The Ethical Engagement Ring Buying Guide
Understanding Preferences
While 79% of individuals express their ring preferences before the proposal, there's still a significant gap in knowing the exact details. Pay attention to your partner’s jewellery preferences. Do they prefer classic, vintage, or modern styles? Are they drawn to certain metals like gold, platinum, or white gold? Sneak a look at their existing jewellery or chat with close friends or family members for advice.
Setting a Budget
Before you start shopping, determine how much you're willing to spend. Engagement rings come in a wide range of prices, and having a budget helps narrow down your options. Remember, it's not just about the price but the value and significance of the ring.
When setting a budget for an engagement ring, start by assessing your current financial situation to determine an amount that you’re comfortable spending without straining your finances, remembering that the engagement ring is just the beginning of many future expenses together. It’s also important to consider any hints or direct suggestions your partner may have given about their dream ring, as balancing your partner's desires with your budget is crucial for a perfect choice.
Pick a setting that tells a story
When it comes to choosing the perfect engagement ring, the setting is crucial. It doesn't just showcase the diamond; it adds personality, flair, and a unique touch to the ring.
Solitaire – Simple, timeless, and elegant
Halo – Enhances brilliance with a touch of vintage charm
Three-stone – Symbolises your past, present, and future
Pavé or Diamond Band - Adds shimmer without overpowering
Select Your Recycled Metal
When choosing a metal for your engagement ring, it’s about more than just colour — it’s about the overall tone and longevity of your piece. Yellow or white gold offers classic warmth and versatility, complementing a wide range of styles. Platinum, with its cool lustre and superior durability, is ideal for those seeking a refined, low-maintenance option.
For something more distinctive, mixed metal designs are growing in popularity, offering a modern, personalised twist that blends tradition with individuality.
Choose Your Diamond Shape
The shape of your diamond sets the tone for the entire ring. Consider what resonates most with your partner’s style:
Round Brilliant – Classic and timeless, with maximum brilliance
Oval – Elegant and elongating, modern yet romantic
Cushion – Soft, vintage feel with rounded corners
Emerald – Clean and architectural, with step-cut elegance
Asscher – Art Deco charm with a vintage soul
Radiant – A bold hybrid of brilliance and structure
Understanding the 4Cs
When buying a diamond, you’ll hear about the 4Cs: Cut, Clarity, Colour, and Carat Weight. Here’s how they work:
Cut – The most important C. A high-quality cut creates brilliance and fire.
Clarity – Measures natural inclusions. Eye-clean is often ideal.
Colour – D–F is colourless; G–H still appears white to most eyes.
Carat – Bigger isn’t always better; balance size with cut and quality.
At Skydiamond, all our diamonds are expertly cut, certified, and sustainably
grown, so you can focus on what really matters.
Certified With Confidence
Every Skydiamond is independently certified by the Birmingham Assay Office Gemmology Lab, one of the world’s most trusted authorities in gemstone testing. Using advanced technology and expert analysis, each diamond is carefully assessed and assigned a unique report, guaranteeing quality, authenticity, and full traceability.
Find The Perfect Fit
A ring should feel like a natural extension of the hand — secure, comfortable, and effortless. But finding the right size is just as important as choosing the diamond itself. Here's how to get it right:
Measure at the right time: Fingers can change size slightly throughout the day. Aim to measure at the end of the day, when your hands are at their largest.
Don't guess: If the ring is a surprise, borrow a ring your partner wears on their ring finger (left hand) and have it professionally sized.
Use a ring sizer: We recommend using a ring sizing tool or requesting one from us — it’s the most accurate way to find your size at home.
At Skydiamond, we offer complimentary resizing after purchase, so you can choose with confidence.
Need Help? We're here for you
Daniel & Megan's Sky Love Story
When Daniel began planning his proposal to Megan, he knew the ring had to be more than just a piece of jewellery—it needed to hold meaning.
Matthias & Melanie's Sky Love Story
For Melanie, choosing an engagement ring wasn’t just about finding something beautiful—it was about finding a diamond that reflected her values.