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Evening Standard

Lifestyle

Best engagement rings: Diamonds, gold, sapphire and the best engagement rings to buy online in the UK

Choosing an engagement ring can be a daunting process.

A piece to be cherished forever is a tall order to fill. Some partners choose to buy an engagement together but popping the question unexpectedly can be the thrill of a lifetime.

When shopping for an engagement ring it is important to consideration the five C’s.

When selecting an engagement ring, pay attention to the cut, colour, carat, clarity and of course, the cost.

Cut

Cut is probably one of the most important characteristics. It does not refer to the shape (e.g. round, pear or oval) but to the geometric proportions. It is measured by brilliance, sparkle and fire (the dispersion of light). If a diamond is poorly cut, it may appear lifeless and dull.

Colour

The colour of the diamond does not mean choosing whether you will add sapphires or rubies but it defines the quality of the stones themselves. There are six categories of grading, ranging from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The highest grade D diamonds are unsurprising the most expensive so, depending on your budget, you could opt for G or H diamonds that appear colourless to the naked eye.

Carat

Carat is based on the weight of a diamond not its size. Usually the more carats, the larger and more rare the diamond and therefore more expensive, but it plays hand in hand with cut as a poor cut can make a large gem appear smaller.

Clarity

There are 11 grades that measure clarity, from Flawless - where there are no visible blemishes or internal defects, to Included 3 - where there are cracks or obvious inclusions. It is important to remember that diamonds are made underground and so most have some sort of imperfection. “Eye-clean” options like SI or VS options are less expensive.

Setting

When it comes to the setting, it is based on your personal taste or that of your partner’s. You can go traditional or adventurous, one diamond or five, and with a whole host of different shaped stones.

The classic solitaire is a traditional one stone ring, but you can also find two or three, ranging up to even five stone variations.
A Halo setting is a ring that features a main centre stone that is surrounded by little stones. There are also double Halos that have two rows of surrounding stones.
Cluster rings have a group of diamonds in either the same or differing sizes.
A Twist ring is a contemporary variant that adds intrigue to band.
A Bezel ring is when the diamond in embedded into the metal of the band instead of on a setting.
The band can also be encrusted with diamonds or stones which is known as a Pavé ring.

You can also choose your ring depending on vintage designs that take inspiration from different periods in history like Art Deco, Victorian, Edwardian, Retro or even super modern options.

Pink Sapphire Oval 18K rose gold engagement ring

For the girl who cares where her gems come from... Fenton & Co only source conflict-free gemstones and will tell you exactly where your particular stone has come from.

From £2500 | Fenton & Co | Buy it now

Aquamarine 0.70ct and Diamond 18k White Gold Engagement Ring

For the modern girly-girl who's looking to be spoiled on a budget.

£885 | The Diamond Store | Buy it now

See all engagement rings under £1000 rom The Diamond Store here.

Morganite Tearoom Engagement Ring

For the feminine girl looking for something a bit different.

£1,450 | Astley Clarke | Buy it now

Bonheur Solitaire Engagement Ring

For the girl looking for something a bit classic.

£3,550 | Van Cleef & Arpels | Buy it now

Double Vintage Oval-Cut Sapphire Engagement Ring

For the girly-girl looking to be spoiled... with no budget.

£POA | Boodles | Buy it now

18K White Gold Vintage Style Engagement Diamond Ring

For the woman who could never have enough diamonds.

£919 | The Diamond Store | Buy it now

See all engagement rings under £1000 from The Diamond Store here.

9ct White Gold 1/4ct Solitaire Cluster Ring

For the girl who wants to prove it doesn't have to be flash.

£799 | Ernest Jones | Buy it now

Ballerine Solitaire Platinum Diamonds

For the girl who wants a bling-y twist on a classic- looking ring.

£POA | Cartier | Buy it now

Bucherer Fine Jewellery Pink Diamonds

For a ring that will give Paris Hilton’s a run for its money.

£15,300 | Bucherer | Buy it now

Taylor & Hart Demure

For a simple but effective option.

£720 | Taylor & Hart | Buy it now

Beyond Brilliance 18ct White Gold and Rose Gold Diamond Solitaire Ring

For a unique 100 facet cut diamond and infinity symbol combined.

£6,250 | Beaverbrooks | Buy it now

Yeprem 18-karat rose and white gold diamond ring

For a not-so traditional bride-to-be.

£6,300 | Net-A-Porter | Buy it now

See more beautiful engagement rings from Net-A-Porter here.

Handmade Diamond Ring from Etsy

For the woman who marches to the beat of her own drum. If you haven't considered Etsy for engagement ring shopping you are missing out. Unique rings from taltented, independent artists from all over the world are offered up en masse.