cuts, emerald cuts produce an effect resembling a hall of mirrors. The elongated form alongside linear facets and large table are highly desirable.

Oval Cut Engagement RingsOval Cut Engagement Rings

Oval Cut

A lengthened round brilliant diamond cut, engagement rings in this style offer a unique shape that appears larger than their round counterparts and also elongate the wearer’s finger. 

Pear Cut Engagement RingsPear Cut Engagement Rings

Pear Cut

Also known as the teardrop diamond cut, this elegant diamond mimics a drop of water. Symbolic and flattering, the pear engagement ring is a lovely choice. 

Baguette Cut Engagement RingsBaguette Cut Engagement Rings

Baguette Cut

Named for its shape, the baguette-styled cut is one of the most popular diamond cuts. This style works well at elongating and thinning the wearer's hands and fingers.

Marquise Cut Engagement RingsMarquise Cut Engagement Rings

Marquise Cut

A long and narrow pointed shape, the strength of the marquise cut (outside its ability to dazzle and delight) is to elongate the wearer’s hands and fingers. 

Heart Cut Engagement RingsHeart Cut Engagement Rings

Heart Cut

The heart cut typically has a simplistic ring setting to highlight its unique shape. This shape is perfect for larger diamonds and nothing says love like a heart.

Engagement Ring Guidance

Get more information about our Engagement Rings by viewing our Ring Size Guide or visiting one of our stores.

ENGAGEMENT RINGS BY STONE TYPE

Diamond Engagement RingsDiamond Engagement Rings

Diamond

Synonymous with engagement and wedding rings, diamonds offer flawless brilliance in any band style. Traditional and timeless, diamonds are a popular choice.

Sapphire Engagement RingsSapphire Engagement Rings

Sapphire

The sapphire stone has been favoured by royalty. Famously taking centre-stage in Kate Middleton's and Princess Diana's rings.

Ruby Engagement RingsRuby Engagement Rings

Ruby

A bold yet traditional choice for an engagement ring stone, rubies represent romance, wealth and success.

Emerald Engagement RingsEmerald Engagement Rings

Emerald

Emerald engagement rings have been known to represent luck, love, peace and hope. These unique stones are a statement of individuality. 

Tanzanite Engagement RingsTanzanite Engagement Rings

Tanzanite

Tanzanite has a striking blue/violet colour. Uniquely trichroic, tanzanite radiates three different colours; blue, violet and red.

Aquamarine Engagement RingsAquamarine Engagement Rings

Aquamarine

Reflecting the rippling colours of the ocean, aquamarine is enriched with a symbolism reflecting purity and clarity.

Morganite Engagement RingsMorganite Engagement Rings

Morganite

A variety of beryl, the morganite gemstone ranges from pale pink colours to coral. The stone is often associated with innocence, sweetness, romance and love.

Amethyst Engagement RingsAmethyst Engagement Rings

Amethyst

The purple variety of quartz, the amethyst, is a valuable and durable stone. A rich purple colour, amethyst makes for a unique engagement ring. 

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Featured Engagement Rings

WHY CHOOSE
CHISHOLM HUNTER

Exquisite Craftsmanship

Every ring is handcrafted by our expert team of jewellers.

Superior Quality

Every ring is handcrafted by our expert team of jewellers.

Unique Designs

Exclusive styles that stand out with elegance and beauty.

Lifetime Warranty

Every ring is handcrafted by our expert team of jewellers.

Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement RingsLab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings

Lab-Grown Engagement Rings

Expertly crafted with care and attention, discover our stunning range of lab grown diamond engagement rings today.

Spread the Cost on Your Engagement Ring

With our range of finance options, it's never been easier to make that special purchase and secure the perfect engagement ring! Pay £0 deposit today and spread the cost with up to 3-years interest-free credit.

Finance and Interest Free Credit AvailableFinance and Interest Free Credit Available

FAQ's

What is the most popular engagement ring style in the UK?​ Timeless and full of meaning, solitaire and halo settings—especially those featuring round brilliant or oval diamonds—remain beloved favourites for UK proposals. Chosen for their elegance and enduring sparkle, these styles beautifully capture the essence of a heartfelt "yes."​ What’s the average price of an engagement ring in 2025?​ In the UK, the average spend on an engagement ring ranges from £1,800 to £3,000, though there are stunning choices both above and below this. To make finding the perfect ring even more accessible, we also offer interest-free credit options, allowing you to spread the cost—without compromising on beauty or meaning.​ Should I buy an engagement ring online or in-store?​ Both options offer a wonderful experience. Many of our clients love visiting us in-store, where we celebrate this meaningful moment with a glass of bubbles as you begin your journey together.​ Others prefer to start their search online—browsing our collections at their own pace, making a purchase directly, or using it as a way to refine their preferences before seeing the diamonds sparkle in person.​ However you choose to explore, our dedicated in store team or live chat team are always here to assist with any questions along the way.​ ​ ________________________________________​ Ready to Find the One?​ With decades of experience and a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, Chisholm Hunter is here to help you find an engagement ring that tells your love story.​ Browse Engagement Rings​ Start a Bespoke Design​ Book a Consultation

INSPIRATION & ADVICE

How to Choose Your Engagement Ring

Our team of diamond experts have come together to produce a helpful buying guide to help you choose that life-changing engagement ring.

Understanding Diamonds: The 4C's

Learn more about the four 'C's of diamond grading and how to apply this knowledge when choosing your diamond engagement ring.

The Ring Size Guide

Our comprehensive size guide will help you to determine the ring size of you or your loved one if you're planning a surprise proposal.

Bespoke Engagement RingsBespoke Engagement Rings

Bespoke Engagement Rings

Create your very own unique ring with the help of our Bespoke Jewellery Service; creating unique jewellery that is A Cut Above since 1857.