Fellows Auctioneers Ltd

So, you’re thinking of popping the question and tying the knot? What should you look for when buying an engagement ring? The most important thing to consider when buying a ring is your partner's taste. Whether you go for a regal sapphire and diamond cluster ring or a classic diamond single-stone ring, make sure you keep their style in mind. Many people nowadays propose a small "promise ring" and then choose the forever ring together.

If you would like to pick the ring yourself, there are some essential factors to consider. It might be worth consulting a close friend or family member for their insights into your partner's taste.

Three engagement rings: five stone emerald ring, single-stone diamond ring, sapphire and diamond ring.

Ask yourself:

a) What type of jewellery does your loved one currently wear?

b) Do they favour silver, yellow gold or platinum pieces?

c) Have they mentioned whether they like the idea of an antique piece with history?

d) Do they have a favourite colour? Maybe you can incorporate that into the ring.

Diamond Engagement Ring Top Tips from Our Experts

When buying diamonds, you are advised to consider the “four cs”

Carat - You will see this abbreviated to “ct” in descriptions.

Clarity – The best clarity is IF (internally flawless, meaning there are no inclusions visible even to the most experienced grader) and the most included stones are described as I3 (obvious inclusions, visible to the unaided eye).

Colour – the most perfect and expensive diamonds are “colourless”. It is also described on a scale with the rarest colour being D and the more tinted stones coming in at M and N.

Cut – The modern round brilliant cut is by far the most popular cut when it comes to diamonds but the emerald cut (rectangular) is also popular.

Which Gemstones to Pick for Your Engagement Ring

To make the ring even more personal, consider using a gemstone associated with your loved one’s birth month. Keep in mind that some gemstones are better suited for everyday wear than others.

Choosing the Right Metal

Different metals have distinct characteristics and care needs:

White gold rings are typically rhodium-plated, which gives the gold the white colour. Over time, the plating will need to be redone to maintain its appearance.

Gold options vary by carat, with 9ct being more durable and harder wearing, while 22ct is softer and more prone to scratching and bending.

Here are some that will hold up to the rigours of daily life:

Sapphire (You can get many colours)

Ruby (Red)

Diamond (White or coloured)

Emerald (Green)

Topaz (Light pink or yellow)

Morganite (Pretty pink colour)

Amethyst (Purple)

Tourmaline (Green, Red or Watermelon)

Spinel (Red)

Sizing Your Engagement Ring

Ensuring you get the right size ring for your loved one can be daunting. Luckily for you, we are here to help. We have put together a 'Ring Size Guide' that gives you the option of finding the correct ring size with or without your partner knowing.

All you need to do is click the link here to visit our 'Ring Size Guide' with a downloadable PDF to help.

The team at Fellows are always happy to provide extra photos of rings on hands to give you more of an idea of what it would look like too.

Aftercare for Antique and Vintage Rings

Taking proper care of antique and vintage rings can help preserve their beauty for years to come. Here are some aftercare tips:

Avoid moisture with closed-back settings: Do not get closed-back rings wet as it can damage the setting and any enclosed gems.

Handle delicate gemstones with care: Pearls, coral, opal, and emeralds require extra caution:

Pearls should not come into contact with perfumes or chemicals.
Opals and coral are sensitive to heat and chemicals.
Emeralds are relatively brittle and prone to chipping due to their inclusions. Avoid wearing them during strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting, gym workouts, or DIY projects.

Cleaning Your Engagement Ring

For routine cleaning, a soft toothbrush, mild dish soap (like Fairy Liquid), and warm water can work wonders. For diamonds, an ultrasonic cleaner may be used monthly to maintain their sparkle.

Checking for Loose Stones

If you accidentally bump or hit your ring, use the "tap test" to check for loose stones. Gently shake the ring and listen for any rattling, which could indicate a loose stone needing attention.