On a solo engagement ring shopping mission for your partner? Naturally you want to choose a design they love so much they’ll never want to take it off! Your search for the one ring to woo them all should start with:
- What you know about their likes and dislikes
- The sneaky intel you can gather from family and friends
- Some pro tips to make sure they’re stoked with your choice!
By finding out the answers to the next six questions, you’ll have all the info you need to select a spectacular engagement ring design your partner can’t help but admire at every opportunity.
What’s your partner’s personal style when it comes to fashion?
What’s hanging in your partner’s closet can give you some clues as to the style of engagement ring they’d like most. Do they stick to the classics, follow what’s trending, shop for vintage pieces or experiment with eclectic looks? Understanding their personal style will help you figure out what ring style will be a winner!
Vintage admirers are likely to be drawn to antique styles or heirloom rings, while classic dressers may prefer a simple, timeless engagement ring design. Lovers of the latest may be besotted by a glittering cluster of stones and free spirits may appreciate a one-of-a-kind salt and pepper diamond creation.
What’s already in your partner’s jewellery collection?
Take a closer look at what jewellery your partner has chosen for themselves, and note whether you’re seeing simple or intricate shapes, larger or more delicate settings. If they have a favourite piece, ask them what they love most about it and you’ll learn a little more about what catches their eye.
Do you see white gold, yellow gold, rose gold or platinum jewellery in their collection? Metal choice plays an important part in not only the look but durability and price of the engagement ring design you choose. If your partner has a mix of metals in their jewellery box, check what they wear most often. An engagement ring is an everyday accessory, so it should be something that goes with their most commonly worn jewellery pieces.
Just keep in mind that dress ring styles don’t necessarily represent what type of engagement ring design your partner would prefer, as these pieces tend to only be worn for specific outfits or occasions.
What feature stone would your partner like in their engagement ring?
This is the centrepiece of your engagement ring design and the most eye-catching element that you’ll need to understand your partner’s preference for.
Diamonds, whether mined or lab grown, are frequently chosen for engagement rings, but other meaningful options such as birthstones or a gemstone that reflects their favourite colour are a modern and increasingly sought-after choice. One thing to consider for coloured stones is that some gems are less resistant to scratching or chipping and require greater care to maintain their beauty over time.
Diamond alternatives like moissanite engagement rings are a popular pick as they offer a greater brilliance and fire (aka sparkling rainbow reflects) with a hardness second only to diamonds. Lab grown as a colourless or coloured stone, they’re a sustainable and durable choice that can handle everyday wear. If you know your partner is leaning towards a larger stone as the centrepiece of their engagement ring or an intricate design featuring many stones, moissanite is a beautiful and budget-friendly option!
What engagement ring designs does your partner like most?
Once you’ve got an idea of the type of stone they’d like, the shape is the next big question. There are a number of stunning options including oval, round, pear, emerald, princess, asscher, marquise and cushion cut. It’s also time to figure out whether your partner would prefer a solitaire, halo, trilogy or asymmetrical setting.
Has your beloved been not-so-subtly dropping ring clues when you’re window shopping together? Take note of what they point out to you and any comments about what they like and dislike for different designs.
Do they follow particular jewellery designers on social media or have they got a collection of images saved as inspiration? These are the best clues as to what they might like to see sitting on their ring finger one day.
Finally, ask family and friends (who are sworn to secrecy of course) for any ring intel they may have. They might have been shopping with your partner in the past, have a good sense of their style or had conversations with them about what they might like as an engagement ring.
What lifestyle factors might affect which engagement ring your partner can wear?
Whilst an engagement ring can always be taken off if you want to protect it, it’s good to think about the day-to-day practicalities of how your partner would wear their ring so they can enjoy it as much as possible! The type of work they do, their hobbies and whether they have young children can all affect what type of engagement ring design will suit them best.
Some stones can scratch more easily, raised settings can snag and softer metals can bend which can increase the risk of losing precious stones, so check that the ring you choose is fit for its life ahead.
What’s your partner’s ring size?
There’s no greater anti-climax than trying to put the engagement ring on your partner’s finger only for it to jam on a knuckle or slide straight off! Get closer to the mark by using a current ring as a guide, or ask a friend or family member for help in finding out the correct size. A loved one with similar sized fingers could always help out as a hand model too!
When in doubt, go with a slightly larger band as this can be resized more easily. Some designs can’t be as readily resized, so check with your jeweller about this prior to purchase.
If your partner truly won’t mind knowing a ring is on its way, just ask them for the correct size straight up. There are plenty more surprises to come!
With so many incredible engagement ring designs to choose from, gathering as many insights as you can before starting your search will have you well prepared to pick the perfect ring for your partner.
Thanks to our story sponsor Kristin Coffin for supporting the content we love to write to help you plan the wedding you want!
Bringing a modern take to timeless engagement ring design, Kristin Coffin is a not-so-hidden gem of a find! Alongside her team of talented artisans, she creates unique designs that will reflect your style using ethically sourced materials. Visit her online shop and we guarantee you’ll not only be inspired but spoiled for choice!
Photography: Sophie Kaye Photography | Engagement Rings: Kristin Coffin